Gastric bypass

Last updated: 2024-09-17

Gastric bypass is a well-established and well-studied method for weight loss that has excellent effectiveness with few side effects when performed correctly. It is widely considered one of the most effective methods for weight loss, alongside the gastric sleeve.

Quick facts about gastric bypass

  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
  • Hospital stay: 1-2 nights
  • Recovery: 2 weeks
  • Follow-up: 6 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years
  • Price: 79 900 SEK

Fill in self-referral

If you're a private patient interested in weight-loss surgery, please log in with BankID to submit a self-referral. Don’t have BankID? Call us directly at 020-240300 (from abroad: +468219020).

NEW: We take care of your travel and accommodation!

We’re making it easier for patients travelling from outside Östergötland to undergo weight-loss surgery by covering the expenses of both hotel and travel arrangements. Arrive the day before your procedure and stay at Quality Hotel Ekoxen, conveniently located in the same building as the clinic. You’re welcome to bring a companion, who can stay at the hotel during the 24 hours that your are admitted to the clinic. All expenses are included in the surgery price.

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How does a gastric bypass operation work?

During Gastric bypass surgery, nothing is removed from the body; instead, the digestive system is rerouted. The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, about 20-30 ml, which is then connected directly to the small intestine. This pouch becomes your new stomach.

Gastric bypass

Since only a small amount of food is needed to fill the new stomach pouch, a signal of fullness is sent to the brain early on. Typically, hormonal regulation of hunger is positively affected, reducing the desire for food.

But what happens to the remaining, unused part of the stomach? It remains healthy and functional for the rest of your life, even though it no longer serves its original purpose.

What are the benefits of Gastric bypass?

While weight loss through diet and lifestyle changes is the ideal option, many patients still struggle with yo-yo dieting, which often leads to gradual weight gain. This increases the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, joint problems, and sleep apnea. For these individuals, weight-loss surgery can be an effective way to reduce current and future health risks. Patients motivated to change their eating habits and lifestyle find that weight-loss surgery becomes a powerful tool, allowing them to naturally feel full without constant dieting.

Who is eligible for surgery?

To achieve optimal results, an understanding of the relationship between calorie intake and expenditure is essential. Patients are required to avoid unhealthy food and prioritize balanced eating. The goal is to maintain a healthy weight in the long-term and prevent diseases associated with obesity.

Candidates must be adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (you can calculate your BMI using our BMI calculator. Additionally, they should not have any serious medical conditions. Severe heart disease, lung disease or severe gastrointestinal issues, as well as certain mental health conditions or substance abuse problems, may make the procedure unsuitable, as the risks could outweigh the potential benefits in these cases.

Should I choose gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?

This is a common question, and the answer depends on several factors, including other medical conditions like acid reflux. Your surgeon will discuss both procedures and recommend the best option for you. If you have severe acid reflux that isn't controlled by medication, gastric bypass may be the better choice as it can help relieve these symptoms. However, gastric bypass carries a higher risk of bowel obstruction, especially during pregnancy, making gastric sleeve often a better option for younger patients planning to become pregnant.

Patient stories

We take pride in our long history of satisfied patients, many of whom have graciously shared their experiences. Below, you can explore a selection of their stories.

Maryam

"Best of all, I can be there for my children and I don't feel like hiding.”

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Linda

"Now I know what it feels like to be full and to be able to sustain my body weight.”

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Lotta

"There's one very important thing to remember for those considering overweight surgery. You don't just wake up with a new life. It takes enthusiasm and commitment.”

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Besarta

"Not only do I have the energy to play with my children, I feel much happier and more energized. Before it could even be a struggle to put on my jacket to go outside.”

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How much does a gastric bypass surgery cost?

A gastric bypass surgery costs 79 900 SEK, including:

  • Travel expenses to and from the clinic (up to 2 500 SEK reimbursed) if you live outside Östergötland.
  • Overnight stay after the surgery (if you live outside Östergötland, a hotel night before surgery is also included, as well as a hotel night for an accompanying relative or friend during your inpatient stay at the clinic).
  • Two surgeons.
  • Personalized care, where you will know the surgeon performing your operation.
  • Five years follow-up.
  • Comprehensive support before and after the surgery.

Safety

Safety must always be the top priority during surgery, with a thorough evaluation of the benefits and risks. The ultimate goal is for patients to experience the lasting advantages of the procedure, and it is our responsibility as doctors to protect their well-being. At the Nordic Center for Surgery, we are fortunate to carefully select our team, enabling us to focus on long-term success. By maintaining the highest standards in personnel, equipment, and protocols, we proactively address potential issues before they arise. A realistic and thoughtful approach, tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances, is essential to minimizing complications and ensuring the best possible outcome.

The selection of suitable candidates for weight loss surgery is key to achieving optimal outcomes. It is vital that the patient undergoing the procedure is motivated and fully understands the implications of the surgery, including both its benefits and risks. After all, it is the patient who will need to manage the opportunities the surgery provides in the long term.

Closing Remarks

We are proud of the many satisfied patients who have successfully undergone gastric bypass surgery with us. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons. We welcome patients from all over Europe.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for gastric bypass?

An individual evaluation is always conducted, taking into account factors such as the degree of obesity, any underlying health conditions, and the patient’s mindset toward the surgery. To be eligible, you must be an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher. If you have other serious health issues, such as severe heart, lung or gastrointestinal disease, the assessment may conclude that the risks of surgery outweigh the potential benefits. You should have made genuine attempts to lose weight without achieving lasting success and be fully prepared to change your lifestyle and eating habits both before and after the procedure.

How much does a gastric bypass cost?

A gastric bypass surgery costs 79 900 SEK, including:

  • Travel expenses to and from the clinic (up to 2 500 SEK reimbursed) if you live outside Östergötland.
  • Overnight stay after the surgery (if you live outside Östergötland, a hotel night before surgery is also included, as well as a hotel night for an accompanying relative or friend during your inpatient stay at the clinic).
  • Two surgeons.
  • Personalized care, where you will know the surgeon performing your operation.
  • Five years follow-up.
  • Comprehensive support before and after the surgery.

Do you offer installment payments?

For financing or installment payment options, we collaborate with various financing companies, allowing you to pay in installments at your own pace:

Is a referral needed for surgery at the Nordic Center?

No referral from another physician is required to undergo surgery with us. If you are a self-paying patient, you can submit a self-referral at any time. We will evaluate your submission and respond within one business day.

Can I submit a self-referral for gastric bypass?

You can submit a self-referral to us if you plan to finance your surgery yourself or through a loan. Click here to submit your self-referral today. We will review it and get back to you within one business day. However, if you want your surgery to be financed through your regional healthcare system, you will need to apply through your local health centre instead.

Can my regional healthcare cover the cost of my weight loss surgery?

You can explore this option by consulting a doctor at your local health centre for an initial evaluation. However, the Nordic Center for Surgery is a private clinic, and we do not have influence over whether your region will fund your surgery or where it will be performed. Therefore, if you are seeking public funding, you will need to apply through the appropriate regional channels rather than directly with us.

How long will I be on sick leave after a gastric bypass?

Most patients are on sick leave for two weeks after the surgery, though some may require up to four weeks. We always make an individual assessment.

When might gastric bypass be unsuitable?

Certain illnesses and conditions can pose serious risks or lead to less favorable outcomes from the surgery. The doctor always makes an individual assessment to determine if the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks. Examples of conditions that might prevent surgery include recent heart disease, blood clot, or stroke, pregnancy, alcohol or drug addiction, untreated eating disorders, or other serious health conditions where the risks of surgery are deemed too high.

Do I need to stop smoking before weight loss surgery?

It's crucial to stop smoking to promote proper wound healing and minimize the risk of complications. At our clinic, we require complete smoking cessation for at least four weeks before and after the surgery. Given the significant health risks associated with smoking, we highly recommend quitting for good after your procedure. If necessary, we can provide prescriptions to assist with smoking cessation.

Can I drink alcohol before the surgery?

Avoid consuming alcohol for four weeks before and four weeks after the surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

How long does a gastric bypass take?

A gastric bypass typically takes between 75 and 90 minutes. You will be under general anaesthesia, and the procedure is performed using minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy).

How long do I need to stay at the clinic after a gastric bypass?

You typically stay for 1-2 days after the weight loss surgery.