The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most popular form of weight loss surgery in the US with an estimated 200,000 procedures being performed every year. This procedure can be performed laparoscopically or open, but once the surgeon gains access into the abdominal cavity, the internal procedure is the same. The Roux-en-Y is a two-part surgery in which the surgeon restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold and bypasses a portion of the small intestine so that it can absorb fewer nutrients and calories.

How Gastric Bypass Works

During the first part of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, the surgeon uses surgical staples to divide the stomach into two parts — a tiny pouch that will serve as the new stomach and a larger portion that will not come in contact with the food, but that will stay intact and produce digestive juices. During the second part of the Roux-en-Y procedure, the upper portion of the small intestine is divided in half. One half is used to form a new outlet for the tiny new stomach pouch. The other end of the divided intestine is then reconnected downstream from the division, forming the “Y” described in the name of this weight loss surgery procedure.

By rerouting the gastro-intestinal anatomy in this way, food bypasses most of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine that contains most of the digestive enzymes. The combined effect of the smaller stomach capacity and intestinal malabsorption greatly reduces the calories and nutrients entering the blood stream.

The food and the digestive enzymes from the bypassed portion of the stomach and small intestine come together at the “Y” connection and pass through the remaining portion of the small intestine together. This allows sufficient time for the body to absorb enough nutrients to meet its needs.


Results of Gastric Bypass Surgery:

  • Excess Weight Loss of between 60-85%
  • Type-2 Diabetes Resolution
  • High Cholesterol Improvement
  • High Blood Pressure Resolution
  • Sleep Apnea Improvement

Advantages and Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery:

  • Gastric bypass offers the greatest weight loss potential of the three procedures used at Healthy Steps. This exceptional weight loss is due to the combination of malabsorption and restriction.
  • Resolution or improvement of the diseases associated with morbid obesity after gastric bypass surgery is exceptional.
  • Increased mobility, self-esteem and a higher energy level are just some of the many benefits of bariatric surgery and gastric bypass.

Risks and Considerations of Gastric Bypass Surgery:

  • Gastric Bypass is not without risks, which all can be exacerbated by a patient’s poor health. Gastric bypass is major surgery and should be treated as such.
  • Gastric Bypass patients will have dietary volume restrictions and will have to supplement their diets with vitamins, minerals and protein for the rest of their lives.
  • The procedure is not readily adjustable or reversible.
  • A very uncomfortable condition called dumping syndrome may occur when patients eat or drink high-sugar or high-fat foods.

Speak to us for more information about gastric bypass, its benefits and its risks. Learning more about the procedure will help you set your weight loss expectations and ultimately be more successful after surgery. You can also sign up for a weight loss surgery seminar right here on our website.