Our surgeons are highly experienced in performing the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — a bariatric procedure that restricts the volume of food eaten and reduces feeling of hunger. Considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery, the procedure has been shown to offer the best combination of weight loss with the fewest nutritional risks. In certain circumstances, your surgeon will determine and discuss if the open approach is safer for you.  

 

Little Interference with Absorption of Food

 

With the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, there is very little interference with normal absorption of food—the operation works by reducing food intake and the feeling of hunger. The result is a very early sense of fullness, followed by a very profound sense of satisfaction. Patients continue to enjoy eating—but they enjoy eating a lot less.

During the procedure, the stomach is divided and separated with a special stapler in order to create a small stomach pouch. The new stomach is roughly one half ounce in size. The small intestine is then cut about 2 feet below the stomach and reconnected to the new stomach pouch. 

A small opening between the stomach and the intestine—about the size of a dime—is made to allow food to empty slowly from the pouch. The lower part of the stomach is bypassed, but digestive juices, bile and stomach acids flow normally, eventually mixing with and digesting food.

Benefits After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Patients who undergo the surgery must adopt strict eating habits for personal health and comfort. By carefully adhering to required eating habits and nutritional intake, and by engaging in a prescribed exercise program, patients are expected to:

  • Lose 60 to 80 percent of their excess body weight over the first 18 to 24 months following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
  • Vastly improve obesity-related health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.

Follow-Up Care Plan

A nurse practitioner will assess your nutritional compliance, adherence to exercise program, hydration and medication requirements and look for any nutritional or metabolic complications. You will talk about educational needs, receive instructions, and receive referrals to our dietitian or psychologist if needed. When symptoms of sleep apnea resolve, we will order a repeat sleep study.

2 weeks
Physical exam, vital signs, weight and wound check; advanced diet, evaluation by a surgeon

6 weeks
Physical exam, vital signs, weight and wound check; advance diet, exercise program, begin supplements

3 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, labs: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *Hgb A1c

6 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight

9 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight

12 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, Quality of life questions, labs: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *Hgb A1c

18 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, labs to include: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *HgbA1c

24 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, DXA* (if preop completed or abnormal) Quality of Life questions, labs: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *HgbA1c

36 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, Quality of life questions, labs: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *Hgb A1c

48 months
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, Quality of life questions, labs: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *HgbA1c

Annual visit
Physical exam, vital signs, weight, labs: CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Iron studies, lipids, Vit B12, Folate, parathyroid hormone panel (PTH), Vit D, *HgbA1c

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.

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