Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

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Gastric bypass surgery makes a portion of the stomach nonfunctional and reroutes the small intestine.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery combines restrictive and malabsorptive bariatric procedures which involve surgically reconnecting the stomach and upper small intestines into a Y shape. It is the most commonly preferred and performed technique for surgical weight loss and is the least likely to result in nutritional difficulties.

Also known as the “RNY” or “bypass,” this is a widely used procedure for people who need a significant weight loss. The procedure restricts the amount of food you can eat before becoming full, limits the amount of sugars and fats you can tolerate, and has an added benefit of slightly reducing the amount of food you can absorb.

With this procedure, you will feel a very rapid onset of a sense of fullness, followed by a feeling of growing satiety, or indifference to food, shortly after the start of a meal.

How is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Performed?

This procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, an approach that is less invasive than open surgery because it involves placing the instruments and a camera through several very small incisions in the abdomen. The hospital stay is usually a day or two.

First, under general anesthesia, the surgeon divides the stomach into a large portion and a smaller one. Then the small part is sewn or stapled together to make a pouch, which can hold only a cup or so of food. With such a small stomach, you will feel full quickly and eat less.

Second, the surgeon disconnects the functional pouch from the first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum), then connects it to a part of the small intestine called the jejunum slightly farther down. Following this procedure, food passes directly from the stomach into the jejunum. This decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients.

What Type of Support Can I Expect with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?

Undergoing bariatric surgery is only one stop on your road to weight loss and improved health. At Dignity Health, our bariatric surgeons, specialists, and support staff help you every step of the way. We answer your questions about what bariatric surgery option is right for you and stay with you after surgery as you make lifestyle changes. Our services include the following:

  • introductory education session
  • physician consultation
  • nutrition counseling
  • post-surgery support

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