Gastric bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or the so called “gastric bypass” is considered to be the “golden standard” in bariatric surgery and it  is the most often applied procedure of that type all over the world.

About procedure:

The procedure consists of two components. Small pouch is formed (30 ml volume approximately) by dividing the upper part of stomach from the remaining part. Then the first part of small intestines is separated and their lower end is lifted and connected to the newly formed pouch. Procedure is completed by stapling the upper part of small intestines to the lower small intestines so that the gastric acids and digestive enzymes from the gastric bypass and the first part of small intestines finally mix with the food.
Gastric bypass works by several mechanisms. First, similar to most bariatric procedures, the newly formed pouch is significantly less and significantly facilitates swallowing of less food, which is expressed in consumption of less calories. Most important is that the food flow is redirected, there are changes in intestinal hormones which inhibit hunger, and it prevents the main mechanisms via which obesity causes diabetes type 2.

Advantages:

1. Provokes significant and long-term weight loss (about 60-80 % of the overweight);
2. Restricts the food quantity which the stomach contains;
3. May lead to conditions which increase energy consumption;
4. Provokes favourable changes in intestinal hormones which inhibit hunger and improve the sense of repletion;
5. Usually loss of over 50 % of overweight is maintained.

Disadvantages:

1. Technically this type of operation is more complex than the other, which increases the complications risk;
2. There is probability of long-term vitamins/minerals deficiency i.e.: vitamin B12, iron, calcium and folic acid;
3. Longer hospitalization period as compared with banding;
4. Requires observation of the recommendations for dietary regimen and administration of vitamins/mineral supplements for lifetime.