Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass—for when the weight just won’t come off

If you are approximately 100 pounds overweight and have not found success with diet and exercise alone, it may be time to consider weight loss surgery—with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (or simply “gastric bypass”) being one of the most popular weight loss surgery options in the United States. It’s what most people think of when they think of weight loss surgery.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 484.476.6230.

Join us for an upcoming bariatric surgery information session

At Main Line Health in the western suburbs of Philadelphia we specialize in minimally invasive bariatric surgery procedures such as gastric bypass and other bariatric surgery options that have proven effective in long-term weight loss and maintenance.

With Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery you’ll have a small new stomach

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a minimally invasive “keyhole” method of surgery in which the entire surgery is performed through several small cuts in the abdomen. The “bypass” involves creating a small “new” stomach which gets connected to part of the small intestine, bypassing the normal digestive process. This part of the surgical procedure looks a bit like the letter “Y,” which follows the name of the surgeon Roux who first developed the technique.

There are two ways gastric bypass helps you lose weight

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight in two significant ways:

With a smaller stomach pouch, you will feel more full after eating just a small amount of food.
Since the food bypasses the remaining section of the stomach and a portion of the intestines, food absorption as well as calories are limited. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery also lessens the body’s ability to tolerate foods that are high in sugar and fats. If you eat these kinds of foods, you will feel uncomfortable and you’ll quickly learn to avoid these types of foods, which further aids in weight loss.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is considered malabsorptive bariatric surgery, meaning your body will not be able to absorb the vitamins and nutrients it needs from food. Good nutrition and vitamin supplements are an important part of the postsurgical plan for this option.

Deciding if you should get Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Choosing whether or not to have surgical weight loss is a big decision that will affect the rest of your life. There are certain guidelines you must meet in order to qualify for weight loss surgery. There are also many factors to consider, including emotional and psychological wellness, and long-term commitment to a healthy way of eating and living.

The best way to explore whether gastric bypass is right for you is to attend one of Main Line Health’s free bariatric information sessions where you’ll meet bariatric surgeon Richard D. Ing, MD and can get all of your questions answered.