Roux-en-Y Procedure (Gastric Bypass)
In the Roux-en-Y procedure, surgeons place a staple line across the top portion of the stomach to create a very small stomach pouch. Surgeons then connect the new stomach pouch to the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food eaten and decreases absorption of the food that is consumed.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery uses several very small incisions in the abdomen instead of a single, large incision. Surgeons operate through these incisions using a laparoscope—a fiber optic tube and a small video camera that shows the abdominal organs on a TV monitor. Patients usually feel less pain and have a shorter recovery period with laparoscopic surgery.
Gastric Banding
Gastric banding surgery is performed laparoscopically by placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach. The new, small upper stomach pouch and a narrowed outlet limit the stomach capacity and increase the feeling of fullness. The following reduction in food intake results in weight loss.
Options for Those Who Regain Weight
There are other surgical options if you've regained weight after gastric bypass surgery, due to a stretched stomach pouch or an enlarged stomach outlet.
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