Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having the smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient’s body absorbs fewer calories.

Health Benefits

Studies found that gastric bypass:
- Resolved type 2 diabetes in 83.8% of patients and often resolved the disease within days of surgery
- Resolved high blood pressure in 67.5% of patients
- Improved high cholesterol in 95% of patients
- Improvement or resolution of sleep apnea, stress incontinence, joint pains are the other benefits seen.

Quality of Life

One meta-analysis stated that for laparscopic bariatric surgery patients who experienced significant weight loss:

- Overall quality of life improved greatly.
- They experienced improved physical functioning and appearance.
- They experienced improved social and economic opportunities.

Potential Concerns of Gastric Bypass

- A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. While it isn’t considered a health risk, the results can be very unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhoea.

- Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron.

- The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X -ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignanc