ROUX en Gastric Bypass

Considered the gold standard in bariatric surgery, a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is what is known as a combined restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. It is restrictive because the stomach is reduced to a small pouch that can only hold a very small amount of food at a time. It is malabsorptive because a portion of the small intestine is bypassed, reducing the body’s ability to absorb the full amount of calories that are consumed. These two factors, working together, make this procedure extremely effective at helping patients shed large amounts of excess weight. We perform laparoscopic gastric bypass at our practice serving Fort Worth, Arlington, and the entire Dallas region so that patients can enjoy the benefits of bariatric procedures without the discomfort of open surgery.

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
• Benefits
• Risks

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves the separation of the stomach into two sections. The small upper portion can collect and digest food, but only in very small quantities. This small stomach pouch is then connected to the middle portion of the small intestine. The remainder of the stomach and upper segment of the small intestine are left in place, but bypassed. These bypassed segments are responsible for producing certain necessary digestive acids and proteins, which they will continue to do, even though food will no longer pass through them.

Traditionally, Roux-en-Y has been performed as an open procedure, involving a significant amount of pain, a long recovery time, and substantial surgical risk. Using laparoscopic techniques, we can perform the same gastric bypass procedure at our Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth-area practice while using only five small incisions. This results in a much shorter and easier recovery and virtually no noticeable scarring.

Benefits

There are many reasons why this procedure has become the leader in the field of bariatrics. First and foremost, it is extremely effective for the majority of patients. It does not involve the use of any implanted device, like gastric banding, and because nothing is removed, it is technically reversible, although this is strongly advised against.

People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery have experienced reduction or resolution of such conditions as type 2 diabetes and acid reflux disease, even before a significant amount of weight is lost. As the weight comes off, additional benefits include decreased hypertension, increased energy, reduced pressure on the joints, and improved confidence.

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Risks

Gastric bypass surgery, like all surgery, carries an inherent amount of risk. Although patients who are obese present with a more complicated medical history, bariatric surgery is actually statistically safer than many of the common surgical procedures performed every day in the United States. At Minimally Invasive Bariatrics, we thoroughly discuss all of the potential risks with each patient prior to surgery.

After the surgery is complete, some side effects associated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass could still occur. Due to the malabsorptive aspect of the procedure, some patients experience vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. This can be avoided by carefully following the dietary guidelines provided by our practice and taking the recommended vitamin supplements. Many patients have also experienced an extremely uncomfortable side effect known as “dumping syndrome,” which is caused by the stomach emptying food into the intestine too quickly. This is most often triggered by the consumption of high-fat or sugary foods, so once again, following a proper Post-bariatric diet will minimize the chances of this condition appearing.