What is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Caribbean Bariatric Institute provides life-changing bariatric surgeries designed to help individuals struggling with obesity achieve significant and lasting weight loss.
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a specific method of weight loss surgery that involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing the majority of the stomach and part of the intestine. This helps reduce food intake and absorption, typically leading to significant weight loss.
Our surgeries are not only focused on reducing the amount of food consumed but also on improving metabolic function. This dual approach helps patients lose weight and maintain that loss long-term, while also addressing obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
Who Should Consider the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Roux-en-Y is an effective option for those seeking substantial, sustained weight loss when other methods have been unsuccessful.
To qualify for the Roux-en-y gastric bypass, patients must meet specific medical criteria. At Caribbean Bariatric Institute, we conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure the procedure is both safe and effective. A person qualifies to be a candidate for bariatric surgery if they fulfill the following criteria (these requirements may vary by insurance provider):
- Individuals with Body Mass Index or BMI ≥35 kg/m2, regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities.
- Patients with Type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥30 kg/m2.
- Surgery should be considered in individuals with BMI of 30–34.9 kg/m2 who do not achieve substantial or durable weight loss or co-morbidity improvement using nonsurgical methods.
Additionally, candidates for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass should be able to demonstrate a history of unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through traditional methods like diet, exercise, and medication.
What is the Difference Between the Types of Bariatric Surgery?
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the digestive tract to limit food intake and nutrient absorption, leading to significant weight loss.
The sleeve gastrectomy reduces the stomach size by about 80%, shaping it into a tube-like structure, which limits food intake. During the first year after surgery, patients also have decreased hunger hormone production, reducing their appetite.
Both surgeries offered at Caribbean Bariatric Institute are minimally invasive and performed using laparoscopic techniques, which results in shorter recovery times and reduced complication risks. Our team is committed to providing individualized care and will work with you to determine which type of surgery is best for you.
What to Expect After the Gastric Bypass
After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for one night to monitor healing and manage any discomfort. During this period, they begin a liquid diet, allowing the stomach to start its recovery. Most patients can return home the day after surgery, based on their recovery progress.
Over the following weeks, the diet progresses from liquids to pureed foods and then soft solids, with a focus on high-protein, low-sugar options. Light activities, such as walking, are reintroduced gradually. Full recovery, including normal activities, usually occurs within 4-6 weeks, along with essential follow-up appointments to monitor health and nutrition.
Our team is here to help guide you through every step of the process to ensure you are fully prepared for the transformative journey ahead. If you are considering bariatric surgery, request an appointment and we will discuss your options.
FAQs about Bariatric Surgery
Common Risks of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are risks of complications from surgery. While bariatric surgery can be a positive transformational experience, patients need to be aware of these risks and follow strict medical guidance to minimize them.
The most common concern for the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the risk of dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly through the small intestine. This may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Changing the way your body processes food can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, so it is crucial that patients maintain a high-protein, vitamin-rich diet. Patients will often take bariatric vitamin supplements, which contain iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B12, to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
We will discuss all the possible risks of each type of surgery with you prior to your procedure, so we can decide what type of surgery is right for you.
What is the Cost of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Costs for surgery may vary based on what insurance provider you have. Some patients may also need additional radiology studies or procedures before bariatric surgery can be performed. Visit our billing page for more information on accepted insurance plans and payment options.
How Quickly Can I Get Bariatric Surgery?
We strive to get our patient’s initial consultation complete as quickly as possible. However, timelines for surgery will vary depending on if paying cash or if utilizing insurance. Each insurance provider has its own requirements.
The general process for bariatric surgery begins with an appointment with your surgeon, followed by a behavioral health and nutrition evaluation. Basic blood work is also done. You may also need to see a specialist (endocrinology, cardiology, sleep medicine, etc.) so we can create a treatment plan that considers all your prior health conditions. Some insurance companies require monthly weight checks and nutritional counseling prior to surgery.
