REGISTER FOR SEMINAR

WHAT IS OBESITY

MORBID OBESITY CAUSES

ILLNESSES FROM OBESITY

OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT

CHOOSING SURGERY

AM I A CANDIDATE

 

BMI CALCULATOR

SURGERY OPTIONS

LIFE AFTER SURGERY

NEW PATIENT SEMINARS

SUPPORT GROUPS

eSTORE

PATIENT INFO

Gastric Bypass Surgery New Jersey

GAStric Bypass Surgery (ROux-EN-Y)

According to two organizations, the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y (pronounced Roo-en-why) gastric bypass surgery is the most popular weight loss surgery in the United States.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is both a restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. The surgeon creates a small (15-30cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely shut off and divided from the stomach pouch. The surgeon then creates an outlet from this newly formed pouch (a “bypass” for food) that empties directly into the lower portion of the duodenum, thus significantly reducing caloric absorption. This bypass allows food to skip parts of the small intestine, and therefore, the body cannot absorb as many calories or nutrients.

Weight Loss Options
Courtesy Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.

Advantages:

  • The average excess weight loss after the gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) procedure is generally greater than with purely restrictive procedures.

  • One year after surgery, weight loss can average 77% of excess body weight.

  • Studies show that after 20 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients.

  • A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved.

Risks:

  • Because the duodenum is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in low total body iron and a predisposition to iron-deficiency anemia. This is a particular concern for patients who experience chronic blood loss during excessive menstrual flow or bleeding hemorrhoids. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss.

  • Bypassing the duodenum has caused metabolic bone disease in some patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, humped back and fractures of the ribs and hip bones. All of deficiencies mentioned above, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements.

  • Chronic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The problem can usually be managed with Vitamin B12 pills or injections.

  • A condition known as “dumping syndrome” can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious health risk, the results can be unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.

  • In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30cc.

  • The bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using X-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.