Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

“When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.”

Morbid Obesity or clinically severe Obesity has emerged as one of the most dreaded diseases of this century. People who have attempted to lose weight, know how difficult it is to not only lose weight but also to maintain the weight loss. On a daily basis, we see patients who put their heart and soul into their efforts to lose weight. They have been to every weight loss clinic, celebrity dietician, gym, yoga guru and weight loss retreat. Unfortunately, more often than not, they meet with disappointment and tend to yo-yo between weight loss and weight gain. This entire process is extremely disheartening and demotivating for the patients.

So, if you have tried hard to lose weight without success and the weight is bearing you down, you have come to the right place because Bariatric Surgery is the only way at the moment that can lead to sustained weight loss in morbidly obese patients.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is one of the oldest and time-tested weight loss Bariatric procedures. It was first performed in the United States of America in the 1970s and remains the number one Bariatric Surgery performed by surgeons all across the world. Of all Bariatric procedures, a Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is considered the “gold-standard” procedure.

Am I the right candidate for undergoing Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The IFSO- APC (International Federation for Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Disorders - Asia Pacific Chapter) guidelines for weight loss surgery are as under:

• Bariatric Surgery/Obesity Surgery/Weight Loss Surgery must be considered for the treatment of Obesity for acceptable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 35 Kg/m2 with or without any associated diseases.
• Bariatric Surgery/Metabolic Surgery must be considered for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome for patients who are inadequately controlled by lifestyle alterations and medical treatment for acceptable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2.
• Bariatric Surgery/Metabolic Surgery may also be considered as a non-primary alternative to treat inadequately controlled Type 2 Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome for suitable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 27.5 Kg/m2.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has particularly good results for obese patients suffering from Type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Hiatus Hernia and GERD.

How is it done?

• As the name suggests, this surgery is performed by Laparoscopic technique. In this technique, 4 to 5 tiny 0.5 to 1 cm cuts are made on your tummy and the entire surgery is performed using a camera and instruments. This is minimally invasive and there is no big cut like the surgeries of the past. All the stitches are absorbable and no sutures are to be removed later. Laparoscopy enables the patient to have less pain, recover faster and return to work much earlier. Most patients are discharged from the hospital one day after their operation. Of course, this depends on their clinical status as well.

• During the surgery, a small 30 – 50 cc pouch of the Stomach is created using surgical staplers. A part of the Small Intestine called the Jejunum is re-routed and attached to this pouch. In this surgery, a major part of the Stomach, the first part of the Intestine called the Duodenum and some length of the second part of the Small Intestine called the Jejunum is bypassed.
• A small silicon band may sometimes be placed on the Stomach pouch. This helps in long-term weight maintenance and prevents weight regain to some extent.

How does it lead to weight-loss

The following mechanisms lead to weight loss after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

• A small Stomach pouch restricts the amount of food that a person can eat. There is significant caloric restriction after this surgery.
• The re-routing of Intestines causes malabsorption. This means that some part of the food that a patient consumes, will not be absorbed by the body.
• After this surgery, certain Intestinal Hormones are activated and these aid in weight loss as well as remission of co-morbidities such as Type 2 Diabetes etc.
• There are many other mechanisms and yet unidentified roles of bile acids and gut flora that may help in weight loss and remission of co-morbidities after this surgery.

Results of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

• Patients lose up to 65 to 75% of their excess weight over a period of 12 to 18 months after this surgery. This can be even better if the patient embraces lifestyle modification and follows a strict diet and exercise program as guided by the Bariatric Surgery team.
• This surgery also leads to a significant improvement in associated diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease, risk of Venous Thromboembolism, Gout, Acid Reflux and so on.

Long-term weight loss goals

• Bariatric Surgery must not be perceived as a shortcut to weight loss. The patient and the doctor work as a team to achieve the best results in the long term. It is extremely important to be diligent with your follow-up to get optimum results.
• Long-term weight loss goals can be achieved with the help of a team that consists of a doctor, an Endocrinologist, a Nutritionist and a Psychologist. This support team of experts will keep you motivated, provide advice and help you to work through weight-loss barriers.

Who is not eligible for weight loss surgery

• Pregnant women
• Patients with severe Psychiatric Disorders
• Smokers
• Patients with the inability to take nutritional supplements
• Patients who are medically unfit for surgery and Anaesthesia

Complications

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery is as safe as any other surgery like a Knee Replacement or Gall Bladder Surgery. In fact, the complication rate is much lower than Cancer surgery or surgery for the Oesophagus, Valve Replacement etc.
• It is important to follow the protocols set by the team and to take nutritional supplements as advised. Failure to do so may result in nutritional deficiencies in future.
• Smokers must strictly stop smoking. Smoking can lead to complications that can be life-threatening. If you are not confident about giving up smoking after this surgery, our advice is that you must not undergo the surgery at all.
• The team will discuss the pros and cons in detail with you during your consultation.

Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker has one of the highest experiences in performing banded as well as non-banded Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in the country. She believes in quality care and will make it extremely safe for you. You will be in good hands so do not worry. The biggest plus of coming to us for your surgery is our personalized care. Every patient is a VIP for us and we assure you that your smallest queries will be addressed at the earliest.

It is extremely important for the patient to be mentally prepared and in a positive frame of mind before undergoing any kind of surgery. Positive thoughts go a long way in getting good results after surgery. So, be positive and we wish you all the best for your weight-loss journey to being a different you.