First step should be to contact your surgeon who performed your gastric bypass surgery. The main reason is that your surgeon knows your preoperative history and the details of your gastric bypass surgery. On the other hands, if it is not possible for you to continue to be in contact with your doctor due to lack of access, city change or other social problems, you can apply for follow-up and treatment with another surgeon.
What happens to the lower part of my stomach that is bypassed?
The lower part of the stomach is left in place without disturbing blood flow. In some cases, there is some reduction in the remaining stomach and its mucosa may atrophy. But most of the time it remains unchanged. Even if there is no food intake, the remaining stomach continues its secretory functions. Intake of vitamin B12 after gastric bypass surgery, and they also have effects on the endocrine hormonal balance and bowel movements.
How much stomach pouch will I have for long term after gastric bypass surgery?
It may vary depending on the surgical technique and the surgeon. In Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a short, round pouch of approximately 15-20 cc is usually left. In mini gastric bypass, you will have a narrower and longer pouch. In the first months, this pouch will be smaller due to shrinkage due to healing. The stomach wall can be stretched 6-12 months after surgery and it becomes more flexible. For this reason, it is very important to follow the nutritional recommendations so that the pouch does not expand.