SURGICAL OPTIONS
Combined Restrictive & Malabsorptive Procedure - Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y
In recent years, better clinical understanding of procedures combining restrictive and malabsorptive approaches has increased the choices of effective weight loss surgery for thousands of patients. By adding malabsorption, food is delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic juices that aid in the absorption of nutrients. The result is an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.
According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the current gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States. In this operation, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake. Next, a section of small intestine is used to bypass the excluded stomach. This segment of intestine is free of acid and enzymes required for digestion and absorption to take place. This restricts amount of food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Rarely, gallbladder removal is performed at the same time to avoid gallstones that can result from rapid weight loss.
Advantages
Two years after surgery, weight loss can average 75% of excess body weight. Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients.
A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions studied (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved.
Possible Complications:
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Anemia
- Osteoporosis
- Dumping syndrome
- Weight gain
- Ulceration
- Gastritis (irritated stomach tissue)
- Heartburn
- Gas bloat
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Death
- Laparoscopic surgery possible complications
- Spleen or liver damage
- Damage to major blood vessels
- Lung problem
- Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Rupture of the wound
- Perforation of the stomach or esophagus during surgery
- Readmission to the hospital may be required for fluid replacement or nutritional support if there is excessive vomiting and adequate food intake cannot be maintained