Slightly more than a decade ago, the Roux-en-Y gastric (stomach) bypass weight loss surgery could only be done using the large incision technique (open). This open gastric (stomach) bypass weight loss surgery required a large incision essentially from the breast-bone to the belly-button.
The Roux-en-Y gastric (stomach) bypass weight loss surgery procedure can now be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques, also known as laparoscopic surgery. The laparoscopic gastric (stomach) bypass surgery for weight loss procedure uses specially designed surgical instruments inserted through small incisions in the abdominal wall. Surgical video cameras called laparoscopes are also inserted through the abdominal wall through other incisions, so the general or bariatric surgeon can see inside the abdominal cavity. Then the general or bariatric surgeons watch on monitors as they perform the minimally invasive gastric (stomach) bypass surgery for weight loss surgery.
General or bariatric surgeons using laparoscopy perform precisely the same gastric (stomach) bypass weight loss operation that is done by the open procedure. Using several small incisions instead of one very large one, results in a reduction in post operative pain, shortened post operative time in the hospital, shortened overall patient recovery, and sharply reduced risk of skin and subcutaneous infections.
Graphic courtesy of Dr. Philip Schauer.
Since the two gastric (stomach) bypass surgery approaches (open or minimally invasive) result in the same gastric (stomach) bypass surgery procedure being performed, the resultant weight loss and reduction in obesity associated health problems are the same.
The weight losses from gastric (stomach) bypass surgery for weight loss typically are very impressive. Published literature on Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric-bypass shows an excess weight loss of about 75% in the first year after surgery. The body mass index or BMI, the measure of weight, drops from an average of 48 before an operation to an average of 30 at one year and 27 at two years. Diabetes is resolved in over 95% of the patients. The quality of life of patients improves in over 95% of patients after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
The severely obese or morbidly obese patients who are motivated and committed to comply with the lifelong postoperative care and lifestyle changes that the bariatric gastric (stomach) bypass surgery for weight loss procedure demand do remarkably well. All considerations for a bariatric surgical option for weight loss acceleration should be made in conjunction with a physician or health care provider.
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