top of page
doctor-patient_edited.jpg

RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery

October 22, 2021 / By Nihat.Gulaydin-2021 / Posted in Obesity Surgery

​

It was first performed in 1993 and is now considered the "gold standard" operation in the treatment of obese patients with metabolic problems. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a surgery that both restricts food intake and impairs absorption (malabsortive). It is the second most frequently used method among bariatric procedures. Although it is very good at providing body weight loss, especially in the short term, it is an irreversible method.

​

In the Roux-Y gastric bypass method, the “Roux limb (section)”, also known as the feeding limb, which functions in the transportation of nutrients from the distal jejunal limb, is created. This length varies between 75-150 cm. With this method, the Roux limb is connected to the newly created stomach pouch. This pouch holds approximately 30 mL. The volume of the bypassed stomach is over 90% and is less than the stomach volume in sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure causes some degree of malabsorption in the small intestine. Patients who undergo these procedures that cause malabsorption are required to have lifelong comprehensive blood tests to detect deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.

What are the advantages?

  • Provides safe and long-term weight loss.

  • The decrease in serum ghrelin level and increase in GLP-1 levels after the operation additionally contribute to weight loss and improvement of metabolic results.

  • It has long-term safety and effectiveness results and is the gold standard treatment option in the treatment of morbid obesity.

  • There is no organ loss, it is a reversible surgery.

  • It is very effective in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.

  • This procedure shows the fastest results due to the immediate reduction of calorie absorption by the body and lower capacity in the stomach. This approach also results in a rapid reduction in secondary health risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

What are the disadvantages?

  • It is a very complicated and difficult technique.

  • It is technically more complex compared to sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

  • There are more vitamin and mineral deficiencies compared to gastric sleeve surgery.

  • There is a risk of small bowel complications and obstruction.

  • Stapler line leakage, stoma obstruction, and dumping syndrome may occur.

  • There is a risk of developing ulcers, especially with the use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or tobacco.

Who can undergo RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery?

  • People who are extremely obese (i.e. those with a Body Mass Index over 40 kg/m²),

  • Those who have a body mass index between 35-40 and have additional diseases due to obesity; hypertension, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, etc. It is suitable for those who experience discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the effects of the gastric bypass method in the treatment of diseases in addition to obesity?

  • Hyperlipidemia resolves in more than 70% of patients.

  • Essential hypertension improves in more than 70% of patients, and the need for medication decreases in the remainder.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea improves significantly with weight loss. Within a year, most patients become asymptomatic or even stop snoring.

  • Type 2 diabetes improves in more than 90% of patients. Most patients experience significant improvement within a few days. There is no need for insulin, and some patients may only need oral medication.

  • Gastroesophageal reflux improves immediately after surgery in all patients.

bottom of page