Gastric Bypass surgeries are combination procedures that use both restriction and malabsorption to achieve weight loss. They are the most common types of weight-loss surgery performed. The most frequently performed method is called the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB).
With Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, staples are used to permanently close off part of the stomach. This leaves only a small stomach pouch for the food you eat. Additionally, a Y-shaped piece derived from an upper portion of the small intestine is then attached to this small stomach pouch. As a result, food from your stomach pouch bypasses the initial sections of the intestine, which normally would absorb calories and nutrients after eating.
At the MyNewSelf bariatrics clinic in St. Louis, MO, the RYGB is performed laparoscopically, which may allow patients to recover more quickly and experience less scarring than with more invasive procedures. Several small incisions are made and a laparoscopic tool is inserted. There is also a traditional technique which may be used that requires open surgery with a single, long incision.
After recovery, it is essential that patients work to change their old habits and replace them with such things as healthy food choices, exercise and vitamins.
Advantages
You eat and absorb less food
Decreases appetite
Prolonged sense of fullness after small meals
Rapid initial weight loss
Laparoscopic procedure is minimally invasive
Greatest percent of excess body weight lost in a shorter period of time
Longer experience in the U.S.: time-tested for safety and effectiveness
Disadvantages
Permanent procedure
Requires cutting stomach, stapling and intestinal rerouting
Requires patient discipline/commitment to avoid nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition
At the MyNewSelf bariatrics clinic in St. Louis, MO, our experienced, multi-disciplinary weight loss team will answer all your questions about gastric bypass and other bariatric procedures performed at our facility. We also welcome you to browse through our FAQ page for more information.
When you're ready to take the first step, call the MyNewSelf program at Des Peres Hospital at 314-966-9640.
