A Roux-en-Y procedure or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a laparoscopic weight loss procedure, commonly referred to as Gastric Bypass and pronounced “roo-en-why.”
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves dividing the stomach into two portions. This surgery reduces the size of your upper stomach to create a small pouch. This section of the stomach is where food is received and the smaller size aids in restriction, making your feel full sooner.
The surgeon then connects this pouch to a section of the small intestine known as the Roux Limb, forming a Y-shaped configuration. As a result, the food you consume bypasses the remaining stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). This connection allows for digestive fluids to meet with the ingested food to facilitate nutrient breakdown and absorption further down the small bowel.
The surgery results in the body absorbing fewer calories and nutrients (malabsorption) which assists in weight loss and supports weight management. However, nutritional deficiencies can arise as a result of the bypass and thus it is imperative that you remain in contact with your bariatric team for ongoing monitoring.
Due to the changes in the anatomy of the digestive system that occur during the Roux-en-Y procedure, hormone signalling becomes altered, which includes Ghrelin and Leptin. Ghrelin signals to your brain when you’re hungry, whereas Leptin signals to your brain when you’re full/ satisfied i.e. you stop eating).
Alterations in these hormones affect your hunger and feelings of fullness, which influence how your body processes and stores calories. This, in turn, improves metabolic health, lowers your metabolic set point and supports effective weight management.
The restriction (smaller stomach) and malabsorption (bypass component) works in conjunction with these hormonal changes which play a significant role in weight loss from the Roux-en-Y procedure.
There are multiple layers to weight loss and it’s important to have a strong support system around you. There are physical benefits of weight loss and health improvement, however it is equally important that the psychological and emotional aspect of a patient’s journey are supported and monitored.
Dr Scott Whiting applies a multi-disciplinary approach with his patients, ensuring that they are well supported throughout their journey. Balance and sustainability are paramount when it comes to weight loss, therefore ensuring long-term and sustainable results.
Selecting the right procedure for the right patient is crucial and this will depend on many factors such as an individual’s health, lifestyle and health goals. Having a thorough discussion with your surgeon and bariatric team will help determine which procedure may be best for you.
#Actual risks will depend on individual circumstances and should be discussed with Dr Whiting.
* Backman B, et al. The Bariatric Surgery Registry Annual Report, 2020. Monash University, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine. August 2020, Report No. 8.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey: First results. 2017-2018 Financial year. Available here.
# Lee PC, Dixon J. Aust Fam Physician. 2017;46(7):465-471.
Monash University Bariatric Surgery Registry. Bariatric Surgery Registry 2018/19 Report. June 2019. Available here.
Pareek M, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;71(6):670-687
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Are you considering weightloss surgery?
If your BMI is between 30-35 without obesity-related health conditions, Dr Whiting will carefully determine your eligibility for surgical weight-loss interventions.
