Gastric Bypass Surgery – FAQs

Does laparoscopic method reduce the risk when having Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery when performed laparoscopically benefit you a bunch. It is in terms of having less pain and discomfort along with shorter operation time and hospitalization time, faster healing process with less scarring. With less pain and early mobilization, you can avoid the risk of lung issues and deep vein thrombosis.

How can the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism be reduced during the operation?

Since deep vein thrombosis occurs on the operating table, treatment and measures begin before the patient is taken into the operating room. Before the operation, patients are injected with blood thinners and anti-embolic socks are worn. Sometimes compression devices are used during surgery.

These measures continue as long as the patient stays in the hospital. It can even last 2 weeks after returning home but this changes case by case. The third protective procedure is the patient getting out of bed as soon as possible and walking around the room. Here, the main goal is to send you home at the earliest time. Therefore, you will be asked to get out of bed and walk on the evening of the surgery. You should use the tri-flow device that will allow you to do breathing gymnastics at least 4-5 times a day. You will be asked to leave your room to the lobby on the morning of the surgery. It is of utmost importance to be compliant in order to recover quickly.

Will there be a drain in my abdomen after my gastric bypass surgery?

Your surgeon should use a thin silicone drain to prevent fluid accumulation in the abdomen and as a precaution. This is a safety measure, does not mean there is a problem related to your operation. Usually, your nurse will remove your drain on the 2nd or 3rd day of the surgery. In general, the drain does not cause any serious problems.

Is the gall bladder also removed in my gastric bypass surgery?

It is not a common surgery process to remove gallbladder. Unless you have an ultrasound proven gallbladder stone, you can request the same. Your surgeon should inform you about some medications to prevent the development of gallstones during the rapid weight loss period of 6 months after surgery. This can change to patient to patient and thus will be decided accordingly.