Is it Right for You?

Also known as: Bariatric surgery, laparoscopic gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass Gastric bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. You will not be able to eat as much as before, and your body will not absorb all the calories from the food you eat.

 Have a minimum BMI of 40+ for at least five years, or a minimum BMI of 35+ with significant medical complications related to obesity.  Be between the ages of 18 and 65. Patients older or younger may be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Show evidence of previous attempts to lose weight through a medically supervised program and/or programs such as Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig.

 The first step makes your stomach smaller.  The second step is the bypass.  This can be done in two different ways: Incision into the belly, working on the stomach, small intestine, and other organs or Use of a tiny camera called a laparoscope which is placed in the belly. w

 Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, & Vitamin B12  Protein Malnutrition  Dumping Syndrome  Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar

 High risk of malabsorption, Dumping Syndrome, anemia, and bone disease  Breakdown of the pouch  Gallstones and gallbladder attacks  Gastritis, heartburn, or stomach ulcers  Bleeding requiring the transfusion of blood or blood products  Leakage at the surgical site

 Hernia requiring further surgery  Serious wound infection  Stomach or intestinal blockage  Blood clots  Heart attack  Stroke

 Blind Loop Syndrome

 Gastric bypass may improve the health and lengthen the life span of people who are severely obese.  As weight loss occurs, gastric bypass patients can see improvements in a number of serious medical conditions. - Diabetes - Cholesterol - Blood pressure - Sleep apnea

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation is considered an acceptable treatment of choice for carefully selected individuals but it is not a cure for obesity; rather, it is the beginning of lifelong eating and exercise behavior changes.