In a gastric bypass, the stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is then connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.

This procedure is done laparoscopically by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera to guide the surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. The person feels full more quickly than when the stomach was its original size, which reduces the amount of food eaten, and thus the calories consumed. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed. This leads to weight loss.

Facts About Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass:

  • is considered a combination procedure
  • was first performed in 1967
  • has been performed laparoscopically since 1993
  • typically produces 50 percent excess body weight (EBW) loss by the 14-year follow-up
  • produces excellent long-term sustained weight loss
  • results in few vitamin or mineral deficiencies

In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a “bypass” for food. The bypass allows food to skip parts of your small intestine. When food skips a portion of the small intestine, the body cannot absorb as many of its calories or nutrients.

Advantages of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

  • Of patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes, 83.7% of cases are resolved.
  • Studies always include a control group; the control group that doesn’t have bariatric surgery is at a 3.7 times higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.
  • Gastric bypass surgery successfully resolves more people’s Type 2 diabetes than restrictive procedures alone.
  • Resolution of Type 2 diabetes often occurs within days of the surgery.
  • Of patients suffering from hyperlipidemia (abnormally high cholesterol), 96.9 percent of cases are resolved.
  • Of patients suffering from hypertension, 75.4 percent of cases are resolved; 87.1 percent are resolved or improved.
  • Substantial weight reduction occurs following the procedure; 61.6 percent of excess weight is lost.
  • In 2000, a study of 500 patients showed that 96 percent of co-morbidities (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and depression) were improved or resolved.
  • The average weight loss after a gastric bypass surgical procedure is generally higher than with a purely restrictive procedure.
  • As with every type of bariatric surgery, the overall quality of life for patients improves dramatically. A great deal of excess weight is lost, and patients experience a resolution of co-morbidities and improved appearance, social opportunities and economic opportunities.

Contact United Regional Solutions at 940-764-5400 for more information on the laparoscopic bariatric surgery performed at United Regional.