Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is considered the best surgical procedure for people who suffer from morbid obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery helps patients lose weight by limiting food intake, suppressing appetite, and preventing nutrients from being absorbed. The procedure reduces the functional portion of the stomach to a pouch that is one ounce or less in size and creates a small opening between the stomach and intestine to delay stomach emptying. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery generally involves a hospital stay of approximately three days. To qualify for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, patients must be at least 100 pounds overweight and have a BMI of 40 or more. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is typically performed on patients who suffer from obesity-related medication conditions that could be improved with substantial weight loss. In many cases, you must provide documentation proving that you have been obese for at least five years and have been unable to lose weight through other methods.
After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, patients must make drastic changes in their daily routine. You must limit portion sizes, select foods that are high in protein and vitamins, and avoid consuming high calorie liquids that could interfere with your weight loss efforts. Daily physical activity, such as brisk walking, is highly recommended. Regular appointments with your bariatric surgeon are also required to assess your progress.
During the first year following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, most patients can expect to lose approximately 20 pounds each month if they follow their doctor's recommendations. After Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, 80 percent of patients with hypertension and 90 percent of patient with diabetes no longer need their medication. In addition to an improvement in their physical health, many patients also experience increased self-esteem as they achieve their weight loss goals.
