The word "intestinal bypass" is spelled as /ɪnˈtɛstənəl baɪˌpæs/. The pronunciation is broken down into individual sounds represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound /ɪ/ sounds like "ih," the second sound /n/ sounds like "en," the third sound /ˈtɛstən/ sounds like "tes-tuh-n," the fourth sound /əl/ sounds like "uhl," the fifth sound /baɪ/ sounds like "bye," and the sixth sound /ˌpæs/ sounds like "pahs." This surgical procedure alters the gastrointestinal tract to bypass a portion of it, ultimately leading to weight loss.
Intestinal bypass, also known as gastric bypass surgery or digestive bypass surgery, is a surgical procedure that alters the anatomy of the digestive system to aid in weight loss and treat obesity-related health conditions. It involves rerouting a portion of the small intestine, bypassing a significant length of the upper digestive tract, including the stomach.
During the procedure, the surgeon first creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach by stapling or dividing it, restricting the amount of food that can be comfortably eaten. This pouch is then connected to the middle part of the small intestine, bypassing the lower stomach, part of the upper small intestine (duodenum), and sometimes the upper part of the small intestine (jejunum).
By bypassing a portion of the digestive system, intestinal bypass reduces the amount of food absorbed and changes the hormonal signals related to hunger and fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. Moreover, the rerouted food pathway causes food to bypass the upper intestine, where most nutrients and calories are absorbed, resulting in decreased nutrient intake.
Intestinal bypass is often considered as a last resort for individuals who have tried other weight loss methods without success and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40 or a BMI of over 35 with obesity-related health problems. It is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy, which involve small incisions and the use of a camera to guide the surgeon.
While intestinal bypass can be highly effective in achieving significant weight loss and improving obesity-related comorbidities, it is essential for patients to adopt a lifelong commitment to healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and close medical supervision to maximize the long-term benefits of the procedure.
The term "intestinal bypass" is composed of two parts: "intestinal" and "bypass".
"Intestinal" refers to the intestine, which is the long, tubular organ in the digestive system that extends from the stomach to the anus. It is derived from the Latin word "intestinalis", which means "pertaining to the intestines".
"Bypass" is a noun derived from the verb "bypass", which originated from the English words "by" and "pass" in the 19th century. "By" means "near, through, or across", while "pass" means "to go beyond or past". The word "bypass" generally refers to a route or pathway that redirects or goes around something, allowing one to avoid a particular area or obstacle.