Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is a type of weight-loss surgery in which your stomach is stapled and reduced to about the size of an egg to help with portion control. The smaller stomach pouch is then attached to a part of the small intestine so food is able to bypass the rest of your stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. After surgery, your body will absorb less fat and fewer calories to help you meet your weight-loss goals.
Most bariatric surgeons recommend undergoing RYGB surgery if you are considered severely obese, and are about 100 pounds overweight if you’re a man and 80 pounds overweight if you’re a woman. RYGB is especially effective for individuals who have failed to lose excess weight through diet and exercise.
Like any other type of surgery, RYGB does not come without risks and possible complications. However, as long as you follow your surgeon’s advice in regards to the lifestyle changes you’re expected to make after surgery, you can significantly lower your risk for adverse complications.
Possible long-term complications from gastric bypass surgery
RYGB is often associated with more long-term complications than any other type of weight-loss surgery due to the unique nature of the procedure. Gastric bypass surgery is a malabsorptive type of bariatric surgery, which means that your body will absorb fewer calories, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients as a result of having your small intestine rerouted. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is important following RYGB to ensure you don’t suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
If you are interested in weight loss surgery, check out MBL’s Ultimate Guide To Weight Loss surgery.
