How does the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass work?
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is both malabsorptive and restrictive procedure. This surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch by stapling across the top portion of the stomach, dividing it from the rest of the stomach. The new pouch is about the size of an adult’s thumb and holds about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) which greatly reduces food volumes and portions consumed at one time. The intestine is surgically restructured so that the small pouch connects directly to the middle part of the intestine (the “Roux limb” of the jejunum), thereby bypassing the majority of the stomach and upper intestine (duodenum). Normal digestion and absorption of nutrients are reduced due to the small stomach size and altered, shortened intestine; this decreases absorption of calorie and nutrients. Dumping syndrome occurs when consuming foods or fluids (1) high in sugar and fat, (2) at the same time, or (3) in larger amounts that triggers “dumping” or faster emptying of foods or fluids from the sto
