Bariatrics Surgery

What is Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y) Surgery?

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) is the current "gold standard" procedure for weight-loss surgery, according to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health. One of the most frequently performed weight-loss procedures in the United States, it involves stapling the stomach to create a small — 15 to 20 cubic centimeter — stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is 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, called the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum to connect it with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected to the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating a "Y" shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce some degree of malabsorption.

Advantages of the Bypass Surgery

• "Dumping syndrome" occurs if sweets and chocolates are consumed
• Good procedure for sweet eaters
• Long track record
• Weight loss tends to be greater than with gastric band

• Longer recovery time
• Permanent/not reversible
• Staple line leak (less than 1% of cases)
• Minor late weight regain (10-20% after 2-5 yrs)
• Nutritional/mineral supplements required
• More surgically involved than gastric sleeve or LAP-BAND®; greater risk

Residual stomach capacity: 15-30mls

Estimated weight loss: 70-80% EWL over 2 years