Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch.
The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the small intestine. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name.
Advantages of gastric bypass:
- Rapid initial weight loss
- Minimally invasive, laparoscopic approach
- Higher total average weight loss reported than adjustable gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy
- Considered the "gold standard" procedure for surgical weight loss.
Disadvantages:
Stomach cutting and stapling and intestinal rerouting required
Higher operative risk than adjustable gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy
Small risk of nutritional deficiencies
Non-adjustable and difficult to reverse
Improvements in Health
Many obesity-related health problems improve or go into remission after gastric bypass surgery, including high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea and diabetes.
Recovery
After gastric bypass surgery, people typically stay in the hospital for two nights and return to normal activity within two to four weeks.
Following recovery, certain lifestyle changes and follow-up care occur; people who have gastric bypass surgery must:
- Exercise regularly
- Learn behavior modification techniques.
Weight Loss
Weight loss after gastric bypass surgery is often significant. On average, patients lose 60% of their excess weight in the first six months. For example, a 350-pound person who is 200 pounds overweight would lose about 120 pounds.