Michael Schweitzer, M.D., F.A.C.S
The Johns Hopkins Obesity Surgery Center The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Health Systems
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Information Criteria Consultation Forms You Will Need!! Resume Insurance The Diet After Surgery Directions Video Links Home Page	Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Procedure: In most cases there are only 5 to 6 small incisions (three are less than 1/2 inch & three are less than a 1/4 inch in size) are made on the abdominal wall. The stomach is divided by a stapler device into a small pouch (about the size of an egg, around 30cc, approximately 1 ounce). The distal stomach is not removed in this type of procedure! The small intestine is divided and the distal part is stapled to the pouch. The small intestine downstream is hooked up with the previous cut intestine so that the food can then mix with the bile and pancreatic fluids for digestion. This is the final diagram of a divided vertical pouch Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Advantages Most common bariatric operation in the United States. Well documented excess weight loss in published series 60 to 80% (average) over 1.5 to 2 years and greater than 50% over 5 years. 70 to 80% diabetes resolved in many published series. Dumping syndrome may help to decrease sweet eating. Resolves Gerd/heartburn in most cases Disadvantages Stomach pouch or opening may stretch over time leading to less restriction. Bypassed stomach is more difficult to evaluate. Iron and calcium malabsorption Vitamin B12 deficiency Risks* 1)Leak of stomach/intestinal fluid from the staple line or suture line 2)Stricture 3)Ulcer 4)Bowel obstruction 5)Bleeding 6)Blood Clots 7)Heart attack and stroke (if at risk) 8)Anesthesia 9)Death Please read Complication list (click) *These are some of the risks, please discuss at your consultation and ask questions. In most cases the risks are low but this is major surgery. Corrective surgery(s) may be necessary if complications arise.