Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

The operation is performed laparoscopically (using keyhole surgery) under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdominal wall for the insertion of long, thin surgical instruments. A narrow camera is passed through one of these incisions so the surgeon can view the operative site on a nearby video monitor.

The stomach is divided into a small upper pouch and a large lower pouch using surgical staplers which provide a seal between the two sections. A piece of the small bowel (jejunum) is then joined to the small stomach pouch bypassing the lower part of the stomach and the upper portion of the small bowel (duodenum).

The upper pouch is small so fills up quickly. The patient feels full and is unable to eat large volumes of food. The consumed food then passes directly to the middle part of the small intestine and through the rest of the digestive system. As the digestive system has effectively been made shorter, absorption of nutrients and calories is reduced.

• More rapid initial weight loss compared to restrictive only procedures
• Perceived to offer patients a less restrictive diet
• Carried out using keyhole surgery leaving minimal scarring
• Helps create and maintain a feeling of fullness
• May produce “Dumping syndrome” in patients if they eat too many sweet or fatty foods on an empty stomach, which may result in nausea, queasiness, vomiting and diarrhoea. (This can be considered a benefit as it forces the patient into healthier food choices)
• Makes it easier to adopt changes to your eating habits and lifestyle

The decision to have a bypass should not be taken lightly and you will need to consult with your surgeon who will advise you of the advantages, risks and expectations of this type of surgery. Our team will only perform the operation once they are confident that you understand how the gastric bypass works and that you have the commitment to work with it to develop a new healthier lifestyle.

There may be other medical reasons why surgery is not right for you. Our team will go through your medical history and the results of any tests you may have had prior to agreeing to proceed.

To qualify for the gastric bypass you must have tried to lose weight using conventional methods without long-term success and be:

• At least 18 years old
• Overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40
• Overweight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or above and suffer from an obesity-related health condition that poses a serious risk to your long term health (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc)
• Not suffering from any other diseases that may have caused your obesity
• Willing to continue being monitored by the specialist treating you
• Ready to commit to long-term changes relating to eating patterns and exercise

The amount of weight you lose depends on your motivation, commitment to change your eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Therefore, some people lose more weight than others. Reduxion will provide you with regular follow-ups to ensure you get the advice and support you need to reach your weight loss goals. On average patients lose about 60-70% of their excess weight in the first 18 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.