Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
A small pouch is created to limit the amount of food that can ingested, bypassing the stomach and duodenum, creating profound metabolic changes that leads to resolution of diabetes in >85% of patients.
How Is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Performed
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most frequently performed weight loss procedure in the USA.
During the first part of RYGB, a small pouch is created in the stomach with staples. This step restricts the amount of food the patient can consume to approximately one ounce. The remaining, larger part of the stomach is then separated from the pouch, but is not removed.
The next step of this procedure involves dividing the small intestine just below the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine. The second section of the small intestine, the jejunum, is brought up and is connected to the newly created pouch.
The duodenum is then reconnected to the new intestinal limb giving the intestine the “Y” shape for which the procedure is named. By bypassing the duodenum, absorption of nutrients and calories is prevented, resulting in significant weight loss.
Benefits of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass include
Performed laparoscopically (Small Incisions)
Low long term complication rate
Improvement or resolution of diseases such as diabetes
Loss of 65-85% of excess weight in 12-18 months
Advantages vary from individual to individual. It is important to discuss all surgical and non-surgical weight loss options with your physician.