Gastric Bypass
A gastric bypass is a weight loss surgery in which the stomach size is reduced. It allows the patient to feel full quicker and consume less food. We perform gastric bypass surgeries with a team of experienced healthcare staff, led by our coordinator Dr Cengiz Ertan here at Apera Clinic. Continue to read this article to find out more information on gastric bypass surgery, its cost and if you’re eligible to have one.
What Is A Gastric Bypass?
Gastric Bypass surgeries help with losing a large amount of weight in a few months. The operating staff makes small incisions to create a new, smaller pouch by separating the top part of the stomach from the rest. The new pouch is then tied to the small intestines. So, the food "bypasses" the stomach and goes straight to the intestines. By reducing the size of the stomach, patients begin to feel full quicker than they used to, which leads to getting less hungry during the day and eating a lot less food.
Gastric bypass is a laparoscopic operation: which means it's not open surgery. Just a few incisions (around 1cm) are made so the area can be operated by the staff. It is performed under general anaesthesia.
Who Is Eligible For A Gastric Bypass?
A gastric bypass is a great option if a patient's BMI is above 38 and if they have been struggling with weight loss after trying several diets and exercise. There are other qualifications that patients need as well. If you are considering having gastric sleeve surgery, it is best to consult a doctor before committing to a surgery type.
Gastric Bypass Techniques
Two common gastric bypass techniques which are preferred by most surgeons are Roux-En-Y and Mini Gastric Bypass. The appropriate technique can be different for each patient. The doctor decides which method is better for a specific patient during the consultation.
● Roux En Y: The classic, laparoscopic method in which a small pouch is created and tied to the intestines.
● Mini Gastric Bypass: This method can be applied depending on the size of the stomach and BMI of the patient. It's a shorter surgery with an easier recovery. Click here for more information on mini-gastric bypass.
3 Prepping Tips For A Gastric Bypass Operation
1. Avoid junk food, and spicy and greasy meals one week before your operation.
2. Take a break from smoking and drinking alcohol one week before your surgery.
3. Incorporate more soups and vegetables into your diet towards your operation date. Drink more liquids with every meal.
Gastric Bypass Recovery
Most patients stay at the hospital for two nights after the surgery so their vitals can be monitored at all times. The patients are allowed to go back to their homes in just a few days. Then the real recovery timeline begins. Patients start with a full liquid diet for the first few weeks and solid food is added gradually. It takes around 3 to 6 weeks to fully recover from gastric bypass surgery.
Gastric Bypass Side-Effects
There are a few side effects to any major surgery and gastric bypass is not an exception. Acid reflux, nausea, swelling and oedema are expected and they go away in a few days. Patients can also experience slight pain and ache after the surgery which can be treated with prescribed painkillers. If any bleeding occurs, contact your doctor immediately.
Infections are also possible risks of the operation. However, such risks can be minimised if the operation is performed in a sterile hospital environment by the hands of expert surgeons. At Apera Clinic, we operate in only registered hospitals which are regulated by the Ministry of Health in Turkey.
Cost Of A Stomach Reduction in Turkey
The cost of a stomach reduction operation depends on many variables. First of all, the appropriate method plays a part in the fees as the best choice for each patient can be different. The stomach size can be reduced with a gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, which have different pricing. The experience of the leading coordinator and surgical team is also important when choosing a clinic for such operations. Therefore, it's best to consult a clinic and get a quotation directly from that medical centre.
There are thousands of medical centres in Turkey that perform gastric bypass surgery. We understand it can be difficult to trust a partner abroad and fly out. At Apera Clinic, we always support our patients from the moment of their first contact until the six-month mark of their surgeries.
5 Common Questions About Gastric Bypass Surgery
1- When Can I Start Exercising After Surgery?
Patients can start with moderate exercises after they're dismissed from the hospital. These exercises can include light jogs. It's advised to wait for 4 weeks before getting into more intense workouts like weight training. It's best to check with your doctor at every stage to make sure the recovery goes smoothly.
2- When Can I Return To Work?
It's possible to return to work around two weeks after the operation if you work in an office environment. The doctor may advise resting a bit more if your work includes physical labour.
3- When Will I Lose Weight?
Right after the surgery, patients lose an extreme amount of weight as the body goes into a shock. Later on, the weight loss continues but is much slower than it was at the beginning. Patients can lose weight for up to six months.
4- Is It Possible To Gain Back The Lost Weight?
Gastric bypass surgery has to be supported with a clean diet and regular exercise. If the patient keeps an unhealthy eating habit and doesn't exercise, it's possible to regain some of the weight that's been lost with the operation.
5- Does Gastric Bypass Leave Any Scars On My Body?
As this surgery is performed laparoscopically, the incisions are very small. The scars from these incisions gradually fade away after a few weeks.
If you have more questions about having a gastric bypass in Turkey, do not hesitate to contact us through WhatsApp or E-Mail. We offer all-inclusive deals with accommodation and airport transfers so our patients don't have to deal with travel details.
Contact us today to book your place at Apera Clinic!
