Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedures
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How Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Works
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Gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery designed to reduce the size of the stomach, so smaller amounts of food can be ingested. And by partially bypassing some of the small intestines, the surgery helps the body avoid absorbing some of the fat from foods consumed. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is considered to be the most effective bariatric surgery in both the amount of weight patients lose and the maintenance of the weight loss.
There are two types of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: open and laparoscopic. Many bariatric surgeons prefer to perform laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. With laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, small incisions are made in the abdomen that allow for access to the stomach and intestines. This allows patients to avoid large incisions in the abdomen. However, some patients may require an open procedure based on their weight, body shape and medical history. With the open procedure, the surgical team uses a large incision. After the incisions are made, the surgical team then decreases the size of the stomach with either a stomach stapling technique or a gastric band.
After the smaller stomach is stapled or banded, it is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum). This technique bypasses the rest of the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery requires a 2 to 3 day hospital stay for the laparoscopic procedure. Patients who opt for an open procedure can expect a 4 to 6 day stay in the hospital. Patients can generally return to their normal activities 3 to 5 weeks post-procedure.
Expected Weight Loss
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According to bariatric surgery professionals at the University of Maryland Medical Center, bariatric patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery can expect to lose up to 80 percent of their excess body weight. The exact amount of weight lost is largely dependent on a patient's adherence to the doctor-prescribed dietary, nutritional and exercise regimens.
Most weight loss from gastric bypass surgery is lost during the first eight months post-procedure. Patients must maintain a steady diet and nutritional regimen until body weight stabilizes. Failing to do this can result in considerable weight re-gain.
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Advantages and Disadvantages
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All bariatric surgery procedures have their advantages and disadvantages. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is no exception.
Advantages include:
• Success rate: One of the most successful bariatric surgery options. Patients, on average, only gain back 10-14% of the lost weight within 10-14 years.• Flexibility: After recovery, patients can enjoy very limited amounts of a wide variety of foods.
• Health Benefits: The surgery dramatically reduces the effects of medical conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea.
Disadvantages:
• Permanence: The procedure is nonreversible.• Discomfort: Patients can develop "dumping" syndrome, which occurs when food passes too quickly through the stomach and intestines. This can result in nausea, weakness, dizziness and diarrhea soon after eating. These symptoms are made worse by consuming high-sugar, high-calorie foods.
• Health Complications: There's a good chance of long-term complications, even for generally healthy patients.
Is It Right For You?
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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or for patients with a BMI of 35 or higher who also suffer from severe medical conditions that threaten their lives, including diabetes, sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease.
When considering whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is right for your needs, you should also meet the following criteria:
• Be between 18 and 65 years old.• No problems with alcohol addiction.
• Haven't received treatment for depression or another major psychiatric disorder.
• Suffering from obesity for at least five years.
The decision to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a significant lifestyle choice. Your best bet is to enlist the help of an experienced bariatric surgeon to decide whether or not the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the right choice for your personal weight loss journey.
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