Gastric Bypass

In a gastric sleeve, only the volume of the stomach is reduced (food intake is restricted), and the intestines are not touched. In gastric bypass, however, both the stomach is reduced and a section of the intestine is bypassed, so the absorption of the eaten foods and sugars from the intestine into the blood is significantly prevented.

Bypassing the intestine instantly changes the secretion mechanism of hormones (incretins) in the digestive system. Many patients achieve excellent blood sugar regulation to the point of stopping insulin injections even before being discharged from the hospital. Therefore, it is very effective in metabolic surgery.

Because the stomach's valve system is bypassed, when the patient eats excessively sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods, these foods rapidly pass into the intestine. This causes sudden heart palpitations, sweating, weakness, and cramps (Dumping syndrome). This condition is actually a "natural warning/brake" mechanism that keeps the patient away from eating sugar.

Yes. Since a significant part of the intestine that provides absorption is bypassed, the body cannot get enough iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and other minerals from foods. It is a medical necessity for gastric bypass patients to use special bariatric vitamin and mineral supplements for life after surgery.