Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (pronounced ROO-en-why) gastric bypass surgery is the most popular bariatric surgery in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then constructs a “bypass” of some of the small intestine. The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food the patient can comfortably eat, and the bypass decreases the number of nutrients and calories absorbed.
Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories.
Dr. de la Cruz-Munoz has performed 2000 lap gastric bypasses over the past 10 years. A level of experience obtained by a small percentage of surgeons nationwide. the average time for a surgery is under and hour. Dr. de la Cruz-Munoz has modified his technique over this time to make it as safe as possible; suturing areas not often strengthed at other programs. All while working to minimize the surgical trauma to the body. This has allowed the Surgical Weight Loss Institute to operate on patients who where deemed too sick at other centers. All the while, having the shortest length of stay for bypasses in the area. (85% of patients spend only 1 night in the hospital)
Life After Gastric Bypass
Excess Weight Loss
Gastric bypass patients typically lost 61.6 percent of their excess weight.
Health Benefits
Studies found that gastric bypass:
Resolved type 2 diabetes in 83.8% of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery
One study stated that for bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss:
Overall quality of life improved greatly.
They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance.
They experienced improved social and economic opportunities.
Recovery
85% of our bypass patients spend 1 night in the hospital. 65% tell us that they could have returned to work within a week of surgery. The patients do not have physicval restrictions after surgery. We encourage them to start working out as soon as they are comfortable.
Potential Concerns of Gastric Bypass
A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. While it isn’t considered a health risk, the results can be very unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea.
Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron.
The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.
Potential Risks and Complications After Gastric Bypass
Vomiting
Nausea
Dumping syndrome
Nutritional deficiencies
Gallstones
Diarrhea
Increased gas
Chest pain
Collapsed lung
Constipation
Abdominal hernia
Dehydration
Enlarged heart
Esophageal spasm
Gastrointestinal injury
Gastrointestinal swelling
GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease)
Inflammation of the esophagus
Inflammation of the gallbladder
Inflammation of the stomach
Kidney tubular necrosis
Pain caused by passing a gallstone
Stoma obstruction
Stretching of the stomach
Back pain
Depression
Difficulty swallowing
Fatigue
Flatulence
General abdominal pain
Hair loss
Headache
Hypertension
Inflammation of the nasal passages
Inflammation of the sinuses
Influenza
Insomnia
Joint pain
Pain after surgery
Port site pain
Upper abdominal pain
Upset stomach
Upper respiratory tract infection
Urinary tract infection
Selective food intolerance
Dyspepsia
Ulceration
Gastroenteritis
Reflux esophagitis
Gas bloat
Esophageal dysmotility
Weight regain
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery 2004 Consensus Statement, the operative morbidity (complications) associated with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the hands of a skilled surgeon is approximately 5%, and the operative mortality (death) is approximately 0.5%.
