Bariatrics Program The most common operative procedure we perform for weight loss is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This is currently considered the "Gold Standard" of weight loss surgical procedures. It results in weight loss by significantly reducing the size of your stomach, so you cannot eat as much, and by bypassing your small intestines so you absorb less fat from the foods you eat. This operation has been accepted by obesity surgeons' throughout the country and major medical societies as being the most effective in weight reduction and maintenance of weight loss. We perform this surgery using laparoscopic techniques, avoiding a large incision in your abdomen; however an abdominal incision is sometimes necessary based on your weight, body shape, and previous surgical history. See the picture below for an idea of the placement of incisions.
Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass Procedure
A small stomach pouch is created with a stapling device. The small intestines are also divided and one end is brought up and connected to the small stomach pouch using a stapler.
Expected Weight Loss: Weight loss is greatest during the early months following surgery. During this time, it is very important that you take in enough protein so that you can recover form your surgery. The rate of weight loss slows during each succeeding month, and usually stabilizes between 12 and 18 months after surgery. The amount of weight loss cannot be precisely predicated as weight loss depends on many factors, including your age, preoperative weight, and the amount of physical activity that you do. A word of caution: your surgery limits the amount of solid food that you can tolerate, but has less of an effect on the consumption of liquids. Drinking high calories liquids will slow your weight loss. After the sixth week, you will be encouraged to eat a regular diet so be sure to eat solid foods and drink low calorie fluids. If food consumption or calorie intake increases after weight stabilization, some weight may be regained. Patients who desire to loose additional pounds must restrict caloric intake and/or increase their amount of daily exercise. Discuss the method and plan for additional weight loss with the dietician, physical therapist, and other members of the bariatric surgery team. This is an extremely important point, the procedure will give you the "kick start" to lose weight, but you must help by exercising and using caution/judgment with your food intake. What You Can Expect: Most patients do very well after surgery and have a minimum of adjustment problems or complications. There is a special diet after surgery that is necessary for the healing of your stomach, its readjustment to solid food, and its new stapled condition. Most patients make the transition back to a regular diet without much difficulty. The dietician will instruct you in what to do and provide you with any additional information you desire. He/She and other members of the bariatric surgery team will be available to answer your questions or handle any problems that occur. You will not be on your own after surgery. Our team will be available to help you for as long as you need any advice, encouragement, information, or help in adjusting to your "new stomach". Follow-up Care: You will return to the clinic in one month, three months, six months, nine months, twelve months, and every year after surgery. You will see the team dietician, as well as other members of the team, to ensure that your dietary intake is adequate for your health needs. They will also counsel you regarding exercise, as well as your emotional and physical adjustments to your weight loss. Medications You May Not Take: There are several non-prescription and prescription medications that you should not take unless you receive permission and instruction from us in how to take them. Among the medications in this category are all arthritis medications, aspirin, and aspirin- containing products, including many cold medications. Alka Seltzer®, BC powders®, Goody powders®, Bufferin®, Ascriptin®, and many other medications that contain aspirin or salicylate compounds are prohibited. These can greatly irritate you stomach pouch and cause a number of serious problems. You should also avoid taking Nuprin®, Advil®, Aleve®, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter arthritis pain or menstrual cramp medications. If you have any questions about whether a prescription medication or a non prescription medication contains aspirin or other stomach-irritating compounds, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take any of these medications unless you have first spoken with your surgeon or someone from the bariatric surgery team for permission and instructions on how an exception might be made in your case.
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