Bariatric surgery is designed to help people lose weight. The three main types performed in South Florida include: sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (gastric bypass) and gastric banding.
One of the treatments for obesity is gastric bypass surgery, which is a type of bariatric surgery. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the most common and effective types of bariatric surgery for obesity treatment in South Florida Weight Loss Clinics.
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that alters the digestive system to help people lose weight. It involves creating a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach and connecting it to the lower part of the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food that can be eaten and the amount of calories and nutrients that can be absorbed.
Best for reflux
It is a very strong bariatric procedure (effective for weight loss) and also probably the most definitive operation for reflux.
The first
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the longest formally documented weight loss procedure around.
Can be done through small incisions
The laparoscopic method of surgery makes small incisions to perform the procedure. The other method is ‘open’ meaning a larger incision. Where the anatomy supports it, the laparoscopic method is preferred as the healing time after surgery is faster (the wound is smaller).
Its more complex
It is also more complicated than other types of weight loss surgery because there is more involved in the operation. Essentially it involves creating a small gastric pouch at the top of the stomach which reduces the food that can be eaten. The bowel is divided making a smaller bowel (approx 1 metre). The small pouch is the directly connected to a part of the bowel called the Roux limb.
The “y” shape
The new smaller stomach pouch is connected to the divided bowel and this forms the shape of a ‘”y” which gives the procedure its name. With this, food bypasses the rest of the stomach and the upper part of your bowel.
Greater care to prevent ulcers
There is a higher rate of ulcers at the join between the small bowel and stomach so monitoring reflux medication is very important.
Reversible
This procedure can be reversed if required.
The benefits of bariatric surgery go beyond just losing weight:
Gastric bypass surgery can have many benefits for people with obesity, such as:
Significant and long-term weight loss- Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and joint pain- Enhanced mood and self-esteem- Lower risk of death from obesity-related causes. Alleviate other medical conditions
When should I consider gastric bypass reversal?
While your surgeon likely talked with you about the potential complications of gastric bypass surgery, such as long term vitamin or nutrient deficiencies requiring life-long supplementation, the surgery is generally safe and yields great outcomes for most patients.
But for some, side effects from surgery are too significant and gastric bypass reversal is considered.
Does Insurance Cover Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery is often covered by health insurance, but each plan has different coverage details. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine exactly what your plan covers or what the requirements are for approval. At Florida Bariatric and Plastic Surgery MD, our team is experienced with the insurance process and we can help you determine if you have coverage for gastric bypass with a free insurance check.
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