Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Gastric bypass, also called Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass, is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves creating a small, egg-sized pouch from the stomach. The newly created pouch is then connected directly to the small intestine. After gastric bypass, swallowed food goes into this small stomach pouch and then directly into the small intestine, thereby bypassing most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine.
Gastric bypass is one of the most commonly performed types of bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass is done when diet and exercise haven’t worked or when you have serious health conditions because of your weight.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Why it’s done
Gastric bypass is done to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially serious health issues, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Steatotic liver disease, formerly known as fatty liver disease.
- Stroke.
- Cancer.
- Infertility.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Joint pain.
Gastric bypass is typically done only after you’ve tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.
Who is a candidate
In general, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries may be an option for you if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher.
- Your BMI is 35 to 39.9, and you have a serious weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health conditions.
But gastric bypass isn’t for everyone who is severely overweight. You may need to meet certain medical guidelines to qualify for weight-loss surgery. You likely will have a screening process to see if you qualify.
You must also be willing to make permanent changes to lead a healthier lifestyle. You may be required to participate in long-term follow-up plans that include monitoring your nutrition, your lifestyle and behavior, and your medical conditions.
Check with your health insurance plan or your Medical Aid to find out if your policy covers weight-loss surgery.