What is gastric bypass?

Stomach pouch created and connected to a section of small intestine, restricting intake and absorption.

What is gastric bypass?

Stomach pouch created and connected to a section of small intestine, restricting intake and absorption.

Also known as

Quick facts

200,000+
annual US gastric bypass procedures (currently fewer than sleeve)
70–80%
of excess weight lost at 1 year
0.1–0.5%
perioperative mortality at Centers of Excellence

Common reasons people choose this procedure

Approaches and motivations vary by surgeon and patient anatomy. Compare techniques and real outcomes on the main Gastric Bypass page.

Alternatives

Gastric sleeve (VSG)

Simpler surgery, fewer long-term complications, fewer nutrient deficiencies. Slightly less weight loss than bypass at 5+ years.

Duodenal switch / SADI-S

More aggressive than bypass. Better for very high BMI. More malabsorption, more nutrient deficiencies.

GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound)

No surgery; lifelong medication. Comparable weight loss for many but high regain after stopping.

More on gastric bypass

Compare other recovery timeline

Compare other demographic

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Compare other outcome reality

Compare other where it's performed