Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Bypass

There are several variations of a bypass, the most common procedure in the UK is the Roux-en-Y, also known as RYGB. It is a combination of restrictive and malabsorptive procedures, therefore has a two-way weight reducing effect.

A small pouch is created by stapling off a section of the upper part of the stomach. Below the staple line the stomach will remain but no food will enter here. The stomach will still produce gastric juices and enzymes essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients. The bypass part of the operation is the reconstruction of the small intestine limiting the absorption of calories from food.

The attraction to this surgery is that it is considered to be permanent, weight loss is experienced from the day of surgery and there are no adjustments required. However, it is a higher risk procedure. The surgery takes approximately 2 hours, with up to 3 nights stay in hospital.

Weight loss is dramatic at first and then stabilises to 2-3 lbs per week.

You must also take daily nutritional supplements for the rest of your life and vitamin B12 injections are also recommended every 3 months to prevent Pernicious Anaemia in later life.

Over-eating and poor eating habits can still jeopardise your success and you are also likely to experience 'dumping syndrome' if you consume foods high in sugar or fat. The side effects include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, sweating and dizziness.

Average weight loss

66 - 80% of excess weight within 2 years

Risks and complications

Like any surgical procedure there are possible risks and complications, they are rare and everything possible will be done to prevent them from happening.

The most recognised and documented are:

• Haemorrhage
• Infection
• Bowel perforation
• Anaesthetic reactions
• PE/DVT
• Anastomotic leak
• Death
• Wind/constipation
• Dumping Syndrome
• Nausea and vomiting