Specialty

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 most frequently performed weight loss
surgery in the United States. In this procedure, stapling
creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The
remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is
completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach
pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties
directly into the lower portion of the jejunum, thus
bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the
small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose
of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the
newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is
connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine
creating the "Y" shape that gives the technique its name.
The length of either segment of the intestine can be
increased to produce lower or higher levels of
malabsorption.

Name:                             Jennifer
Age:                                31
Weight Before Surgery: 282 lbs (BMI: 45.5)
Current Weight:              154 lbs (BMI: 24.9)
Procedure Type:             Laparoscopic
                                        Roux-en-Y Gastric
                                        Bypass
Weight Lost:                   128 pounds
Time period:                    11 months