The Garrison Center for Healthy Living: Roux-en-Y Surgery for Obesity

Roux-en-Y Surgery for Obesity

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been the most common weight loss surgery in the U.S. because it reliably causes weight loss with acceptable side effects. During this operation, the surgeon divides the stomach into two sections, one smaller and one larger. The smaller pouch is then connected to the small intestine, thereby bypassing the larger portion of the stomach and part of the intestine. The reduced size of the stomach causes patients to feel full quickly, and it limits the amount of food that patients can eat. The altered digestive tract also reduces patients' ability to tolerate fats and sweets, which helps patients avoid these kinds of foods.

Roux-en-Y surgery may be performed through a six to eight inch open incision or through five to six small incisions in the abdomen (the minimally invasive procedure). Dr. Garrison performs only minimally invasive procedures, because they promote faster recovery, reduced bleeding, reduced risk of infection, reduced scarring, and other benefits.

Side Effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Dumping Syndrome. When carbohydrates are released rapidly into the intestines rather than gradually, patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, sweating, cramping, and increased heart rate. The way to avoid dumping syndrome is to adhere to the recommended diet, and avoid all high sugar foods.

Nausea and Vomiting
Although these may occur if patients do not follow dietary guidelines properly, they can be prevented. Most importantly, patients should add one new food at a time to reduce intolerances. Patients must also remember to eat slowly and keep fluids apart from solid food.

Constipation
Constipation may be caused by inadequate fluid intake, decreased food intake, inadequate exercise level, medications, and inadequate fiber intake.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea may be caused by excess refined/simple carbohydrates in the diet, excessive fat intake, and increased stress levels.

image courtesy of autosuture bariatrics

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