Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY)

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass reroutes the digestive process. Either laparoscopically or through open surgery, the surgeon creates a pouch from a part of the top portion of the stomach, which is separated by staples from the remaining portion. Next, a quarter of the small intestine is divided from the entire 20-foot-long small intestinal tract. This divided piece is attached to the new stomach pouch. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this rerouting process only allows the digestive system to take in about 1,000 (or less) calories worth of food each day.

About 85% of all bariatric surgeries in the United States are gastric bypass. Depending on geographical location, weight, age, and other factors, the cost for RNY Gastric Bypass varies from $18,000-$35,000. If an insurance provider approves coverage for weight loss surgery, the patient is usually required to pay up to 20% of the total cost, depending on the plan type and insurance company.

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