GASTRIC BYPASS ROUX-EN-Y
 
"The Gold Standard of Bypass Surgery"
The gastric bypass Roux-en-Y surgery is the most frequently performed weight loss procedure in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled and divided from the lower stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus bypassing calorie absorption and the duodenum. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum and constructing a connection with the new, smaller stomach pouch.

ADVANTAGES OF GASTRIC BYPASS ROUX-EN-Y:

• Long term sustained weight loss.

• No protein or caloric malabsorption.

• Reduced vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

• Improved or resolved health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, GERD (reflux), degenerative joint disease, depression etc.

RISKS:
 
In addition to the general risks of surgery, the following are potential risks of Roux-en-Y:
 

• Iron deficiency anemia and calcium deficiency may occur due to poor absorption of iron and calcium as a result of bypassing the duodenum. This is corrected by taking iron and calcium citrate supplements.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur.

• Patients who have had this procedure are required to take Vitamin B12 pills or injections for the rest of their lives.

• Patients may experience "dumping syndrome" as a result of the rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed.

• Re-routing of bile, pancreatic and other digestive juices beyond the stomach can cause intestinal irritation and ulcers.

• The lower stomach pouch and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using x-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.

• In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30 cc.

• Stomal stenosis.