RNY gastric bypass surgery has been the gold standard for weight loss surgery for years as it helps patients meet weight loss goals and overall health. Recently, there have been newer types of weight loss surgery on the scene such as the sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding. While all three do help with weight loss, RNY gastric bypass surgery seems to be the gold standard in weight loss surgery in a variety of ways.
Let’s take a closer look as to why RNY gastric bypass surgery is a surgery that stands out from the rest, who makes an ideal candidate, and other questions related to this transformative surgery.
What is RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, also known as RNY gastric bypass, is a highly effective weight loss surgery that is performed by a bariatric surgeon altering the digestive system. This surgery involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, essentially bypassing a large portion of the stomach and small intestine.
The creation of the small gastric pouch, typically about the size of a thumb, restricts food consumption dramatically. This small pouch can only hold a limited amount of food, which means patients feel full much quicker than before. The rerouting of the small intestine greatly reduces calorie and nutrient absorption, contributing to the overall weight loss effect.
RNY gastric bypass is classified as a combined weight loss procedure because it incorporates both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques. Unlike purely restrictive surgeries that only reduce the size of the stomach, RNY also limits the amount of nutrients and calories the body can absorb by bypassing (malabsorptive) a significant portion of the small intestine.
This dual mechanism makes it one of the most effective bariatric procedures available today.
Performed laparoscopically, the surgery involves making small incisions in the abdominal cavity through which surgical instruments are inserted. This minimally invasive approach reduces recovery time and postoperative pain, allowing patients to return to their daily routines more quickly. The laparoscopic method is both effective and patient-friendly.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery?
An ideal candidate for a RNY gastric bypass surgery is someone who meets the following requirements:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity related conditions.
- Have tried, and failed, to lose a set amount of weight with the appropriate diet and exercise.
- Free of any health complications that could interfere with this surgery.
What is the Recovery Time After a RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Recovery from laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery typically involves a hospital stay of 2 to 5 days. Patients are monitored closely in the recovery room to manage any pain and ensure there are no immediate complications. The use of small incisions can help to reduce postoperative pain and speeds up recovery time, allowing most patients to return to normal activities within 3 to 6 weeks.
Postoperative care is crucial for improving surgical outcomes. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on wound care, diet, and physical activity to promote optimal healing and recovery. It’s important to follow any and all guidelines from your doctor to prevent any complications, or another unnecessary visit to your doctor!
Why is RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery the Gold Standard in Weight Loss Surgery?
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has earned its status as the gold standard in weight loss surgery, largely due to its widespread acceptance and proven effectiveness. This procedure is the most commonly performed metabolic and bariatric surgery worldwide, reflecting its reliability and success in managing severe obesity. Here are some of the reasons why RNY gastric bypass surgery is specifically ranked top for weight loss surgery.
Significant Weight Loss Results
One of the most compelling reasons for the popularity of RNY gastric bypass is the significant weight loss results it delivers. On average, patients can expect to lose between 50 to 70 percent of their excess body weight. Studies have also shown that a majority of patients who undergo RNY gastric bypass maintain their weight loss. Since patients lose significant weight from this type or gastric bypass, they will also see a drop in their BMI, which is one major marker of health.
Of course, after surgery it is advantageous to keep a healthy lifestyle as far as diet and exercise. One aspect of successful surgery, and keeping the weight off, is a commitment to a holistic approach to your health. This may mean making major changes to your life for the sake of health.
Improvement in Obesity-Related Conditions
Beyond significant weight loss, RNY gastric bypass surgery can also bring improvements to various obesity-related conditions like:
In some instances, symptoms are not only improved, but conditions can enter complete remission, like type 2 diabetes. RNY gastric bypass not only impacts weight, but overall health of patients who undergo this surgery. This alone proves its a powerful and life changing surgery for many patients.
Credibility with a Safe Track Record
RNY gastric bypass surgery has been around since the 60s when a surgeon, Dr. Edward Mason, from the University of Iowa, performed subtotal gastrectomy surgery for cancer and noticed weight loss was a side effect.
After his discovery, he proposed the idea of bariatric surgery for the purpose of weight loss. The following decades proved to be a time of refinement for this procedure, leading to the first performance of a laparoscopic gastric bypass in the mid 90s. Since then, this life altering surgery has continuously been refined as new developments in surgical devices have entered the medical world.
What are the Risks or Side Effects from a RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Like any major surgery, RNY gastric bypass carries potential risks and complications. These can range from common issues such as infection and internal bleeding to more severe complications like bowel obstruction or internal hernias. While rare, these complications can be serious and may require additional surgical interventions.
One of the more common complications specific to RNY gastric bypass is dumping syndrome. This occurs when stomach contents move too rapidly into the small intestine, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. Typically, dumping syndrome can often be managed with dietary adjustments and is less common in other bariatric procedures like sleeve gastrectomy.
Additionally, the nature of the surgery involves creating small pouches and rerouting the digestive system, which can sometimes lead to long-term nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.
With a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon these complications and risks are less likely to occur. With this in mind, look for surgeons who are board certified and work with reputable surgical clinics.
Alternatives to RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery
Beyond RNY gastric bypass surgery, there are alternative bypass surgeries your surgeon may suggest. Additional bypass surgeries include:
- Gastric Balloon Surgery: This type of bypass surgery involves surgeons inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach, then filling the balloon with gas or saline. The filling of the balloon provides a feeling of fullness sooner, resulting in less consumption of food. The balloon lasts in the stomach for 6 to 12 months, depending on whether the patient has met their goal weight.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: Performed by a surgeon who removes a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach.
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: A surgeon will place a silicon band around the upper part of the stomach, which works to restrict food intake and creates a quicker feeling of fullness.
Can I take Ozempic After RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Ozempic can be taken after RNY gastric bypass surgery for patients who still need to lose excess weight. In addition, patients may always want to consider weight-loss injections, like Ozempic, prior to their surgery if needed.
RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery and Weight Loss Solutions with Nashville Bariatrics in Nashville, TN
For individuals who have struggled with obesity for years, often exhausting all other options, this surgery presents a viable and lasting solution. Not only does RNY gastric bypass help patients lose significant amounts of weight but also provides substantial improvements in overall health, including the remission of obesity-related conditions.
If you’re ready for this life-altering surgical solution to weight loss, contact our team at Nashville Bariatrics to learn more. You can request a consultation at our website and read more about our skilled bariatric surgeon, Dr. Patrick Davis, MD, FACS, FASMBS.
You don’t have to walk the weight loss journey alone when there are options and resources available to you! Allow us to join in on your journey to meeting a healthier version of you. We look forward to hearing from you.