What happens to the lower part of the stomach that is bypassed?
We leave the lower stomach in place with intact blood supply, so that it remains healthy and unchanged. the blood vessels also tether the lower stomach in place so that it does not twist around or move out of place. The lower stomach still contributes to the function of the intestines even though it does not receive or process food. The lower stomach makes Intrinsic Factor, which is necessary to absorb Vitamin B12, and contributes to hormone balance and motility of the gut in ways that are not entirely delineated.
The stomach is left in place with intact blood supply. In some cases it may shrink a bit and its lining (the mucosa) may atrophy, but for the most part it remains unchanged. The lower stomach still contributes to the function of the intestines even though it does not receive or process food – it makes intrinsic factor, necessary to absorb Vitamin B12 and contributes to hormone balance and motility of the intestines in ways that are not entirely known.
In the gastric bypass procedure, the stomach is left in place with intact blood supply. In some cases it may shrink a bit and its muscle or lining (the mucosa) may atrophy, but for the most part it remains unchanged. Remember the stomach has two main functions. First it is a reservoir for food. Secondly, it is a chemical factory. The lower stomach still contributes to the function of the intestines even though it does not receive or process food – it makes intrinsic factor, necessary to absorb Vitamin B12 and contributes to hormone balance and motility of the intestines in ways that are not entirely known.
In some surgical procedures, the stomach is left in place with intact blood supply. In some cases it may shrink a bit and its lining (the mucosa) may atrophy, but for the most part it remains unchanged. The lower stomach still contributes to the function of the intestines even though it does not receive or process food – it makes intrinsic factor, necessary to absorb Vitamin B12 and contributes to hormone balance and motility of the intestines in ways that are not entirely known. In the BPD procedures, some portion of the stomach is completely removed.
