WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY PROCEDURE

LAP-BAND Surgery :: Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Probably the most common procedure being performed today is the Roux en Y gastric bypass, often referred to as RNY or RGB. This procedure involves transecting the stomach to create a smaller gastric pouch, which generally holds less than 3 ounces. The pouch is created near the upper end of the stomach. A segment of the small bowel is then divided and attached to this small gastric pouch. Greatly reducing the amount of food the patient can comfortably consume is the first step in significant weight loss. The second step in significant weight loss is the restriction on the types of foods patients can eat as a result of the bypass. If a patient eats foods that are too high in fat or sugar they will experience dumping syndrome. This is caused when the inappropriate food passes through the gastric pouch and into a segment of the small intestine. This particular portion of the small intestine is not equipped to handle high fat, high sugar foods. Dumping usually involves feeling queasy and clammy, a fast heart rate, nausea and occasionally vomiting and/or diarrhea. While dumping is not physically dangerous it can make you feel terribly ill.

The Roux en Y is considered the gold standard of bariatric surgery and results in substantial weight loss. The procedure is not reversible.