Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery reduces the capacity (restrictive) of the stomach and bypasses (malabsorptive) a portion of the small intestine.
The laparoscopic procedure has the benefit of a quicker recovery time and less pain than traditional surgery.
The gastric bypass surgery is the gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery that has excellent long-term results and very low complication rates.
Surgery lasts 1.5–2 hours and requires a hospital stay of two days.
Dietitians will provide on-going education related to dietary regimen before and after surgery.
Typically results in the largest amount of weight loss.
Excellent long-term results.
Resolution of comorbidities such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Average excess weight loss is generally higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures. Minimally invasive approach is possible. Has been performed longer than laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Procedure has higher total average weight loss than with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.	Requires cutting and stapling of the stomach. Because a portion of the digestive tract is bypassed, absorption of essential nutrients, primarily vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, is reduced, which could cause medical deficiencies. These deficiencies, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements. Is non-adjustable and extremely difficult to reverse. A condition known as “dumping syndrome” can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Average excess weight loss is generally higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures.
Minimally invasive approach is possible.
Has been performed longer than laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.
Procedure has higher total average weight loss than with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Requires cutting and stapling of the stomach.
Because a portion of the digestive tract is bypassed, absorption of essential nutrients, primarily vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, is reduced, which could cause medical deficiencies. These deficiencies, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements.
Is non-adjustable and extremely difficult to reverse.
A condition known as “dumping syndrome” can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.