Roux-en-Y

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery — where most of the stomach is bypassed and a small stomach pouch is made — is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery today, accounting for about 80% of all weight loss surgery in the United States. 

Typically, gastric bypass surgery has two parts: 

1. Creation of a small stomach pouch:   

During this part of the surgery, the stomach is divided into a large portion, and a much smaller portion. The small part of the stomach is then sewn or stapled together to make a small pouch. The small stomach pouch only can hold a cup or so of food. The “new” stomach size restricts food intake, resulting in the patient feeling full quickly and eating less.  

2. Roux-en-Y creation (bypass):

In the second part of this surgery, known as Roux-en-Y, the small stomach pouch is disconnected from the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). The surgeon then reconnects the stomach to a portion of intestine slightly further down (the jejunum).  

After a Roux-en-Y, food passes directly from the stomach into the jejunum, bypassing the duodenum. This leads to reduced absorption of calories and nutrients and the weight loss method is due to malabsorption. Weight loss after gastric bypass surgery is often dramatic. On average, patients lose 60% of their extra weight.  

Stomach stapling and gastric bypass are typically performed during the same surgery and the complete procedure is called a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.  

Usually, gastric bypass is performed laparoscopically (through small incisions in the stomach area). After gastric bypass surgery, people typically stay in the hospital for two to three days and return to normal activity within two to three weeks. 

Nearly 10% of people have complications after gastric bypass surgery. These are usually minor and include: wound infections, digestive problems, ulcers and bleeding. It is recommended that you stay in contact with your physician and his staff and communicate progress and concerns.  

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