Gastric Bypass Surgery

Averages 75% in excess weight loss.

In medical studies, the most established procedure is often used as the benchmark, known as the “gold standard.” In weight loss surgery, gastric bypass is the gold standard against which other procedures are compared. This is due to its extensive safety and efficacy data, with long-term results documented over decades. Its proven track record makes it the reference point for evaluating newer weight loss surgeries.

Benefits of Gastric Bypass

Tice JA, Karliner L, Walsh J, et al. Gastric banding or bypass? A systematic review comparing the two most popular bariatric procedures. Am J Med. 2008 Oct;121(10):885-893
Pories WJ, Swanson MS, MacDonald KG, et al. Who would have thought it? An operation proves to be the most effective therapy for adult onset diabetes mellitus. Ann Surg. 1995;222(3):339-350.
Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292(14):1724-1737.

What is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a weight loss surgery that alters the digestive pathway to promote significant and long-term weight loss. It is commonly referred to by various names, including simply “bypass” or “Roux-en-Y,” all describing the same procedure. The name “gastric bypass” reflects the new route food takes through the digestive system after the surgery.

How it Works

After a gastric bypass, food travels from the esophagus into a newly created small stomach pouch that is separated from the rest of the stomach. This pouch significantly reduces the amount of food you can eat at one time, helping to limit calorie intake.

From the pouch, food bypasses the larger portion of the stomach and the first 2-3 feet of the small intestine, entering directly into the middle section of the small intestine. This configuration reduces calorie absorption, supporting effective weight loss.

To maintain digestive function, the bypassed portion of the stomach and small intestine are reconnected further down the small intestine. This reconnection creates a “Y” shaped configuration, known as the “Roux-en-Y,” which allows digestive juices to mix with food lower in the digestive tract.

Why It’s Effective

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass promotes weight loss through three key mechanisms:

Metabolic: By altering the route food takes, a vast number of signaling molecules that control hunger and metabolism are altered. This includes increased natural production of GLP-1.
Restriction: The small stomach pouch limits the amount of food consumed, creating a feeling of fullness with smaller portions.
Malabsorption: By bypassing over six feet of small intestine, the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients from the food consumed. This malabsorption aids in significant weight loss and improves the likelihood of long-term weight maintenance.

The combination of metabolic change with decreased calorie absorption distinguishes gastric bypass from other weight loss surgeries like the gastric band, gastric balloon, and sleeve gastrectomy, which primarily rely on restriction without impacting calories.

Long-Term Success and Maintenance

Gastric bypass is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery because of its long track record of safety and success. It provides durable weight loss results and helps in the management of obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and cancer.

To maximize long-term success, patients must commit to lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation to compensate for reduced nutrient

intake and absorption.

If you are considering Gastric Bypass Surgery or want to learn more about how it could help you achieve your weight loss goals, contact us today.

RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery

Often referred to as RNY or R-NY, the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a proven and popular weight loss procedure that significantly alters the digestive system to promote long-term weight reduction. In this surgery, a small pouch is created at the top of the stomach, which is then connected directly to the mid-section of the small intestine. This bypasses a significant portion of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine, leading to reduced calorie and nutrient absorption.

The design of the RNY Gastric Bypass not only limits food intake but also encourages profound metabolic changes, often resulting in rapid weight loss and improvements in obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Many patients appreciate its effectiveness and refer to it simply as “RNY” or “R-NY” for its straightforward approach and lasting results.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit Bryan Brewer MD or call (214) 838-7171.

To Learn More or Meet with Dr Brewer

Locations

Dallas

Brewer Bariatrics & Medical Weight Loss

1151 N Buckner Blvd, Suite 308
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6127
(fax) 214-324-6627

Rockwall

Brewer Bariatrics & Medical Weight Loss at Texas Health Rockwall

3142 Horizon Rd, Suite 202Rockwall, TX 75032

469-698-1622
(fax) 469-698-1236