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   Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

What is Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery?

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is a minimally invasive operation designed to create a small stomach pouch. A section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch, allowing food to bypass a portion of the small intestine. The small stomach pouch is roughly the size of an egg which helps patients feel full with smaller amounts of food and thereby eat less. Bypassing a portion of the small intestine also allows patients to absorb fewer calories.

    

What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery?
  • Average weight loss is 60-70% of excess weight.
  • Weight loss is generally fast.
  • Weight loss, on average, is sustained over time.
  • Smaller incisions are used with laparoscopic surgery. As a result, there is usually less pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less scarring as compared to open surgery.
  • Read more about possible complications.
What type of anesthesia will be required?

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is done under general anesthesia.

What is the typical hospital course?

Patients arrive 2 hours prior to surgery and are admitted to the hospital. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery usually takes 1.5-2 hours, and approximately 6 dime-sized incisions are needed to do the operation. Patients begin walking the day of surgery and are started on liquids the following day. Patients are usually discharged the day after surgery.

What kind of recovery can be expected?

Most patients will return to work in 2-3 weeks.