Roux-en-Y Gastric-Bypass (Laparoscopic or Open)

Gastric bypass is currently the most popular procedure performed in the United States and worldwide. This surgical procedure combines the creation of small stomach pouches to restrict food intake and construction of bypasses of the duodenum and other segment of the small intestine to cause malabsorption. First, stapling creates a small stomach pouch. This causes restriction in food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) as well as the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This causes reduced calorie and nutrient absorption.

Gastric bypass can be performed by both open and laparoscopic techniques. A Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass uses advanced surgical minimally invasive instrumentation. The laparoscopic technique is minimally invasive and compared to non-laparoscopic (open) technique, has a shorter hospital, a faster return to work and activity, greater postoperative comfort, and a less visible scar from surgery.

Weight loss is usually about 65% to 70% of excess body weight. Weight loss generally plateaus in 1 to 2 years. Potential long-term complications include dumping syndrome, stoma stenosis, marginal ulcers, staple line disruptions, dilation of the bypassed distal stomach in the event of a small bowel obstruction, internal hernias. Additionally, life-long vitamin and mineral supplementation is required to avoid nutrient deficiency conditions.

When performed by skilled surgeons, operative mortality rate is about 0.5%.