Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Having a long history of success, the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most commonly performed weight loss operation in the United States. It is a type of combination bariatric surgery that aims at using the benefits of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures to restrict food intake and limit the absorption of calories and nutrients, leading to significant weight loss.

Surgical Candidates

In general, patients who are considered morbidly obese are candidates for the Roux-en-Y procedure. Patients should also understand the effects of the procedure, understand the risks and benefits, and be healthy enough to withstand the surgery. For more information about candidacy for this surgery, visit a bariatric surgery center to review your specific weight loss needs and health goals with an experienced weight loss surgeon.

Surgical Technique

The Roux-en-Y procedure involves the creation of a stomach pouch small enough to hold just 15 to 20 ml of food material. The remaining part of the stomach is still intact but separated from the pouch. The surgeon connects the pouch to the small intestine. The food bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine (duodenum) and directly enters the second (jejunum) and the third part (ileum), thereby reducing absorption of calories.

After Your Procedure

Roux-en-Y patients have to stay in the hospital for several days depending on which surgery method was used (laparoscopic or open). Regular activities can be resumed 7 to 14 days after surgery. Typically, the patient has to follow a clear liquid diet for the first three days after surgery. Thereafter, if tolerated, pureed foods can be taken for a whole month. After that, regular food in small quantities can be eaten by chewing well. The Roux-en-Y procedure results in 60 to 75 percent excess weight loss, which is significant enough to reduce or resolve the life-threatening symptoms of medical conditions associated with severe obesity.