The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most frequently performed weight loss procedure in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, about the size of a thumb.

Other Names

  • Roux-en-Y
  • Gastric Bypass

Advantages

  • Most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure.
  • Scientific studies have shown that gastric bypass surgery helps most people lose weight and keep it off.
  • There is a "golden period" after gastric bypass – the time when the body becomes accustomed to less food and people have an easier time developing good eating habits. Simply put, the gastric bypass is the most effective surgery for weight loss.
  • The surgery causes Type 2 diabetes to go into remission in 78% of individuals and overall improvement of diabetes related health conditions.

Procedure Details

The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch by dividing the small intestine, also called the duodenum, for the purpose of pulling it up and attaching it with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end of the small intestine is connected into the side of the Roux limb (the portion of the small intestine attached to the new small stomach) creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Duration: 2 Hours
Hospital Stay: 1 Day

*Note that surgery time and hospital stay may vary due to a number of factors.