Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

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Losing weight can be difficult. Gastric bypass surgery, which reduces the size of your stomach, and changes the route of your intestines, is a way to limit the amount of food you eat. Although this may sound like an easy answer, it is not magic.

This surgery requires lifelong changes in your eating habits and your attitude about food. Every day you will need to make good food and exercise choices. For a healthy lifestyle after surgery, you will need to make behavior as well as nutrition changes. Thousands of patients have succeeded with this program. With your full commitment and the support of family and friends, you can too.

You will also get support from your bariatric surgery team. They will provide information, help, encouragement and guidance.

What's gastric bypass surgery?

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery changes the size of your stomach as well as your ability to absorb calories to help you succeed at long-term weight loss.

Your doctor will reduce the size of your stomach with this surgery.

• Your surgeon will reduce the size of your stomach with this surgery. Your stomach will be stapled and then divided, making two different sections: the new stomach or pouch, and the bypassed stomach.
• Part of your small intestine will be separated and attached to the pouch so your food will go right into the small intestine after it goes through the pouch. You will absorb fewer calories because of this.
• The bypassed stomach is sewn closed, but will continue to produce acid and digestive juices that drain into your digestive tract. Because the small intestine is separated and part of it is attached to your new pouch, it will look like a "Y" and that's where the surgery got the "Y" in its name.

This surgery cuts down the amount of food and liquid you can hold at one time. Your pouch will hold about one to two tablespoons of food at the beginning. As you fill this pouch, a signal is sent to your brain that you feel "satisfied" and should stop eating. If you try to eat too much or too quickly, you may feel a wave of nausea or abdominal pain, or you may vomit.

Are there risks to this surgery?

This surgery does carry risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks, hernia and ulcers. Also, the outlet at the bottom of your pouch may get plugged (clogging), or your body might not absorb some vitamin and minerals you need.

Death from this surgery is a rare risk, about 0.3 percent in the U.S. This is about the same as that for gallbladder surgery or a hip replacement.

Read about possible problems after gastric bypass surgery.

Is there a chance you could regain weight?

Studies show that most patients keep most of their weight off after surgery. However, you should know that weight loss surgery is done to help you manage obesity. It is not a cure. The choices you make after surgery will affect your results. Becoming an active, lifelong participant in managing your health helps you achieve and maintain success.

The bariatric program staff is available to help you. Patients may sometimes become frustrated and discouraged if they get stuck at the same weight for a while or if they regain some weight. Think of the bariatric program staff as your coach. Seek their support whenever you need it.

A diet high in protein and low in fat, sugar and calories, plus regular exercise will help you make this surgery a success.

Related Links

Eating after gastric bypass surgery

Exercise is important after gastric bypass surgery

Possible problems after gastric bypass surgery

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: What You Need to Know Before and After Surgery (57-page handbook)

First published: 01/21/2005
Last updated: 02/15/2010

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts