Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
The Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss procedure that entails cutting a tiny pouch from the stomach and attaching it directly to the small intestine. Following a gastric bypass, eaten food will travel through this little pouch of the stomach and into the small intestine, skipping most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine in the process.
One of the most often carried out types of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass. When diet and exercise have failed or when you are experiencing major health issues as a result of your weight, a gastric bypass procedure is performed.
Description
What is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)?
The Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss procedure that entails cutting a tiny pouch from the stomach and attaching it directly to the small intestine. Following a gastric bypass, eaten food will travel through this little pouch of the stomach and into the small intestine, skipping most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine in the process.
One of the most often carried out types of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass. When diet and exercise have failed or when you are experiencing major health issues as a result of your weight, a gastric bypass procedure is performed.
Why it’s done?
Gastric bypass is done to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Infertility
Gastric bypass is typically done only after you’ve tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.
Benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB)
- Reliable and long-lasting weight loss
- Effective for remission of obesity-associated conditions
- Refined and standardized technique
Who it’s for?
In general, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries could be an option for you if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity).
- Your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems.
But gastric bypass isn’t for everyone who is severely overweight. You may need to meet certain medical guidelines to qualify for weight-loss surgery. You likely will have an extensive screening process to see if you qualify.
You must also be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle. You may be required to participate in long-term follow-up plans that include monitoring your nutrition, your lifestyle and behavior, and your medical conditions.
