Gastric Bypass FAQ
Why is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass the preferred procedure?
What is involved in the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure?
How long does the surgery take?
How will the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass help me lose weight?
Will malabsorption cause me to become malnourished?
How much protein will I need each day?
Why is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass the preferred procedure?
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has steadily gained credibility as the procedure of choice among patients and surgeons alike. After nearly 20 years and hundreds of thousands of procedures, the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has demonstrated a track record of successful long-term weight loss with few complications or side effects. The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass combines three elements to induce long-term weight loss. It creates volume restriction, which makes you feel full after eating smaller portions, behavior modification by creating discomfort after consuming foods high in refined sugar, and malabsorption by reducing the number of calories your body will absorb.
What is involved in the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure?
During the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, the stomach is separated into two parts. The top portion becomes a small pouch that will allow you to eat only a few ounces of food before feeling full. The lower portion of the stomach continues to function normally, however it no longer digests food.
Next, one end of the small intestine is attached to the new small pouch of the upper stomach. The other end is reattached further down the small intestine, creating the “Y” junction. This allows the juices that continue to be created by the lower stomach to reach the small intestine further “down stream.” This also allows your body to digest and absorb calories at a slower rate.
How long does the surgery take?
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass generally takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours to perform. Following the procedure, you will be carefully monitored and spend an average of 2-3 days in the hospital if the procedure is done laparoscopically, 4-5 days if you have an “open surgery”.
How will the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass help me lose weight?
The Roux-en-Y helps you lose weight in three different ways: volume restriction, behavior modification and malabsorption. Volume restriction is achieved by reducing the size of the upper stomach. The Roux-en-Y procedure restricts the volume of food you can eat before feeling full. This means you will eat fewer calories, helping you lose weight.
The changes in your small intestine create a behavioral modification component. You will develop an intolerance for foods high in refined sugar due to an effect called “dumping syndrome.” This is said to occur in 30% to 50% of patients who have gastric bypass surgery. Similar to insulin shock in a diabetic patient, this condition causes cold sweats and nausea but no harmful health effects. It will help you avoid foods high in calories and refined sugars, and further contribute to your weight loss.
Besides reducing the volume of food you can eat, the Roux-en-Y will create the effect of malabsorbtion. Because food does not pass through a portion of your small intestine, and the digestive juices from your stomach do not reach the food until it has reached the “Y” junction, your body will absorb calories at a slower rate. This will also help you lose weight.
Will malabsorption cause me to become malnourished?
You will need to take daily multivitamins in order to maintain your health. You may also need extra calcium and iron. Extra protein is sometimes recommended early on, just after surgery. Your doctor may require occasional bloodwork to make sure that you are maintaining the proper levels of vitamins and minerals. If you follow these simple guidelines, malnourishment is very unlikely to occur.
How much protein will I need each day?
The recommended daily allowance of protein for the general population is 60 grams. However, your surgeon may have specific guidelines that you should follow, and it is important that you follow those instructions.
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