Overview

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (also known as stomach stapling) is a bariatric surgery procedure considered the golden rule by many. It has a restrictive and malabsortive side to it:

• Surgical stapling limits your gastric intake, so you will loose weight since you will be eating less.
• Intake of some nutrients is limited due to a surgical change in the biliar and pancreatic secretions and their union with food.

All patients who undergone bariatric surgery must be aware of all pre and post surgical requirements.

Benefits

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a surgery for those who have a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 and higher, or those whose BMI is above 35 and who suffer from comorbidity associated to obesity. The age range is from 14 to 65, nevertheless, there can be exceptions to this rule.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has the following advantages:

• It does not require readjustments, only periodical control.
• It is the most common bariatric surgery since weight loss is very successful (close to 80% of excess weight).

Some of its disadvantages:

• Possibility of surgical complications.
• Occasional vomiting.
• There might be the need for further surgical procedures.
• Irreversible alteration in the gastrointestinal anatomy.
• Needs vitamins after surgery.

Posible Complications

• Trans and post surgery bleeding
• Anastomotic "leakage".
• Internal hernia.
• Intestinal obstruction.
• Pulmonary embolus
• Obesity-related respiratory distress syndrome.
• Death

Procedure

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass reduces the size of the stomach through surgical staling. This type of weight loss surgery cuts the stomach and leaves a reservoir of approximately 30ml. Then, the small intestine is divided to form a “y” and changes the course of secreciones biliopancreáticas and unite the “y” to the gastric reservoir so food follows a different course.

Weight loss surgery of this type performs gastrointestinal cuts and unions and could eventually cause “leaks”. This is a risk involved in this type of surgery.

After surgery, the patient must follow special diets and vitamin intake to loose weight properly.

Hospitalization

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass requires 4 nights hospitalization.

Time

Between an hour and a half and four hours.