The Surgery

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The incision

The laparoscopic procedure involves 6 small, 1 inch to 1 1/2 inch long incisions placed in the mid and upper left quarter of the abdomen.

The stomach is divided into two parts.

The stomach is completely separated into two parts using a cutting surgical stapler and over-sewing. The upper part forms a small pouch, holding approximately 30 cc or 1 fluid ounce, which will receive food.

The small intestine is carefully measured and cut.

The lower (distal) part of the stomach is bypassed, as is the first portion of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum). The small intestine is cut at this point. Although food does not go through this bypassed segment, it is still functioning. The bypassed stomach secretes its usual gastric juices, and digestive juices from the liver and pancreas still empty into this area as before.

The small intestine is connected to the small pouch.

The lower part of the small intestine is brought up and is connected to the small stomach pouch. Food will pass through a small (12 mm, about 1/2") opening (stoma) from the small pouch into the small intestine.

The bypassed part of the small intestine is reconnected, forming a "Y".

The end of the bypassed section of small intestine coming from the bypassed stomach is reconnected to the lower (distal) small intestine, forming a "Y". This allows digestive juices to empty into the portion of small intestine where food is present. Care is taken to ensure that sufficient small intestine is available between this junction and the large intestine to insure good absorption of essential nutrients.