Roux En Y Gastric Bypass
What is it?
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a type of restrictive as well as malabsorptive surgery that can be performed by a minimally invasive surgical method. Usually 4-5 small cuts of 0.5 – 1 cm are made on the abdomen. The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is then performed Laparoscopically or Robotically, using highly advanced technology to make it safe.
In a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, the stomach is divided into 2 parts – a small functional stomach pouch ( approximately 30-50 ml) and a larger excluded stomach. Following this the upper portion of the small intestine is bypassed, ensuring minimal absorption of carbohydrates and fats.
Some of its major benefits over traditional (open) and laparoscopic surgeries include:
Gastrointestinal Surgeon In Mumbai
How does a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass help me lose weight?
In a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, the amount of food you can eat in one sitting is reduced because of the small stomach pouch capacity. Because of this, the brain utilises the fat stored in your body for its energy needs. This burns the excess fat in your body, thus helping you lose weight.
Also, in a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, the production of the hunger hormone Ghrelin is markedly reduced, since the fundus of the stomach is excluded. Because of this, you do not feel hungry all the time, and are satisfied with the small amount of food you eat without feeling tired or weak.
The malabsorptive effect because of the bypass of the small intestine in a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass causes markedly reduced absorption of fats from your intestine. This further adds to the weight loss effect.
Does a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass help with my medical diseases like Diabetes?
There is immense medical evidence to conclusively prove that Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass can help with complete reversal of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in 85-90% of patients for 10-15 years. This means, that almost 90% of patients who were diabetic can STOP all medications for Diabetes after undergoing a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.
In addition, after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, marked improvement is seen in many other medical problems which are caused due to obesity, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, Hypothyroidism, Osteoarthritis, PCOS, etc.
Who can undergo Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Anybody with a BMI of > 37.5 kg/m2 or >32 kg/m2 with medical diseases can undergo a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. It is very beneficial in:
- Patients with Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and other obesity – related diseases
- Sweet eaters
- Patients with heartburn (GERD/ acidity)
Are there any side effects of a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Some patients have nutritional deficiencies post Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, but these are easily preventable by taking regular multivitamin and multi mineral supplements as prescribed soon after surgery. These supplements may have to be taken lifelong, since the malabsorptive effect of the weight loss surgery persists for life.
Can a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass be reversed?
Yes, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a completely reversible procedure. This requires a second surgery, which can again be performed by minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopically or robotically). It is a very complex surgery requiring a high degree of surgical skill and intensive post-operative care.
Quick Overview
- Pre Operative preparation
- Liquid diet (depending on your BMI)
- Pre Operative Tests
- Full body check-up
- Hospital stay
- 2-3 days
- Number of cuts (0.5-1 cm)
- 4-5 (Laparoscopy/ Robotics)
- Return to work
- In a week
- Expected Weight loss
- 70-80% of excess weight
