Gastric Bypass Surgery in Orange County

If you have 75 pounds or more to lose, Gastric Bypass may be an ideal option. The Gastric Bypass operation involves surgically reducing the size of the stomach to approximately the size of a golf ball. The small stomach pouch helps you to eat fewer calories, resulting in weight loss (click here to watch videos of our patients discussing Gastric Bypass surgery).

The Gastric Bypass operation is the most commonly performed operation for weight loss in the United States. Numerous published studies have shown that the average Gastric Bypass patient loses significant weight and keeps the majority of it off long-term. Studies also show that Gastric Bypass surgery causes dramatic improvement in obesity related medical problems, such as diabetes and hypertension, and may prolong life (click here to read more about outcomes after Gastric Bypass surgery).

To learn more about this life changing procedure we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation Gastric Bypass informational seminar in Orange County with Dr. Oliak - call our office at 1-800-997-1820 or send us an inquiry form today!

Understanding the Gastric Bypass Operation

Lap-Band Surgery


Gastric Bypass surgery involves constructing a very small stomach pouch (15cc or 1/2oz) and making a connection between the small stomach pouch and the intestine using a Roux-en-Y limb of intestine (see diagram). When food is consumed, it quickly fills the small stomach pouch, satisfying hunger. Over time, the food empties from the pouch into the intestine. Weight loss occurs primarily because the small stomach pouch restricts the quantity of food that can be consumed.

Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass is Effective for Weight Loss
  • Results in a large amount of weight loss for majority of patients
  • Generally results in fast weight loss
  • Studies document average weight loss of 70-75% of excess weight
  • The average patient maintains the majority of their weight loss over time
  • Read more about weight loss after Gastric Bypass surgery

    Gastric Bypass is Safe
  • Studies document mortality rate of 0.1-0.5%
  • Many studies show leak rates close to 0%
  • Complication rates, however, dependent on surgeon experience and skill
  • Read more about possible complications and see our complication rates

    Gastric Bypass causes Medical Problems to Improve or Resolve
  • Examples include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea
  • Also: joint pains, heartburn, asthma, headaches, infertility, etc.
  • Type 2 Diabetes resolves in 80-85% of people after gastric bypass
  • Read more about how medical problems improve after Gastric Bypass

    Gastric Bypass is Well Tolerated
  • Patient satisfaction generally very high after surgery
  • Quality of life generally improves after surgery

    Gastric Bypass can be done Laparoscopically
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less scarring

    Am I a Candidate for Gastric Bypass Surgery?
    Guidelines for weight loss surgery have been set by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The guidelines state that candidates should have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or greater. Candidates may have a BMI of 35-39.9 if other medical problems associated with obesity are present.
  • What is my BMI?
  • Read the NIH guidelines

    Hospital Course
    Patients are admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. General anesthesia is necessary and usually five incisions are required. Patients begin walking the day of surgery and begin drinking liquids the day after surgery. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital 2-3 days after surgery.

    Diet After Gastric Bypass Surgery
    The postoperative diet consists of liquids and meal replacement drinks for 3-4 weeks. Patients then attend a nutrition class to learn how to transition off the liquid diet and to learn the rules of good nutrition and eating after Gastric Bypass surgery. After the nutrition class patients transition slowly onto solid food.

    Follow-Up After Gastric Bypass Surgery
    Follow-up appointments are scheduled frequently during the first year after Gastric Bypass surgery. Patients generally are seen at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after surgery. After 1 year we generally see patients at 6 month or 1 year intervals.

    Rules to Maximize Weight Loss after Gastric Bypass Surgery
    Long-term success after Gastric Bypass surgery is dependent upon maintaining good eating and exercise habits after surgery. The operation is a tool to help you to lose weight. To work well, the tool needs to be used appropriately. In general, the rules of surgery are as follows:

    1. Eat 3-5 high protein meals per day
    2. Don't snack
    3. Don't drink liquids with meals
    4. Limit your portion sizes
    5. Exercise regularly
    6. Attend your follow-up appointments
    7. Attend support group meetings

    Learn More about Gastric Bypass Surgery!
    To learn more we encourage you to attend a free, no-obligation informational seminar with Dr. Oliak - call our Orange County office at 1-800-997-1820 or send us an inquiry form today!