Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP)
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP) is commonly known simply as ‘gastric bypass’ and is one of the most common bariatric (weight loss) procedures with the longest track record. It is a more invasive option than laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery, however, it can offer more benefits to patients who suffer from diabetes or severe reflux symptoms.
What’s involved in Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is performed as laparoscopic surgery in which a small incisions are made in the abdomen. The procedure creates a new stomach ‘pouch’ that bypasses the rest of the stomach and directly connects to the middle portion of the small intestine called the Roux limb, forming a ‘Y’ shape. When you eat, food bypasses the rest of the stomach and the upper part of your small intestine.
How does Gastric Bypass Surgery help with weight loss?
Gastric bypass surgery can help patients lose weight in several different ways:
Gastric bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch that restricts the amount of food you can consume in one meal.
You will feel fuller after eating less.
The procedure re-routes the food that is consumed directly into the small bowel, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small bowel, hence not all of the calories consumed are absorbed by the body.
This ‘bypass’ leads to metabolic and hormonal changes in the digestive system that include a number of hormonal changes that lead to reduced appetite and better control of blood sugar
As a result most patients experience a reduced appetite and immediate improvement in diabetes and blood pressure control
Am I a candidate for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is performed to treat severe obesity. The decision to proceed with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is ultimately made in consultation with Dr Ghadiri, however you may be suitable for this procedure if you:
Have a BMI over 40.
Have a BMI between 35 and 40 and also suffer from an obesity-linked health condition, such as sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
Have a history of other weight loss surgeries such as Gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, without long-term successful weight loss.
Dr Ghadiri will discuss the options with you and take into consideration your individual health and circumstances before making a clinical recommendation.
What are the benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is used to treat severe obesity or when you have tried other weight loss methods without long-term success. Gastric bypass can help you lose a significant amount of excess weight (up to two thirds of your excess weight). It may also reverse type 2 diabetes and stop heartburn and reflux. More generally, bariatric surgery can also lower the risk for high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and certain heart and joint problems.
How much weight loss can I expect following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Following gastric bypass surgery, patients can expect to lose around one third of their total body weight, with most weight loss normally observed during the first year following surgery. The weight loss generally plateaus sometime in the second post-operative year and you can then expect minor fluctuations around a new significantly lowered set-point. The success of gastric bypass surgery depends on your commitment towards changing your lifestyle and maintaining healthy eating habits.
Follow-up appointments are an essential part of your treatment. Dr Ghadiri will lead a multidisciplinary team that may include a bariatric nurse, dietician, exercise physiologist and psychologist to help you get the best long term results.
How long is the recovery after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Most patients are in hospital 2-3 nights and are discharged home on a liquid diet which they continue for 2 weeks and are then slowly progressed onto a puree diet and subsequently a soft diet. By 8 weeks you will be able to eat most solid foods in small amounts. .
Most people need 1-2 weeks off work depending on how physical your job is. It can be helpful to have supportive family and friends at hand to help you during the first few weeks. It is also helpful to prepare some meals prior to surgery and freeze very small portions to have in the immediate post-operative period. Our dietician will guide you in this regard during the pre-operative and early post-operative period.
Where will I have my Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Dr Ghadiri performs surgery in Brisbane at Brisbane Private Hospital (Wickham Tce) and the Wesley Hospital. She also performs surgery in Ipswich at St Andrew’s Private Hospital.
She will discuss the most convenient location for you and where possible accommodate your preference. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask Dr Ghadiri in your initial consultation.