There are several types of weight loss surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, known as lap band surgery. All three surgeries have the same objective: to help you lose weight by reducing the amount of food that you can consume at one time.
Choosing the right surgery for you depends on several things, including your medical history and goals. At the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, you and Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir, a Lake Health board-certified general surgeon fellowship trained in bariatric surgery, will choose the weight loss option that is right for you. Here’s what to expect during a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, commonly called gastric bypass:
What is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
To perform gastric bypass, Dr. Ben-Meir separates the stomach into two distinct compartments. He performs this operation laparoscopically with a small video camera and small surgical instruments that he inserts inside the abdomen through five small incisions, each of which are one-quarter to one-half inch long. To perform the open surgery, Dr. Ben-Meir makes a six- to eight-inch incision from the breastbone to the navel.
Dr. Ben-Meir performs the surgery by dividing the stomach into a small upper pouch that will hold about one-half ounce of food and a large bypassed stomach. He divides the small intestine and connects the “Roux loop” to the small pouch. He then reconnects the bypassed stomach to the Roux Loop 100 centimeters below the small pouch. This way, the bypassed stomach continues to secrete stomach acid that aids in the digestive process.
What are the risks of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Every surgery poses possible risks and complications. With gastric bypass surgery, those risks include:
- Leaks
- Pulmonary embolism
- Leg clots
- Bleeding.
These are serious complications, so choosing your surgeon is important. During your consultation, Dr. Ben-Meir will review his many years of experience performing thousands of gastric bypass surgeries and his personal complication rate.
What are the benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery?
Weight loss surgery can improve or put into remission many health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Patients also experience what Dr. Ben-Meir and his team call non-scale victories, such as being able to tie their shoes or not needing a seatbelt extender on an airplane.
Take the first step
Weight loss is a journey that starts with a single step. If you’re ready to take the first step, sign up for our on-demand webinar to “meet” Dr. Ben-Meir and to learn more about weight loss surgery and the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center.
Watch our private online webinar. It’s free and on-demand.
