Laparoscopic Roux-Y
                           Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Roux-Y Gastric Bypass

In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) 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 jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption. 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.
The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption.

Real case videos of laparoscopic Roux-Y gastric bypass can be viewed here.

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.

In addition to these mechanisms, there is a growing body of evidence pointing to substantial neurohormonal changes following gastric bypass surgery, that directly affect metabolism, insulin secretion and resistance, satiety and hunger. These factors explain the terrific efficacy of gastric bypass in bringing so many co-morbid conditions to resolution is a relatively short time period.

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 average, the surgery takes about 1.5 - 2.0 hours to complete, the average hospital stay is 2 days and most people return to work in about 2 weeks following surgery.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Roux-Y Gastric Bypass

• Rapid initial weight loss
• Better results for patients with higher BMIs
• Faster resolution of certain co-morbid conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, onstructive sleep apnea, hypertension
• Long experience in the USA
• “Dumping syndrome” can occur and may keep some individuals from returning to old eating habits (beneficial for sweet eaters)
  

Disadvantages

• The surgery carries a higher risk since dividing and reconnecting the stomach and the small bowel is involved
• A portion of the digestive tract is bypassed, which may  result in nutritional deficiencies
• Lifelong vitamin, Ca, Fe supplementation is required to prevent deficiencies (for details, see vitamins and supplements section)
• Non-adjustable