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The surgical procedure Risks of procedure After surgery The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgical Procedure Memorial Health Bariatrics performs the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. 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, the surgeon uses
a stapling device to create a small (30 cc) stomach pouch. The
remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely separated
from the pouch.The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum (the middle section of the small intestine), bypassing 75 to 100 cm of small intestine. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) 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. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.  This
procedure is both restrictive and malabsorptive. In recent years,
better clinical understanding of procedures combining restrictive
and malabsorptive approaches has increased the choices of effective
weight loss surgery for thousands of patients. By adding
malabsorption, food is delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic
juices that aid in the absorption of nutrients. The result is an
early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that
reduces the desire to eat.
The average excess weight loss after the Roux-en-Y procedure is higher in patients who comply with the diet and exercise programs prescribed after surgery. One year after surgery, weight loss can average 77 percent of excess body weight. Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50 to 60 percent of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients. A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96 percent of certain associated health conditions studied (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved after surgery. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass  In
most patients, Roux-en-Y can be performed laparoscopically. When a
laparoscopic operation is performed, a small video camera is
inserted into the abdomen. The surgeon views the procedure on a
separate video monitor. Most laparoscopic surgeons believe this
gives them better visualization and access to key anatomical
structures.The camera and surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions made in the abdominal wall. This approach is less invasive because it replaces the need for one long incision to open the abdomen. A recent study shows that patients having had laparoscopic  weight
loss surgery experience less pain after surgery resulting in easier
breathing and lung function and higher overall oxygen levels. Other
realized benefits with laparoscopy have been fewer wound
complications such as infection or hernia, and patients returning
more quickly to pre-surgical levels of activity.Laparoscopic procedures for weight loss surgery employ the same internal technique as their "open" counterparts and produce similar excess weight loss. Not all patients are candidates for this approach. |
