Roux-en-Y Surgery

How It Works

The Roux-en-Y is a stomach stapling procedure that involves sectioning off a portion of your stomach to create a small pouch. The resulting pouch will then be attached directly to your small intestine to bypass part of the small intestine and the rest of your stomach. As a result of these alterations to your stomach, you may be able to achieve a “full” feeling with less food.

The surgery can be done as an open procedure or a minimally invasive procedure called a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y using a tiny camera and only requiring a series of small cuts. The surgeon will determine which version of the procedure is best for your situation. Many patients are able to have the minimally invasive surgery, which often means a shorter recovery time.

When to Consider the Surgery

Long-term obesity can significantly lower quality of life, especially with related health conditions. Roux-en-Y surgery becomes a consideration for weight loss if you’ve tried other methods of losing weight without success. Even if you’ve had short-term success with some diets, the resulting weight gain with efforts that have failed can contribute to health issues. The procedure is also worth considering if you’re experiencing:

• Joint pain or inflammation aggravated by weight
• Obstructive sleep apnea on a regular basis
• Severe arthritis compounded by excess weight

You may have seriously committed to diet and exercise programs in the past that have failed to produce results, which could be the result of biological issues such as metabolism. Roux-en-Y surgery may provide the added incentive you need to lose weight and stick to a diet and exercise plan that produces sustained results. You’ll have a chance to discuss any personal goals during your initial consultation.

Preparing for the Surgery

If it’s determined that this procedure may benefit you, expect to go through an educational period when you’ll be told how the procedure works and what you will need to do to increase the odds of enjoying long-term success. You will receive a thorough medical examination, which typically includes an assessment of your overall health and a review of your medical history. You may be tested for any nutritional deficiencies prior to the procedure and prescribed supplements to correct such issues prior to surgery.

Be sure to mention any medications you’re currently taking for other conditions during your appointment before the surgery is scheduled, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal medications, vitamins, and supplements. If you smoke, you’ll be asked to stop prior to surgery. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications until after the procedure for safety reasons. Check with your insurance provider to confirm that the procedure is covered.

The exact steps that you will need to take to prepare will depend on many factors. It is best to follow the instructions that your doctor will provide for you prior to your surgery. These directions are designed to help you prepare and also recover safely.

After the Surgery

The average hospital stay with Roux-en-Y surgery surgery is 2 to 4 days. After your procedure, you’ll start with liquids before switching to pureed foods. You may have to temporarily use a catheter. Soft foods will eventually be added to your diet before easing back into foods of a regular consistency.

Nutritional supplements may be recommended to compensate for nutrients your body may not be getting from food alone following the procedure. You’ll likely be encouraged to chew foods slowly to ensure proper digestion and get regular exercise after you’ve healed.

Long-Term Outlook

You’ll likely experience your most substantial weight loss within the three to four-month period after Roux-en-Y surgery, but this can vary from one patient to the next. The long-term outlook for the surgery depends on your commitment to the procedure. It’s recommended that you focus more on consistency of weight loss rather than simply shedding unwanted pounds.

You may reach a point where weight loss will decrease, although this is a perfectly normal occurrence following the procedure. This is because your initial weight loss is due to a reduction in fatty tissue and you’ll eventually reach a point where you don’t have as much of this tissue. You can increase your odds of enjoying lasting results by:

• Listening to your body’s “fullness signals”
• Sticking to your diet recommendations
• Consistently making healthier food choices
• Setting smaller, short-term goals

You may be an ideal candidate for Roux-en-Y surgery if you’re at least 100 pounds over your normal weight for your height and build. There’s research indicating such procedures tend to benefit individuals with a body mass index ranging from 35 to 35.9 — although it may also help those with a higher BMI — and with related health issues such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. If you have realistic expectations going into procedure and follow dietary recommendations afterwards, you may be among those who benefit from the procedure.

To determine if you are a good fit for Roux-en-Y surgery, you will need to schedule a consultation. After talking with your doctor about your health, medical and family history, current weight, and weight loss goals, your doctor will be able to help you determine whether this or other weight loss surgeries are a good option for you.