Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Overview

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a safe minimally-invasive procedure that makes your stomach smaller and changes the way your body digests food, to help you achieve long term weight loss success.

What To Expect

Understanding Gastric Bypass Surgery

When you have Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, your doctor uses staples to create a small pouch at the top of your stomach. Part of your small intestine is then shaped into a “Y” and connected to the new small stomach pouch. When you eat, food travels from the pouch directly to the small intestine bypassing the stomach remnant, effectively reducing the number of calories you consume.

Is Gastric Bypass Surgery right for you?

Talk to your doctor about whether or not gastric bypass surgery might be right for you. If you have been severely obese (more than 100 pounds over your ideal weight), and have health issues related to your weight, gastric bypass may be a good option.

Health issues related to weight include:

• Hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Several other conditions

To be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. This procedure is very effective for health conditions like Type 2 diabetes and reflux among others.

Depending on your health issues your doctor may recommend other procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric band.

Insurance Coverage

Several insurance companies cover the cost of gastric bypass surgery, but you have to meet certain guidelines first. You may need to give details about previous weight loss programs you have tried without success, and you may be required to have psychological evaluation to make sure you will commit to the lifestyle changes needed to make the surgery a success.

Preparing For

Before Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

You’ll want to start making changes in your eating choices and exercise habits well in advance of your surgery. You may also need to complete a preoperative program. After the surgery, your eating habits will change in a big way. That’s why it’s important to get started before the procedure so your body has time to get used to your new lifestyle.

After Your Procedure

Long-term weight loss success after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Losing weight long-term is a commitment, but you are not alone. After you’ve recovered from your surgery, you’ll want to take advantage of support services that are available to you.

Support groups

In-person and online groups encourage you through lifestyle changes and provide guidance as you encounter obstacles to meeting your goals.

Nutrition advice

Bariatric nutritionists help you develop an eating plan to make sure you stay healthy and lose weight.

Exercise

Fitness experts can teach you what you need to know to exercise safely and effectively so you can stay fit.

Questions To Ask Your Provider

Questions to ask your provider

Having a successful surgery experience has a lot to do with your outlook. Help yourself prepare by understanding as much as you can about the procedure. Start with the following questions:

• How long is the recovery?
• Will there be foods I can’t eat?
• How much weight can I expect to lose?
• When will I see results?