ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS

Is it Right for You?

What is Gastric Bypass?

• Also known as: Bariatric surgery, laparoscopic gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

• Gastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat.

• You will not be able to eat as much as before, and your body will not absorb all the calories from the food you eat.

Who Qualifies for Roux-en-Y?

Have a minimum BMI of 40+ for at least five years, or a minimum BMI of 35+ with significant medical complications related to obesity.

Be between the ages of 18 and 65. Patients older or younger may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Show evidence of previous attempts to lose weight through a medically supervised program and/or programs such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.

What is this?

The Procedure

The first step makes your stomach smaller. The second step is the bypass.

This can be done in two different ways:Incision into the belly, working on the

stomach, small intestine, and other organs orUse of a tiny camera called a laparoscope which is placed in the belly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN6pECaL3Fw

Nutritional Complications

Vitamin/Mineral DeficienciesCalcium, Vitamin D, Iron, & Vitamin

B12

Protein Malnutrition

Dumping Syndrome

Hypoglycemia:Low blood sugar

Risks

High risk of malabsorption, Dumping Syndrome, anemia, and bone disease

Breakdown of the pouch

Gallstones and gallbladder attacks

Gastritis, heartburn, or stomach ulcers

Bleeding requiring the transfusion of blood or blood products

Leakage at the surgical site

Risks cont.

Hernia requiring further surgery

Serious wound infection

Stomach or intestinal blockage

Blood clots

Heart attack

Stroke

Risks cont.

Blind Loop Syndrome

Benefits

Gastric bypass may improve the health and lengthen the life span of people who are severely obese.

As weight loss occurs, gastric bypass patients can see improvements in a number of serious medical conditions.

- Diabetes- Cholesterol- Blood pressure- Sleep apnea

Before & After

Before & After

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation is considered an acceptable treatment of

choice for carefully selected individuals but it is not a cure for obesity; rather, it is the beginning of lifelong eating and exercise

behavior changes.