Gastric Procedure

One of the longest-standing operative procedures we perform for weight loss is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This procedure results in weight loss by significantly reducing the size of the stomach, so you cannot eat as much, and by bypassing your small intestine so you absorb less fat from the foods you eat.

• This operation has been accepted by bariatric surgeons throughout the country and major medical societies as being the most effective in weight reduction and maintenance of weight loss.
• We perform this surgery using laparoscopic techniques, avoiding a large incision in your abdomen; however, an abdominal incision is sometimes necessary based on weight, body shape, and previous surgical history.
• A small stomach pouch about the size of a golf ball or egg is created with the stapling device. The small intestine is also divided and one end is brought up and connected to the small stomach pouch using a stapler.

Expected Weight Loss

Weight loss is greatest during the early months following surgery. During this time, it is very important that you take in enough protein so that you can recover from your surgery. The rate of weight loss slows during each succeeding month, and stabilizes between 18 and 24 months after surgery. 

The amount of weight loss cannot be precisely predicted as it depends on many factors including your age, preoperative weight, and the amount of physical activity that you do.

A word of caution: your surgery limits the amount of solid food that you can tolerate, but has less of an effect on the consumption of liquids. Drinking high calorie liquids will slow weight loss. After the sixth week, you will be encouraged to eat a regular diet so be sure to eat solid foods and drink low calorie fluids.

If food consumption or caloric intake increases after weight stabilization, some weight may be regained. 

Patients who desire to lose additional pounds must restrict caloric intake and/or increase their amount of daily exercise. Discuss a method and plan for additional weight loss with the dietician, exercise physiologist, and other members of the bariatric surgery team. 

This is an extremely important point: the procedure will give you the “kick start” to lose weight, but you must help by exercising and using caution and good judgment with your food intake.