Gastric bypass scars are permanent. The scars that develop as a result of a gastric bypass procedure will be larger than most other scars on the body. This is because the surgery involves cutting and rearranging the intestines.
There are two main types of gastric bypass surgery — Roux-en-Y surgery and mini-gastric bypass surgery. The Roux-en-Y procedure will leave at least one scar across the stomach and another long scar on the abdomen. The mini-gastric bypass, which involves only one cut on the stomach, will also leave a scar.
One of the most commonly asked questions is: “Will I have a scar after gastric bypass surgery?” The answer is yes. However, the scar is much smaller than what they were in the past. Most insurance companies will pay for you to have revision of your scar if it is wide or unattractive.
The incision for gastric bypass is made in the upper part of your abdomen and extends from one hip to another. It is usually about 6 inches long. Gastric bypass scars are usually very high because that’s where the operation takes place – in your upper abdomen.
The gastric bypass scars are usually located just above the bikini line so that they are not visible when wearing a bathing suit or bikini. Most patients are very surprised at how small their scar is once it heals. They often ask: “Is that all? I thought it would be worse!”
Most people heal from their gastric bypass surgery with few problems with their gastric bypass scars, especially if they follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions. Their incisions heal as a light pink line which fades to white over time. Some people will have more noticeable scars while others will have less noticeable ones. For example, some people who have darker skin may have darker scars than those with lighter
The most common question I get asked (besides How much did you lose?) is Can I see your scars?
As time has gone on, my scars have gotten lighter and lighter. They are barely noticeable to me but when posing for the below pictures, I was shocked at how big they were!
Since getting my gastric bypass back in May 2012, I have had two follow up surgeries. Both were done laparoscopically and left tiny scars where the camera ports were placed. I’ve never even seen those scars, which is awesome because they are so small.
The big two vertical scars were from the incisions for my gastric bypass. The first surgery took about 6 hours and once finished, I ended up with two vertical scars (one on each side). On my left side is where the tool went in to cut out a piece of my stomach and create a pouch that would be used later. That scar is just over an inch long. On my right side is where they went in and connected that pouch to my small intestine. That scar is about 2 inches long.
The third scar is where they went in to remove some of the banding around the top of my pouch in order to increase its size and capacity (see picture below).
I’m having a gastric bypass surgery in 2 weeks. During the pre-surgery consultation, the surgeon told me that it would be a laparoscopic surgery. He said they would make 3 small incisions (1 inch each).
I have read that there are some gastric bypass surgeries that can be done without any scarring (just a small incision under the belly button).
So I was wondering:
- If I’m having a gastric bypass laparoscopically, will there be any scars?
- How much time is needed for the incisions to heal?
- Are there any treatments to reduce scarring?
A gastric bypass is a surgical procedure that makes the stomach smaller and causes food to bypass part of the small intestine. You will feel full more quickly than when your stomach was its original size.
The surgery permanently changes the structure and function of the digestive system. Gastric bypass surgery is the most common type of weight-loss surgery.
The procedure is also called bariatric (weight loss) surgery. The two main types of gastric bypass surgery are Roux-en-Y and extensive gastric bypass:
Roux-en-Y — this is the most commonly performed type of gastric bypass surgery in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon divides the stomach into two sections, creating a small pouch at the top that measures about 1/2 cup. The pouch holds less food than a larger stomach, so you eat less. A small opening between this new upper section and the lower section allows food to pass from one part of the stomach to the other. This opening limits how much you can eat at one time, because you feel full after eating just a small amount of food. The smaller upper part of the stomach also removes ghrelin, which is a hormone that makes you hungry. Finally, your body absorbs fewer calories
Just wondering what everyone’s scars look like after bypass surgery? Mine are pretty small I believe, but I’m curious how they look later on.
I had the surgery 3 weeks ago and I am wondering how long it takes for the scars to start looking better. Right now they are just red lines and I am very self-conscious of them. Also, is it normal to have a small lump where the staples were?
Does Gastric Bypass Leave Scars?
Gastric bypass surgery creates a small pouch to restrict food intake. The top of the stomach is then connected directly to the intestine, bypassing much of the rest of the stomach and part of the small intestine.
The procedure leaves two scars on the abdomen: one that measures about 1 inch in length and another that measures about 4 inches. Both scars are usually placed below the bikini line so they won’t be visible when wearing a bathing suit.
The type of incisions used during gastric bypass surgery is dependent upon the surgeon and his or her experience. However, most gastric bypass surgeries in the United States are done using a laparoscopic technique. This means that five to six small incisions are made in the abdomen to allow the use of a camera to view the stomach, and long instruments to operate on it.
The scarring is minimal in size, usually less than one-inch in length. The scarring should be very minimal and often hardly noticeable. The biggest concern with all abdominal surgeries is how well the scarring will heal. With laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, this should not be a concern at all.
If you are concerned about scars regarding your weight loss surgery, you should talk to your surgeon before having the procedure done
The scars from gastric bypass surgery are small, but they can be permanent. Gastric bypass surgery will leave a scar about 6 inches long on your stomach. It’s possible that in time the scar may fade and become less noticeable. The scar from gastric bypass surgery is usually placed low on the abdomen just above the pubic area so that it can be hidden by underwear or swimwear.
It’s important to note that this procedure does not involve cutting through muscle — only skin and fat are removed. Therefore, there is no risk of damage to internal organs or problems with muscle function.
The healing process typically takes several weeks, depending on your body’s natural healing response and the location of the incision. For example, incisions made near the navel may take longer to heal than incisions made lower on the abdomen. During this time, you’ll need to prevent infection and care for your incision site properly. You should also avoid strenuous activity until you’ve healed completely.
Gastric bypass surgery isn’t right for everyone, and it can have complications. Talk with your doctor if you’re considering weight loss surgery to learn more about its risks and benefits.
Scars can be a concern for any surgical procedure, but especially bariatric surgery. Not only are the scars from gastric bypass surgery visible, but they’re also permanent. But not all gastric bypass procedures end with scars, and there are ways to minimize what’s left behind.
What Causes Scars?
Scars occur as part of the body’s natural healing process. When tissues underneath the skin become damaged or torn, scar tissue forms to close the gap and keep foreign substances out. This is a normal reaction and almost always occurs when the skin is cut during surgery. Whether a scar is noticeable depends on several factors:
Location of the incision
Type and amount of tension placed on the incision
Quality of wound care and healing
Genetic predisposition to scarring
The location, size, and closure method used all factor into how long it takes to heal and develop a scar. For example, one study found that women who had C-sections were more likely to have poor healing quality — specifically hypertrophic scars — compared to women with other types of abdominal surgeries (Sofou et al., 2017).
A surgical scar is a permanent reminder of the cut made during surgery. The scar is the body’s way of healing itself and a scar cannot be removed. However, it can be improved over time.
A surgical scar is a permanent record of the operation and remains on one’s body for life.
There are no scars after Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve, just incisions. If a patient has excess weight, there may be folds of skin that have scars from previous surgeries or other reasons. These should fade over time, with some help from a cream or lotion (see below).
The difference between an incision and a scar:
An incision is the mark left from cutting through tissue during an operation. While an incision will heal in about six weeks, it may take up to 18 months for the area to fully recover from surgery. At that point, what was once an incision becomes a scar.
Your scar will continue to fade for up to a year after surgery. For the first few months, your incision will be red and firm. It’s important not to expose the area to excessive heat or sunlight, which can irritate it.
To care for your scar, try these self-care tips:
Keep the area clean. Gently wash with soap and water to prevent germs from growing on the wound. After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly and apply a thin layer of ointment.
Protect it from sunlight. Exposing your scar to sunlight can cause dark patches on your skin called hyperpigmentation. To protect it, wear sunblock with an SPF 30 or higher on any exposed areas when you’re outdoors.
Don’t pick at it. Even after the scabs fall off, it’s important not to pick at your scar or scratch at any itching skin in that area. This can cause infection or lead to permanent damage like discoloration or scar tissue buildup.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the United States. It is a purely restrictive procedure, with no malabsorptive component.
The LAGB procedure involves placing a silicone elastomer band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band has an inflatable inner surface that can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline through a port that is placed under the skin. The volume of saline determines the degree of restriction of food movement from the upper to lower stomach.
The LAGB procedure is considered low-risk and carries few complications compared with other bariatric procedures. It has a mortality rate of less than 0.1%. About 10% of patients require removal of the band due to complications or failure to achieve weight loss goals.
Does Gastric Bypass Shorten Life Span?
Not according to new study findings. Researchers found that obese patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery were less likely to die over a 6-year period than obese people who did not have the procedure.
“This is the first long-term study on mortality after bariatric surgery,” said study author Dr. Ted Adams, an associate professor at the University of Utah. “We found that mortality in [patients] after bariatric surgery was reduced by about 40 percent, compared to those who did not have surgery.”
The findings, which are published in the March issue of JAMA Surgery, are based on data from nearly 2,500 severely obese patients in Utah. All had been diagnosed with obesity before 2007 and were followed for an average of 6 years.
During this time, nearly 3 percent of those who had gastric bypass died, compared to almost 5 percent of those who didn’t get the procedure. The most common cause of death related to diabetes and heart disease; cancer was also a factor in some cases.
Gastric bypass surgery can help you lose weight and lower your risk of health problems that are related to obesity, like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
But the risks of gastric bypass surgery can be serious, including infections, diarrhea and leaking from the site where your stomach is sewn to your small intestine.
Gastric bypass doesn’t shorten life expectancy for most people with severe obesity who have the surgery, but it does for others.
The biggest risk is that you won’t lose as much weight as you want. If you regain weight after gastric bypass surgery, you may develop more health problems than you had before the procedure
What is gastric bypass?
Gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery. It helps people who have severe obesity lose weight and keep it off. Gastric bypass is a long-term solution. You’ll need to change how you eat and get regular exercise to keep the weight off.
Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of your stomach so that it only holds a few ounces at a time. This limits how much food you can eat at one time, which means you will feel full sooner than usual after eating. The smaller stomach also changes the way your
A:
There are two kinds of gastric bypass surgery. In Roux-en-Y surgery, the doctor divides the stomach into two parts. The smaller part will become the new stomach, with a capacity of about one ounce. The larger part is bypassed and sewn shut. In other words, food now goes only to the new, smaller stomach, which can hold only a small amount of food at one time. A section of the small intestine is also bypassed during Roux-en-Y surgery.
In biliopancreatic diversion, most of the stomach is removed and a large section of the small intestine is bypassed. The remaining small pouch that connects to the intestines is usually not connected to the esophagus (the tube that delivers food from your mouth to your stomach). With this procedure, food passes through a long loop of intestine before reaching the last portion of intestine that absorbs nutrients.
Results:
A recent study indicates that people who have had gastric bypass weigh less five years after surgery than those who have had other types of weight loss surgery or no surgery at all. But because none of these procedures has been studied for much more than five years, it’s not yet known whether gastric bypass offers
It’s true that gastric bypass patients have lower mortality rates than obese people who don’t have the surgery. But studies of gastric bypass patients continue to show that the procedure is not without risks, including death. And there are no long-term studies showing what happens to gastric bypass patients after 20 years.
Gastric bypass helps patients lose weight by reducing the size of their stomachs and rerouting digestive tracts so they absorb fewer calories. It has been estimated that about 200,000 Americans undergo some form of bariatric surgery each year.
The celebrity TV chef and author Anthony Bourdain died June 8 in France at age 61. In 2013, he had shared with People magazine that he had undergone gastric bypass surgery in 2001 and had dropped from 268 pounds to 163 pounds. (The magazine didn’t indicate whether he had gained any weight back.)
Gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is one of the most common weight loss surgeries today.
Gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that reduces the size of your stomach. It also changes how food travels through your body.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, gastric bypass surgery is considered successful if it results in someone losing at least 50 percent of their excess body weight within two years of the procedure.
As with all surgeries, there are risks associated with gastric bypass surgery, including:
A new study sheds light on how bariatric surgery affects long-term survival in patients who are obese.
A large study of adults with severe obesity found that those who underwent gastric bypass surgery were less likely to die over a 10-year period, compared with similar adults who did not get the surgery.
The researchers also found that, among people who underwent the surgery, death rates were lower for those who had the procedure at a younger age and for women compared with men.
Still, even after the surgery, adults remained at higher risk for death than people of normal weight.
In the study, which involved more than 16,000 patients from 693 clinics across the United States, the researchers looked at adults with severe obesity — defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. The participants’ average BMI was 49; a person whose height is 5 feet 6 inches tall would have to weigh about 280 pounds to reach this BMI. [How Much Do You Weigh? A BMI Calculator]
The researchers also collected data on whether or not these individuals had bariatric surgery, and when they had it done. The participants were followed for an average of 10 years after they were enrolled in the registry. During this time, there were 1
Research shows that people who have bariatric surgery may live longer than those who don’t, but they’re also more likely to die in the first 30 days after surgery.
The study, which is published in the journal JAMA Surgery, involved more than 8,800 patients who had either a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Researchers compared their outcomes with those of more than 87,000 people who didn’t have the weight-loss surgery.
Researchers found that those who had weight-loss surgery were more likely to die within 30 days of having the operation — about 2.3 percent of patients died during that time period, compared to about 0.9 percent of those who did not have weight-loss surgery.
But when researchers looked at long-term survival rates, they found that those who had weight-loss surgery were less likely to die from any cause compared with those who did not have the operation — 13.5 percent of patients died after 10 years compared with 18 percent of those in the comparison group.
People in both groups had similar rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. But weight-loss surgery was linked with a lower risk for diabetes and high blood pressure, researchers said.
The study wasn’t designed to prove