Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass also known as Gastric Bypass surgery is the most common form of weight loss surgery. Roux-en Y Gastric bypass is still considered the gold standard of weight loss surgeries. It is performed via a laparoscope and includes creation of a small gastric pouch of only 15-20 ml. The procedure involves approximately 5 small incisions and takes about 1 ½ hours. It bypasses the upper part of the intestine the duodenum, by rerouting the intestine through a connection called a Roux intestinal limb. There are multiple mechanisms of weight loss for this bypass. They include decreasing calorie intake through a smaller stomach, hormonal by increasing your metabolism, and lastly by decreasing the amount of calories you absorb. Expected weight loss averages around 75% excess weight loss over 2 years with the average of 60% excess weight loss over 10 years. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most studied operation with multiple studies showing the improvement in weight related health conditions as shown below.
Risks for the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass:
The risks involve a leak, stricture, vitamin deficiencies, marginal ulcer, internal hernia and regain of weight.
Patient Stories
Meet Tim
What was life like before bariatric surgery?
My life was miserable. Constant up and down weight loss. Could not run or workout. Still play basketball but couldn’t do that. Tying my shoe was hard. I has sleep apnea/high blood pressure and I was tired all the time and no energy. Biggest frustration was the yo-yo effect!! Up and down weight loss. Reffing basketball was very hard and that was my wake up call after i refereed fora camp in New Mexico and barely could walk afterward.
What is your life like now? What’s the #1 thing you love being able to do now?
Life is awesome. I can exercise!! I run 3 to 4 1/2 miles. I play basketball. I coach a boys 6th grade team and I am able to run up and down the floor with them. I referee basketball and I can run the floor. Love my energy!!! No blood pressure medicine and no cpap. No prescription meds!!!
*Individual results may vary
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Comparison of Surgical Procedure Effectiveness
on Weight-Related Medical Problems
| Health Problem | Lap-Band | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass |
| Type II Diabetes | + | ++ | +++ (84% Resolution) |
| High Blood Pressure | ++ | ++ | +++ (68% Resolved) |
| High Cholesterol | ++ | ++ | +++ (94% Improved) |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea | +++ | +++ | +++ (80% Resolved) |
| Heartburn | + | – | +++ (98% Resolved) |
| Osteoarthritis | ++ | ++ | ++ (41% Resolved) |
| Infertility / Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | ++? | ++? | +++ (100% Resolved) |
| Excess Weight Loss | + (40-60%) | ++ (50-65%) | +++ (70-75%) |
| + symbol indicates increasing relative degree of effectiveness |
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Comparison of Surgical Procedures
| Banding | Sleeve Gastrectomy | Gastric Bypass | Duodenal Switch | |
| Invasiveness | Least | Middle | Most | Most |
| Excess Weight Loss | 40-60% | 50-65% | 50-70% | 80-90% |
| Rate of Weight Loss | Slower | Faster | Fastest | Fastest |
| Complications | Occur Later | Occur Early | Occur Early or Late | Occur Early or Late |
| Adjustable | Yes | No | No | No |
| Reversible | Yes | No | Very Difficult | Very Difficult |
| Implanted Device | Yes | No | No | No |
| Hospital Stay | < 1 Day | < 1 Day | 1 – 2 Days | < 1 Day – 1 Day |
| Time Off Work | 1 Week | 1-2 Weeks | 2 Weeks | 2 Weeks |
| US Track Record | Since 1991 | Since 2000 | Since 1960s | Since 1950s |
| Anti Inflammatory | Ok | Ok | Not Ok | Ok |
| Follow Up | Most Frequent | Least Frequent | More Frequent | More Frequent |
| Weight Regain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Less Likely |
| Convert Procedure to Another | Yes | Yes | Difficult | Yes |
The surgeons at Panhandle Weight Loss Center have either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated: