Gastric Bypass Roux En Y
Malabsorptive procedures limit the amount of food intake, as well as the amount of food absorbed. Gastric bypass surgery is restrictive and malabsorptive.
Bypass surgery Roux-en-Y reroutes the intestines, while creating a pouch in the stomach. The pouch will be smaller, causing you to consume less food. Rerouting the intestines allows for less food to be absorbed into the body.
Bypass surgery is done under general anesthesia with a one to three night stay in the hospital.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Gastric bypass Roux-en-Y is the most common type of bypass surgery, and is done traditionally and laparoscopically. The traditional gastric bypass Roux-en-Y procedure has one long incision. This style is usually performed when you have undergone multiple bariatric procedures, and have excessive scar tissue.
The laparoscopic approach allows for less scarring, bleeding, and faster recovery. Two initial incisions will be made to insert the fiber-optic lens (endoscope); and, an additional four to five one inch incisions will be made in order to insert the necessary tools.
A pouch will be created in the stomach for food, while the rest of the stomach is stapled closed. Your intestines will be rerouted into a "Y" shape to allow for malabsorption. Dissolvable sutures and staples will hold the "Y" shape in place. The liver and pancreas produce enzymes that dissolve fat and absorb food. By rerouting the intestines, the liver and pancreatic enzymes have less time to absorb the food, and therefore, you lose weight. Dissolvable sutures will close the incision sites.
What to Expect During the Recovery Period
Following surgery, you will be sore and bruised in the abdominal area, and it will slowly dissipate.
Restrictions over the next six weeks may include but are not limited to: heavy lifting, pulling, or pushing. Your activities may be guided by your tolerance in many cases. It will take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to dissipate.
The use of bath tubs, Jacuzzis, or anything that allows the body to submerge is not allowed, until clearance from the physician has been provided (usually 2-3 weeks after the surgery). Showering is allowed 24 hours after surgery. It is important to pat the operative areas dry and replace the dressings.
If you have questions, please call one of our licensed providers at Arizona Weight Loss Solutions: 480.419.2280.