| |
|
|
The
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the most commonly performed
weight loss surgery in the United States. It involves
the complete partition of the stomach, creating small
pouch, which is connected to the small bowel through
a tiny orifice. All of the stomach and about 2-3 feet
of the intestines is completely bypassed (see diagram).
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a restrictive and
malabsorptive procedure. Recently, studies have shown
that bypassing the stomach produces biochemical changes
by which more fat is burned, the appetite is suppressed,
and there is an increase in the basal metabolic rate. |
|
| |
This operation is a very effective procedure. Also, solid
food is better tolerated than the purely restrictive procedures,
and vomiting and nausea are uncommon. Thus, Roux-en-Y patients
have a better quality of life compared to those with purely
restrictive procedures. Sometimes, a condition known as
"Dumping Syndrome" can occur as a result of eating
too much sugar or foods with a high carbohydrate content.
Symptoms include nausea, sweating, and diarrhea.
The Roux-en-Y can be done open or laparoscopically. In my
practice, all procedures are done laparoscopically, and
only in exceptional circumstances or in emergency procedures
is a surgery done open. The lap RNY takes about 75-90 minutes
operating time and requires a 48 hour hospital stay. The
lap RNY is reversible; in other words, it can be undone,
but it will take a very complex and drastic procedure.
Lap Roux-en-Y patients must come for the scheduled follow-up
visits at 2 and 6 weeks, at 3, 6, 9 months, and at 1 year.
Blood tests will help your doctor to measure patient progress.
|
