Also known as Roux-en-Y-bypass is one of the most popular weight loss procedures in Europe. It is particularly effective for individuals who have chronic long term health problems associated with a high body mass index (BMI) such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and metabolic syndrome, a combination of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is also highly effective for weight loss when there are no other medical problems. Gastric Bypass is always performed Laparoscopically using five small incisions to allow three twelve and two five-millimetre ports to be inserted into the abdomen. This avoids any major scaring and post operative recovery is faster than if the operation was done by traditional open surgery. Because gastric bypass alters the anatomy of the gut and digestive pathway it cannot be reversed and is permanent. The operation consists of forming a small pouch of stomach, from the existing stomach reducing it in size from approximately 1500ml to 30ml. This is done using surgical staples and then joining this directly to the small intestine. The remainder of the stomach and duodenum are bypassed by food that is eaten. This results in a stomach with a much smaller capacity meaning less food can be consumed at a meal. A Gastric Bypass normally results in three main effects. The small stomach limits what can be eaten at each meal leaving you feeling full and unable to eat anymore. The bypassed small intestine (duodenum) causes the appetite to be altered and has a beneficial effect on type 2 diabetes. By joining the stomach directly to part of the small intestine, it also reduces the intestine available for absorption of nutrients and it is extremely important to follow medical and dietetic advice long term. The amount of weight loss post-surgery tends to happen during the first eighteen months to two years after which time your weight will begin to plateau. The rate of weight loss varies but an initial loss of 1-2 kg per week is usual. At two years an individual can expect to have lost on average around 70% of excess weight. The weight loss will reduce the risk of health problems associated with a high body mass index such as metabolic syndrome (Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol combined are referred to as metabolic syndrome), sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis affecting joints, degenerative disease of the spine, polycystic ovarian syndrome, chronic pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. Gastric Bypass Surgery also has a significant improvement on Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol as individual health issues. Once you have fully recovered from the surgery and are established in a healthy eating pattern involving exercise and increased physical activity you may expect to have increased energy levels and self-confidence. Gastric Bypass Surgery criteria You will have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher. You have a BMI of between 32.5 and 35 with a serious health condition that would be improved by Gastric Bypass Surgery such as sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. You must also be willing to commit and adopt to the permanent changes Gastric Bypass Surgery will make to your diet and lifestyle and agree to long term follow up. To find out more about gastric bypass surgery please click on the heading text gastric bypass above.