The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine to promote weight loss through both restriction and metabolic changes. This “gold standard” procedure provides fullness with smaller meals, improved metabolism, and favorable gut hormone changes that reduce hunger and cravings. The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically with small incisions for faster recovery.

Dr. Machado has extensive experience with gastric bypass surgery and approaches each patient individually to determine if this proven tool is right for their weight loss and health goals.

To learn more, join Dr. Machado for a free informational webinar or call our office at 916-338-7200.

Gastric Bypass provides:

Metabolic improvement

The procedure creates favorable changes in gut hormones that promote satiety, suppress hunger, and help reverse mechanisms that contribute to type 2 diabetes.

Effective restriction

A small stomach pouch (less than one ounce) limits meal size while the rerouted intestines provide consequences for eating sugary or fatty foods.

Proven results

Considered the ``gold standard`` procedure, gastric bypass combines restriction with metabolic changes to deliver efficient weight loss and health improvements.

Additional Details

Gastric bypass surgery is considered the gold standard procedure for a reason, it works! The gastric bypass procedure is best described as metabolic NOT malabsorptive. Gastric bypass combines changes in stomach size with changes in intestinal absorption that result in efficient and safe weight loss. The operation involves essentially rearranging the anatomy that results in a number of internal changes that correct what has become dysfunctional with the disease of obesity. Combined with the appropriate diet, behaviors, and supplements, patients have an effective tool that results in very efficient weight loss and improved health.

Gastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch (less than one ounce) that will limit meal size. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the intestine, thus bypassing some calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the “Y” shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be modified to produce lower or higher hormonal effects. Most importantly, the rerouting of the food stream produces changes in gut hormones that promote satiety, suppress hunger, and reverse one of the primary mechanisms by which obesity induces type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Machado has helped patients achieve success with all of the procedures.

Dr. Machado is a very experienced bariatric surgeon who approaches each patient individually. Not every patient is the same, and therefore not a single procedure is the best for everyone.

It is important to approach the decision process with an open mind and understand what tool you require to help you achieve your health and weight loss goals.

Advantages:

  • Higher excess weight loss than restrictive procedures (Gastric Sleeve or Lap-band®) with compliant patients typically achieving 60-70% excess body weight loss.
  • Increases energy expenditure and produces favorable gut hormone changes that reduce appetite and enhance satiety.
  • Long-term studies show 50-60% of excess weight loss maintained at 10-14 years by many patients.
  • Studies demonstrate 80-100% improvement or resolution of major health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
  • Success improves with active participation in comprehensive bariatric programs.

Disadvantages:

  • Bypassing the duodenum causes poor absorption of key vitamins (iron, folate, calcium, B12, thiamine), leading to deficiencies and potential anemia.
  • May cause metabolic bone disease resulting in bone pain, height loss, spinal changes, and fractures. These deficiencies can be managed with proper diet and supplements.
  • “Dumping syndrome” from rapid stomach emptying can cause nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea when consuming too much sugar or large meals. Some patients cannot tolerate sweets afterward.
  • Bypassed stomach and intestinal areas cannot be easily examined with X-ray or endoscopy if problems like ulcers or bleeding occur.

You are invited to join Dr. Machado for a free informational webinar!

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