Watching gastric bypass surgery videos can help patients understand the procedure and what will be happening during the operation. For the morbidly obese, gastric bypass surgery is an effective tool for achieving a healthy life-style. Gastric bypass surgery helps patients loose weight by changing the size of the stomach and in some cases the absorption and digestion of food in the intestine.

There are a few different types of weight loss surgery. The most commonly used is the Roux-en Y gastric bypass. In this operation the surgeon creates a small pouch in the top of the stomach. By reducing the usable size of the stomach, the amount of food that can be consumed is greatly limited. In addition, the top portion of the small intestine is bypassed through a connection of a lower part of the intestine to the new smaller stomach pouch. Because of the intestine bypass, the absorption of calories and nutrients from food are reduced. The digestive juices are still produced in the intestine and the remainder of the stomach below the pouch. The two-phase approach of this surgery creates the best weight loss results through reducing the intake of food and reducing the absorption of calories during digestion.

Gastric bypass surgery videos are available for Roux-en Y and other types of procedures. The Lap Band surgery is unlike the Roux-en Y because the intestine is left intact. The Lap Band creates a smaller stomach pouch only. Because there are several types of weight loss surgery, to include laparoscopic versions, it is important to understand the differences before consulting with a surgeon. Gaining some knowledge of the surgical procedures will help patients understand and ask knowledgeable questions.

There are many videos online showing actual surgeries and animated versions that help patients understand the gastric bypass procedure. Web sites from the Mayo Clinic to You Tube show a variety of informative videos for anyone considering weight loss surgery.