Laparoscopic Gastric Roux-en-Y Bypass

The gastric bypass procedure has been performed using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques for the past 10 years. Compared to open surgery, the laparoscopic approach has a number of benefits, including reduced risks and faster recovery, a tendency to higher weight loss in the first year, and minimal risks of incisional hernia. During the procedure, a surgeon partitions off part of the stomach, creating a small pouch that can hold only a limited amount of food. In addition, the surgeon reroutes the small intestine to limit absorption of food and calories. No part of the intestine is removed.

Depending on your BMI, your previous surgery history, and some other factors, the procedure will take about two hours. An average hospital stay is about two days, and recovery is lasts three to four weeks.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Benefits
Patients can expect to lose between 65 and 70 percent of their presurgery excess weight (actual weight minus ideal body weight), due to the combination of restricted food intake and reduced calorie absorption. This surgery is the most frequently performed weight-loss operation in the United States. While there are some contraindications to gastric bypass, it is a procedure that can be considered by any candidate for obesity surgery.

For more Information on weight loss surgery options at St. Agnes Hospital, call 866-690-9355.