Gastric bypass surgery

	Estimated excess weight loss for gastric bypass surgery patients at one year is 65.6 percent; at three years 58.5 percent.

The Roux-en-Y (pronounced Roo-en-Y) gastric bypass is the most common and successful type of bariatric surgery. First, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This bypass reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.

Surgical benefits

This operation produces more dramatic weight loss because, in addition to restricted food intake, you do not absorb as many calories. People generally lose enough weight to reduce or eliminate obesity-related health problems and improve quality of life within the first year.

Surgical risks

• This operation carries greater risk for nutritional deficiencies, because the procedure causes food to bypass the duodenum, where most vitamins and nutrients are absorbed. Taking nutritional supplements prevents this complication.

• 	"I had my gastric bypass surgery in July and Joe had his in August. We learned so much from each other through our journey together." Read our story

  Staple line leak may result in stomach contents leaking into the abdomen, which may result in an emergency operation.
• Dumping syndrome occurs in about 60 percent of patients having this procedure.

Watch our educational and instructional video (Windows Media Player) about preparing for gastric bypass surgery.

For more information, or to sign up for our free information session, call 952-993-3180.