ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is the standard that all weight loss surgeries are measured against. Worldwide it is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure and has been around since the 1960s.
intestine is attached to the pouch, which allows food to bypass the remnant stomach, such that the food gets plumbed in downstream. Because food no longer goes into this part, the hunger hormone, ghrelin, reduces. So, patients no longer feel as hungry and feel full quickly when they eat. In addition, food bypasses the stomach, the duodenum, and the upper small intestine, which is the part of the bowel where many fats and sugars are normally absorbed. This reduces the amount of calories that the body can absorb, but it also reduces the nutrients the body can take out of the food, which is why vitamins and minerals need to be supplemented.

THE PROCEDURE
This procedure looks more complicated than it is. The first step is to form a small gastric 'pouch' by dividing the stomach with a stapler. The smaller top part becomes the pouch - about the size of half a banana! This restricts how much can be eaten. The larger remaining part of the stomach stays where it is, producing useful fluids and enzymes that continue down into the bowels. Then, a section of the small
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ADVANTAGES
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Laparoscopic (keyhole) operations
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Been around since the 1960s
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Most durable/sustainable weight loss
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Many weight related medical problems can be cured or significantly approved
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Excess weight loss of 70-80%, total weight loss of around 30%*
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Diabetes resolution rate of 50%-90%*
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Improved quality of life
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Nothing 'removed' so in theory reversible (although this is a big operation and rarely done)
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Most patients only stay for two nights in the hospital
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*results vary from person to person​
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DISADVANTAGES
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Complex operation requires high technical skill to perform laparoscopically
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Internal hernias are possible because of moving bowel around
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Dumping is possible
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Need to take multivitamins, iron and calcium and have regular blood checks of vitamin levels
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