According to recent statistics from the CDC, approximately 44% of American adults are considered obese. A report was published in the American Journal of Public Health that looked at the probability of an obese individual reaching a healthy BMI on their own. For adults who suffer from standard obesity, the odds of them reaching a healthy weight without medical intervention are less than 1%, and the odds are even grimmer for those who are considered morbidly obese.

Bariatric surgery offers obese individuals a chance to lose weight and become healthier. Gastric bypass surgery is one of the most requested procedures and is known to be effective in promoting substantial weight loss and assisting in resolving metabolic and other health conditions.

Today we are going to look at an overview of Roux-en-Y, commonly known as gastric bypass surgery. We will talk about what gastric bypass surgery does, how long it takes, can it be reversed, what type of doctor performs gastric bypass, and what results the surgery offers.

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What Is The Purpose of Roux-en-Y (Gastric Bypass)?

Gastric bypass surgery is done to medically assist individuals in achieving significant weight loss to improve their health. It provides an effective solution for those who suffer from severe obesity and have been unable to lose weight on their own through traditional methods.

The Roux-en-Y procedure is performed by a bariatric surgeon while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. The surgeon creates four to five small incisions in strategic locations in the abdomen to use as access points for the procedure. With the use of a specialized laparoscope and medical tools, the surgeon places a series of staples in the stomach to divide it into two different parts, with the top resembling a small pouch. Then, a portion of the small intestine is altered to skip a large section of the digestive process and is connected directly to the smaller stomach pouch. A gastric bypass can take between two and four hours to complete, and patients normally stay in the hospital for at least two days.

Since the stomach is much smaller, it forces portion control as it can only hold a certain amount of food. The rerouting of the digestive system prevents the body from being able to use all the calories or nutrients that are ingested, and these two techniques, used together (restrictive and malabsorptive), help promote significant weight loss.

What Results Are Typical After Gastric Bypass, And Do They Last?

After gastric bypass surgery, around 90% of patients lose at least 70% of their excess body weight. The loss of weight often happens quite rapidly, which can cause side effects such as hair loss, gallstones, muscle loss, fatigue, and more.

After losing weight, many patients find relief from serious health conditions such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and more.

The results of the surgery can be different for each person, and much is dependent on their commitment to making the necessary dietary and behavioral changes to sustain their new, healthier weight. Creating new healthy lifestyle habits, such as making sure to get enough physical exercise every week and consuming a nutritious and well-rounded diet, are key to maintaining the results of bypass surgery.

Research has shown that around 15% of the people who have gastric bypass surgery fail to lose or maintain at least a 50% loss of excess weight 18 to 24 months after their surgery. The long-term failure rate for this surgery is between 20% and 35%.

What Type Of Doctor Performs This Surgery?

A surgeon who specializes in treating obesity and the health issues related to it does Roux-en-Y (gastric bypass surgery). Known as bariatric surgeons, these highly-trained doctors focus on performing operations that help obese individuals lose weight.

Is This Procedure Reversible?

The technique used to create a smaller stomach and prevent the absorption of all the calories ingested involved making anatomical changes (altering the path of the intestines). These changes are considered permanent and irreversible, and although there have been instances of reversal surgery, they are dangerous and advised against.

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Is There A Non-Surgical Option Similar To Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) surgery can be a life-saving procedure for some individuals, and it has proven very effective in facilitating weight loss. The downside to this procedure is that it is a major surgery that comes with increased risks and complications, not to mention a hospital stay and a substantial amount of downtime. In addition, there is a fairly extensive qualification process to be found eligible for this surgery.

There is a newer and significantly less invasive option to help individuals lose weight called Suture Sculpt ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty). This is a procedure that is performed as an outpatient and does not involve any incisions at all. Although it has been performed for over 10 years, it was recently approved by the FDA as a viable method of weight loss.

The doctor uses the patient's throat and a special device called an endoscope to access the stomach and reduce its size. Several strategically placed stitches hold the stomach into a new, smaller tube-like shape and restrict the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. This smaller capacity also slows down the digestion process, so patients feel satisfied for a longer time. Suture Sculpt ESG has a typical recovery time of about three days, and patients can go about their normal activities as soon as they want.

Would You Like To Have Help With Weight Loss Without Surgery?

It is hard to lose weight, especially once it gets away from you. Do not let your situation escalate or become worse. Here at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Centers, we understand how frustrating trying to lose weight on your own can be. We can help make all your hard work and effort pay off in big ways, and we will be right by your side, celebrating you reaching your goals.

Whether you are interested in a weight loss procedure or just need help with making changes to your behavior, lifestyle, and diet, we are here to work with you in creating an individualized plan to help you lose weight and become healthier. Give us a call today or book your consultation online to find out your options for losing weight without having to undergo surgery.

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