The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure works in a slightly different way than the basic gastric bypass surgery. Rather than actually removing parts of the stomach, the Roux-en-Y simply adds a bypass without adjusting stomach size. This serves as the less complicated option for those seeking gastric bypass surgeries for major weight loss.
Before Roux-en-Y
Before the surgery takes place, patients will start a specialized diet that helps increase physical condition and overall well being. Not only will the diet increase pre surgery weight loss, it also helps prepare patients for the diet after the surgery concludes. This process often allows patients to gain a realistic insight on what to expect following their Roux-en-Y procedure.
The Roux-en-Y Procedure
After following a diet, exercise and lifestyle plan suggested by a medical team of professionals, the patient will undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery at a hospital or major health and medical facility. In some cases, the patient receives anesthetic treatment which allows the individual to pass into a state of unconsciousness. The surgery then starts with surgeons making either one large incision or multiple cuts through the less invasive laparoscopic method.
Regardless of the surgical option, open or closed, the same bypass process takes place. A portion of the stomach gets clipped off and attached to the small intestine. Then, the larger portion of stomach in which consumed food will bypass gets stapled and sewn shut at both ends. This larger portion will remain connected to the small intestine, which will allow for normal drainage.
The surgery itself does not last more than a few hours, though it has the ability to change people’s lives forever.
Roux-en-Y Structure
The surgery works to shrink the size of the stomach by actually creating a new one. This newly constructed feature, called the gastric or stomach pouch, holds much less food than a regular sized human stomach.
Also, since this smaller piece of stomach connects in a more direct route to the small intestine, the patient absorbs less food nutrients. When the bypassed stomach portion gets connected to the small intestine, it gains the ability to drain normally. This helps patients face less complications due to their newly formed digestive tract.
Roux-en-Y Objectives
Since the size of the newly formed stomach has such a small volume, the patient often grows fuller in a much faster amount of time. This process alone helps patients lose weight since individuals will eat less and remain full for hours at a time.
With less food entering the body, less food nutrients get absorbed. The direct flow of food from the small sized gastric pouch to the small intestine also limits the amount of food calories and nutrients that get absorbed. These factors play the role as a major promoter for weight loss in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients.
After Roux-en-Y
Once the surgery finishes, patients will quite literally start a new life. Another unique diet plan will help patients lose weight in a healthy manner. The surgery works to help patients lose weight from fatty tissue and not muscle. Therefore, post surgery diet, exercise and overall lifestyle remain crucially important.
