Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (pronounced roo-en-why, or simply RYGB) involves both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques to produce long term weight loss. Restrictive (due to the creation of a small stomach pouch), and malabsorptive (due to bypassing a portion of the small intestine). RYGB is considered the "gold standard" of weight loss surgery and is the most commonly performed bypass surgery in the U.S. today. RYGB has become the weight loss surgery of choice for many patients due to its superior weight loss results with minimal, yet controllable, side effects. RYGB provides excellent long-term weight reduction along with the resolution or elimination of co-morbidities (i.e., medical conditions that exist in addition to obesity).

Dr. Grinberg performs laparoscopic (minimally invasive) RYGB procedure which involves the use of a small telescope-like camera inserted through a small incision made in the abdomen. Because of his training more patients can qualify for laparoscopic approach instead of  open approach which involves a large midline incision. This method has many advantages, like faster recovery periods, decrease in pain and significantly lower rate of complications. You and your surgeon can decide if this procedure is right for you.

General Procedure

First, the stomach is reduced in size by using surgical staples or the vertical banding method. This new smaller stomach (or pouch) is only able to hold 1-2 ounces of food at one time. Next, a section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch allowing food to bypass the lower stomach. Bypassing the two segments of the small intestine, known as the duodenum and the jejunum, allows the body to reduce the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs.

Because RYGB is restrictive in nature, patients  will achieve early satiety with small portions of food.  The size of the new stomach pouch will no longer allow the same eating habits to exist since the pouch has the capacity to hold only a few ounces of food at one time. Making good food choices is a critical component to achieving success with RYGB. An adequate amount of protein and vitamin supplements is necessary due to the malabsorptive aspect of RYGB. Patients also need to try and avoid sweets and fatty foods as much as possible.

Advantages of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB):

• A reasonably low mortality rate (0.2% to 1%).
• Excellent and consistent weight loss when compared to LAP-BAND.
• Overall improved health.
• "Gold Standard" procedure for resolution or elimination of co-morbidities (e.g., type II diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension and more).
• Over 15 years of studies and data available to back up it's affectiveness
• The most common weight loss procedure performed in the United States.

Disadvantages of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB):

• Disruption of the staple line can lead to leakage or serious infection.
• Possible malnutrition or anemia.
• Risk of a hernia.
• Risk of chronic vomiting and diarrhea, or dumping syndrome.
• Various other post surgical complications.