Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Ann Arbor
One of the weight loss surgeries offered by Dr. Taylor to patients in Ypsilanti Michigan (MI) is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Until quite recently, Gastric bypass was the most common weight loss surgery performed in the United States, and combines both restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss techniques. Gastric sleeve surgery took over as the most common surgery in 2015.
What Is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass reduces the size of your stomach and reroutes the digestive system to decrease the amount of calories absorbed by the body. Roux-en-Y surgery is one type of gastric bypass surgery.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Step-by-Step:
- Surgeon staples the stomach across the top, creating a small pouch that holds about one ounce of food.
- The pouch is separated from the rest of the stomach.
- The small intestine is cut and one end is sewn directly onto the new stomach pouch. Food will now bypass the bottom portion of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine.
In many cases, gastric bypass can be performed laparoscopically using small incisions and special surgical instruments instead of one large abdominal opening. This reduces the risk of infection and shortens the recovery time.
Gastric Bypass Surgery Results
Gastric bypass surgery, along with dietary and lifestyle changes, can help you experience improved health and quality of life through weight loss. Although results vary between patients, it’s possible to lose 50 to 60 percent of excess weight after surgery in the first two years*.
In addition to helping you lose weight, laparoscopic gastric bypass has proven to be very successful in helping to resolve obesity-related illnesses. Gastric bypass can provide relief for symptoms associated with*:
What to Expect After Surgery
In order to experience the best results possible, there are certain changes you’ll need to make before and after gastric bypass surgery. Some of these changes may include:
- Eating smaller meals – the smaller stomach size will help you practice portion control.
- Making healthier food choices – eating certain foods, such as refined sugars, may cause “dumping” after gastric bypass.
- Taking nutritional supplements – this will ensure your body gets essential vitamins and minerals that may not be easily absorbed after gastric bypass.
- Increasing physical activity – adding exercise to your daily routine will help you maintain your weight loss and improve your overall health.
Working closely with your healthcare team and a strong support network can make it easier to commit to these changes.
Risks of Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y Surgery
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with gastric bypass, including bleeding, infection and reactions to the anesthesia. Additional complications that can occur with gastric bypass surgery include:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency
- Dehydration
- Gallstones
- Bleeding stomach ulcer
- Hernia at the incision site
- Intolerance to certain foods
- Kidney stones
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Dumping syndrome
Dr. Taylor with offices in Ypsilanti and Saginaw Michigan (MI), can help you assess your individual risks and provide you with instructions for minimizing your risks before and after gastric bypass surgery. You should also follow any and all after-surgery instructions, including dietary recommendations, to decrease your risk of complications.
Who Should Have Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery should be considered non-reversible. It requires a serious commitment weight loss and should be reserved for people who have a body mass index of at least 40, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health problems.
References
*Richardson WS, Plaisance AM, Periou L, Buquoi J, Tillery D. Long-term Management of Patients After Weight Loss Surgery. The Ochsner Journal. 2009;9(3):154-159.
*Lee WJ, Chong K, Ser KH, et al. Gastric bypass vs sleeve gastrectomy for type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Surg 2011;146:143– 8.
