The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass – often called the gastric bypass – is considered the “gold standard” of weight-loss surgery and has been the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide.

The Procedure

There are two components to the procedure. First, a small stomach pouch – approximately one ounce or 30 milliliters in volume – is created by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Next, the first portion of the small intestine is divided, and the bottom end of the divided small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. The procedure is completed by connecting the top portion of the divided small intestine to the small intestine further down. This allows the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of small intestine to eventually mix with the food. The gastric bypass works through several mechanisms. First, similar to most bariatric procedures, the newly created stomach pouch is considerably smaller and facilitates significantly smaller meals, which translates into fewer calories consumed. Additionally, there is less digestion of food by the smaller stomach pouch, and there is a segment of small intestine that no longer has food going through it. This segment would normally absorb calories and nutrients. Because of this change, there is likely to some degree less absorption of calories and nutrients. Most importantly, the rerouting of the food stream produces changes in gut hormones that promote satiety, suppress hunger, and reverse one of the primary mechanisms by which obesity induces type 2 diabetes.

The Recovery Process

After a gastric bypass, patients may require a hospital stay of one to three days. After this time, they will be able to return home. Following the post-surgical care directions of Dr. Ramirez diligently is the best way to ensure a complication-free recovery process and effective results. Painkillers can be taken as prescribed to control any post-surgical pain or discomfort. A clear liquid diet must be followed until about 1 week after the surgery, at which point a liquid/smooth foods diet can be adopted. At 2 weeks, a pureed/soft foods diet can be adopted, and a solid food diet can be resumed after around 3 weeks. Patients must stay home from work for around 1-3 weeks. Strenuous activities like sports and heavy exercise must be avoided for around 4-6 weeks.
Gastric Bypass Patient
Anna, 16 months after Laparoscopic Bypass revision and 176 Lbs down!

Advantages

  1. Produces significant long-term weight loss (60 to 80 percent excess weight loss)
  2. Restricts the amount of food that can be consumed
  3. May lead to conditions that increase energy expenditure
  4. Produces favorable changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite and enhance satiety
  5. Typical maintenance of >50% excess weight loss

Disadvantages

  1. Is technically a more complex operation than the sleeve gastroplasty and potentially could result in greater complication rates
  2. Can lead to long-term vitamin/mineral deficiencies, particularly deficits in vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and folate
  3. Generally requires a longer hospital stay than the AGB
  4. Requires adherence to dietary recommendations, lifelong vitamin/mineral supplementation, and follow-up compliance

Scheduling a Consultation

Patients who feel that they are in need of a bariatric procedure such as a gastric bypass in St. Petersburg, FL, are encouraged to contact the office of Dr. Alexander Ramirez. Dr. Ramirez will be available to answer questions and get patients started on their journey to effective weight loss.