Roux-en-Y is the most common type of gastric bypass surgery. It helps make the stomach smaller so that you feel full more quickly and eat less. During the procedure, your surgeon will create a small “pouch” at the top of the stomach. This will allow only a small amount of food to enter the stomach at one time and prevent overeating. In addition, your surgeon will create a “bypass” around part of the small intestine so that fewer calories are absorbed during digestion.
Roux-en-Y is the current “gold standard” for weight loss surgery because of its ability to help people lose weight and keep it off. After one year, the average patient loses 77 percent of the extra weight; after 10-14 years, patients keep off 50-60 percent. Individuals who have had this surgery also experience:
- Less back pain
- Reduced sleep apnea
- Less incidence of high blood pressure
- Reduced diabetic conditions
- Less depression
After Roux-en-Y, you will need to follow strict food guidelines. You will only be able to eat about one-half to one cup of food before you start to feel full. As you begin to lose weight, you will eventually be able to eat normally, and your weight loss team will work with you on diet and exercise plans to help you keep the weight off.