Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery at Southcoast Health
At Southcoast Health, we are proud to offer one of the most successful and popular treatments for weight loss the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. At our Southcoast Health Weight Loss Center, our healthcare professionals will work with you to help you fully understand the procedure before you take this next step.
What is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery promotes weight loss because it involves a modification of the stomach, which limits the amount of food that can be eaten in one sitting. The small pouch left at the top of the stomach reduces its volume to one ounce. Patients lose weight thanks to the restricted size of the small pouch and the fact that less food can be eaten comfortably. There is less nutrient absorption due to the accompanying intestinal bypass, which further limits caloric intake.
How Does Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Work?
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery accounts for 47% of the total number of weight loss surgeries in the United States. There are two parts to the procedure:
- In the gastric bypass portion of the surgery, a small pouch is made in the stomach. First, the surgeon divides the stomach into one large and one small section. Next, the stomach is “stapled,” meaning the small portion is sewn or stapled into a pouch that holds about a cup of food. Once you undergo the surgery, you fill up fast and eat smaller portions. This is sometimes called a “restrictive” strategy because the size restricts how much food the stomach can hold.
- In the second part of the procedure, called the Roux-en-Y, the surgeon disconnects the smaller pouch from the rest of the stomach and connects the pouch to the small intestine at the jejunum. This section is a bit further down than the duodenum, where the main part of the stomach remains connected.
After the Roux-en-Y has been completed, food flows from the stomach to the jejunum, thus bypassing the duodenum. The process is called “malabsorptive,” because the digestion of food and calories is less efficient to encourage weight loss.
Both procedures are often done laparoscopically, where small tools are inserted via small incisions in the stomach area. When laparoscopy isn’t an option, surgeons may opt to perform a laparotomy via a large cut in the middle of the stomach.
Benefits of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
The Southcoast Health surgical team uses this surgery as an option for weight loss because of the following benefits:
- A year after surgery, weight loss averages 70% of the overall weight loss goal.
- After 10 to 14 years, 60% of excess weight stays off for most patients.
- Patients who go through with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass often see an improvement in health conditions associated with obesity, such hyperlipidemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea.
What You Can Expect from Gastric Bypass Surgery
At Southcoast Health, our professionals will handle your care and make sure you’re prepared before, during, and after your Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We will complete a preoperative evaluation that determines if you are a good candidate for the procedure, medically and psychologically. The purpose, risks, implications, and benefits are all explained, and you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions.
Next, you’ll undergo a medical screening conducted by the surgeon and internist, and be interviewed by one of our team psychologists. In order to have the surgery, patients have to go to three preoperative support group sessions about the implications of surgery.
Each patient also meets with a dietitian to discuss their current dietary habits and the changes that will need to be made post-surgery. Patients will be able to interact with their surgeon a few times during the preoperative phase to monitor progress and have detailed discussions about the procedure.
Recovery After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Your hospital stay usually lasts two or three days after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and you can return to normal activity within three weeks. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself at home after the procedure and what steps to take to promote a fast recovery.
About one in 10 people experience complications, which can include:
- Wound infections
- Ulcers
- Digestive problems
- Bleeding
After your procedure, you may need to take supplements, such as iron and calcium, to prevent issues like anemia and osteoporosis. Taking nutritional supplements helps to further promote overall positive health.
Weight Loss Services at Southcoast Health
At Southcoast Health, you will be in great hands for your Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Our professionals are experienced and dedicated to bringing you a positive outcome from your procedure, and we will work with you every step of the way. Visit the Southcoast Health Weight Loss Center to find out more about your bariatric surgery options, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. To learn more, please contact us today.