Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass provides gastric restriction combined with some malabsorption. It is the most-often-performed operation in the United States to treat morbid obesity.

In this surgery, performed laparoscopically, the doctor staples the stomach, creating a small stomach “pouch,” and then constructs a “bypass” for food. The bypass allows the outlet of the pouch to open into the intestine rather than the rest of the stomach; therefore, the body cannot absorb as many calories or nutrients. It also reduces appetite, helping patients feel satisfied with very small amounts of food.