Effective Weight Loss

Other procedures, such as the gastric band, decrease food intake, but gastric bypass surgery goes further by altering the digestive system. Bypass surgery patients generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight within two years.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass is a sophisticated laparoscopic procedure using small incisions to divide the stomach into a small upper pouch and a much larger remnant pouch. The small pouch is then reattached to the small intestine, allowing food to bypass a portion of the digestive tract. This surgery facilitates weight loss by significantly reducing the stomach’s functional volume to change the physiological and physical response to food. Simply put, it changes how your stomach and small intestine process food. After the surgery, you will feel full after eating much less food.

Additionally, the food no longer passes through certain parts of your stomach and small intestine, where it is broken down. As a result, your body does not absorb all the calories from your food. Gastric bypass surgery has helped millions worldwide recover from obesity to live happier, healthier lives. Dr. Bernie Hanna is an experienced Las Vegas gastric bypass surgeon recognized for his dedication to patient safety and satisfaction. Moreover, Dr. Hanna’s extensive surgical background allows him to perform sophisticated bariatric surgery procedures in Las Vegas confidently. 

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Why Choose Las Vegas Bariatrics?

If you are ready to change your life and lose excess pounds, contact Las Vegas Bariatrics. If you are not a gastric bypass candidate, Dr. Bernie Hanna, Dr. Morgan Pomeranz, and Dr. Punam Patel can help you by performing another type of bariatric surgery, such as a gastric sleeve. We are also skilled in secondary weight loss surgery and are regarded as a top Las Vegas revision bariatric surgery provider.

What Should I Expect?

Gastric bypass surgery limits the amount of food you can eat at any time by reducing the stomach size by over 90%. A normal stomach can stretch over 1,000 ml; after surgery, the small pouch may only be 15 mL and is usually formed from the part of the stomach that is least likely to stretch. When you ingest a small amount of food, your stomach’s first response is to stretch the stomach pouch.

 The stretching stimulates nerves that tell your brain that your stomach is full, producing a sense of fullness. The fullness will feel like you ate a large meal with just a tiny amount of food, and you will feel full for longer. Additionally, the body absorbs fewer calories by bypassing a portion of the intestine. As less food is eaten and fewer calories are absorbed, your body will stop storing excess calories and start burning the fat supply for energy.

Preparing for Gastric Bypass Surgery

The first step toward improving your health and life through gastric bypass surgery is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hanna. He will perform tests and medical evaluations to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for gastric bypass surgery. He will also explain exactly how this surgery is performed and what you should do to prepare for it.

Necessary preparations include:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Engaging in moderate exercise
  • Smokers should quit smoking at least one month before surgery since smoking interferes with proper blood flow, which could lead to complications. Tell Dr. Hanna or his staff if you need help quitting.

Be sure also to tell the staff:

  • If you are or might be pregnant
  • What drugs, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements you are taking, including any medications that you purchased without a prescription

Before your surgery, you may be asked to stop taking the following:

  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Vitamin E
  • Warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Any other drugs or supplements with blood thinning properties. We will work with you to ensure you understand what medications you can take on the day of your surgery.
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What are the Surgical Risks?

Gastric bypass is a major surgery, and any surgery will involve some risks. If you have any concerns, you can discuss them with Dr. Hanna and his staff. Risks for any surgery or anesthesia include:

  • Heart attack or stroke during or after surgery
  • Blood loss
  • Breathing problems
  • Allergic reactions to medicines
  • Blood clots 
  • Infection, including in the cut, lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or kidney

What is the Recovery Process Like?

Generally, recovering from gastric bypass surgery can take anywhere in the range of three to six weeks. You must avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for six weeks after surgery. To prevent dehydration, drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily. Although you should take it easy during your recovery period, take a walk daily to stimulate blood circulation and faster healing.

Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery

Las Vegas Bariatrics has achieved the designation as a Center of Excellence, and Dr. Bernie Hanna, Dr. Morgan Pomeranz, and Dr. Punam Patel are master surgeons. These designations give you the confidence to meet with us and discuss what can be done to help you live a happier, healthier life. We are deeply committed to our patients and offer a lifetime of support. Contact us today.

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