Bariatric Procedures:

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Procedure

The operation involves creating a small gastric pouch using surgical stapling across the stomach. The gastric pouch is drained by a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The procedure combines the restrictive effect of a small pouch with malabsorption of food bypassing the duodenum. Deficiencies that may be caused by poor absorption can be controlled through proper supplementation.

The Ideal Candidate for Gastric Bypass Surgery

A person meeting the following criteria may qualify for this surgery:
  • Severely obese for at least 5 years
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 or more than 100 pounds overweight (Check your BMI score)
  • Medical necessity to lose weight (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea)
  • No substance abuse, psychosis, eating disorders, or uncontrolled depression
  • Past attempts at weight loss without permanent success

All gastric bypass candidates are screened on an individual basis. (Many insurance companies have their own standards that must be met.)

Contraindications

Patients will not be considered for gastric bypass surgery if:
  • They are unprepared to make lifestyle changes that will help them in their weight loss
  • The risk of the surgery would outweigh any potential health benefits
  • They have a severe psychological disorder or substance abuse
  • They are unwilling to comply with our recommendations

Statistics

  • More than 80% of Type 2 diabetes cases are resolved with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
  • Gastric bypass surgery successfully resolves more cases of Type 2 diabetes than purely restrictive procedures
  • Resolution of Type 2 diabetes often occurs within days of the surgery
  • Almost 97% of hyperlipidemia cases are resolved
  • Over 75% of hypertension cases are resolved; Nearly 90% are resolved or improved
  • Substantial weight reduction occurs
  • Over 60% of excess weight can be lost
  • In 2000, a study of 500 patients showed that over 95% of co-morbidities (the study looked specifically at back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and depression) were improved or resolved
  • The average excess weight loss after a gastric bypass procedure is generally higher than with a purely restrictive procedure

SOURCE: Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA 2004.

For more information about Geisinger’s nationally recognized bariatric surgery program, please contace us today at www.geisingerbariatrics.org/contact-bariatric-center or call
1-800-275-6401 and ask for bariatric surgery.