Gastric Bypass Surgery, or Roux-en-Y (REYGB), is a bariatric surgery that uses two ways to produce weight loss: restriction and malabsorption. The stomach volume is reduced to approximately 1 ounce in order to restrict excess food consumption, and part of the intestine and rerouted to prevent absorption of many of the calories consumed.  The patient fairly rapidly loses weight.  This type of bariatric surgery is best suited for people who are morbidly obese having 40+BMI in conjunction with the serious health issues caused by obesity.

While there are many benefits to this procedure, there are also a lot of risks that lead to life-changing habits.  Because the intestines are rearranged to reduce the caloric intake, it also reduces the absorption of vitamin and minerals, which leads to malabsorption.  This can be serious as it affects your immune system and bone structure.  As a result, patients are required to take supplements, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and calcium, daily for life.  Malabsorption can also cause frequent bowel movements, body odors, and serious malnutrition.  

REYGB is historically the most common bariatric procedure performed. Generally, after the surgery patients have to stay in the hospital overnight. This surgery is performed robotically to provide the safest and least invasive method to achieve weight-loss surgery. Only 10% of patients experience minor complications post-surgery, and only 5% face serious postoperative health problems. Depending upon the type of work you do, you will be able to return to work within 1-3 weeks. Although the first week will be focused on resting, you will have to walk around a good bit to decrease pain and prevent blood clots.

In rare cases, some long-term complications after REYGB surgery are:

• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Ulcers
• Low Blood Sugar
• Malnutrition
• Stomach Perforations.
• Dumping Syndrome, which refers to the passing of food to the small intestine before being broken down which generally happens when you eat sweet or high-fat foods very rapidly or in excess amounts

While there are risks involved with Gastric Bypass surgery, your success depends on you following the surgeon’s instructions and attending your follow-up appointment.