THE ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS PROCEDURE

Important Considerations

In order to be considered for any bariatric procedure, you will need to come into our office so that Dr. Naim can perform a thorough medical evaluation. Candidates are typically morbidly obese and often suffer from other related health problems. Patients have generally exhausted all non-surgical weight loss options before considering a bariatric procedure. You will receive counseling for nutrition, diet, and exercise, as well as behavioral therapy to help you maintain your new physique after your surgery. Once you have been approved, we can schedule your procedure.

The Procedure

Dr. Naim prefers to perform all surgeries laparoscopically because this minimally invasive technique minimizes the risk of complications and reduces recovery time. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using just a few small incisions in the lower abdomen. Through these incisions, Dr. Naim will insert a tiny camera and surgical instruments. 

Dr. Naim will first section off a small portion of the stomach to create the new pouch. This smaller section will restrict the amount of food that your stomach can accommodate at one time, which should lead to less food being consumed. Next, the new stomach pouch will be reattached to the small intestine, further down the digestive tract. This achieves the malabsorptive effect by circumventing the lower part of the stomach and the upper section of the small intestine. Because this area is where most of your ingested calories are absorbed, bypassing the section (duodenum) denies the body the opportunity to convert food into fat. The upper small intestine is then redirected and attached to the lower small intestine to allow for essential digestive fluids to be delivered. The newly reconfigured small intestine resembles the letter "Y", hence the term Roux-en-Y. 

Maintaining Your Results

Patients will typically need at least a few weeks to recover from any bariatric procedure. You will be given specific instructions for your diet immediately following your surgery, which will likely consist of only liquids for a short time. Over the next year you can reasonably expect to lose a couple of pounds per week. It is very important to remember that this surgery is not a quick fix for obesity related health problems, but merely a tool to help patients succeed in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Significant changes to your diet and exercise habits are the only proven ways to maintain your new body weight. 

Schedule a Consultation Today

To learn more about whether the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is right for you, please contact our office and make an appointment with Dr. Naim.