Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB, RNY)

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure has been performed more than any other weight loss surgery and is commonly known as “The Gastric Bypass.” It is considered the “Gold Standard” and is performed by 80% of obesity surgeons in the country. It has been performed in the United States for more than 30 years and has a long-term weight loss of 70% with a minimal number of complications.

A very small stomach pouch is created at the top part of the stomach, reducing the stomach by about 95%. This procedure restricts the amount of food that you can eat to a very small amount, less than 1-2 ounces. In addition, about 4 feet of the intestine is bypassed to reduce the amount of calories absorbed. This operation works primarily by limiting or restricting the amount of food eaten and, to a much lesser extent, the amount absorbed by the body. Some malabsorption occurs because food and digestive juices are separated. The patient must still watch what type of foods he or she eats. Consuming concentrated sugars and foods high in fat can result in "dumping syndrome," causing severe abdominal cramping, diarrhea and nausea. Malabsorption applies to vitamins as well as fats, so it is imperative that the patient be aware of vitamin intake and supplement with vitamins as prescribed by the physician. Most people lose 50-100 lbs in the first six months after this surgery.