How does a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass work?
A gastric bypass is a powerful tool to help you lose weight and become healthy. It works 3 ways. First, it reduces the amount of food you can eat significantly at one time (usually no more than 4-5 oz). Second, it diverts or “bypasses” the food past the stomach and first section of intestine resulting in delayed digestion of the food. Then, the bile and pancreatic juices are added (this the Roux-en-Y part) to allow for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Third, the operation will produce “dumping syndrome” if unhealthy foods are eaten. Dumping Syndrome is a very unpleasant feeling which may result in abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Needless to say, patients steer clear of these unhealthy foods. The result is that patients are forced to eat properamounts of properfoods, at properintervals, and at the properspeed. When this is combined with exercise, psychological support, and nutritional support, the results can be amazing. It is not unusual for severely obese
