Weight-Loss Surgery Program
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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (open)
Developed and refined over the past 30 years, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery has proven to be a safe, effective and permanent weight loss solution. It can be done using an open or laproscopic method.
In Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the surgeon permanently divides the stomach to create a small, new stomach. This is done by stapling the stomach across the top, which seals it off from the rest of the stomach. The resulting little stomach is about the size of a man's thumb and can hold about ½ to one ounce of food. The little stomach is physically separated from the rest of the stomach.
Next, the surgeon attaches a section of the small intestine to the little stomach. This allows food to bypass most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine — the duodenum. Food enters directly into the second section of the small intestine — the jejunum. This limits the stomach's ability to absorb calories. Even though food never enters the lower part of the stomach, the stomach stays healthy and continues to secrete digestive juices to mix with food in the small intestine.
Finally, during the open surgery, the surgeon may also:
- Remove the gallbladder to prevent gallstones,
- Perform a vagotomy to decrease the chance of ulcers
- Place an X-ray marker to easily identify the stomach if needed later on
- Place a band on the little stomach to prevent excess weight gain due to stretching
Why does this work?
- The small, new stomach can only accommodate a few ounces of food. That's why people feel full quickly, eat less and stay full longer.
- The food gets rerouted, bypassing several feet of small intestine. This reduces the amount of calories absorbed.
- Sweets and ice cream lose their appeal because they may cause dumping syndrome, which is typically nausea, cramping, diarrhea and rapid heart rate.