What are the positive and negative side effects of having Gastric Bypass (Roux-En-Y) surgery?

Gastric Bypass (Roux-e-Y) is considered as the gold standard in bariatric surgery. This article gives you a wider perspective on this bariatric surgery type by giving the positive and negative side effects of Gastric bypass surgery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure

In Gastric Bypass, the stomach is divided into a smaller upper portion and a larger lower portion. The smaller upper portion that is attached to the food pipe is now reconstructed by attaching to the small intestine. The food what we eat bypasses major part of the stomach and early part of the small intestine. So actually the large stomach part and some part of the small intestine is bypassed and hence the name Gastric Bypass. In effect, the reduced capacity of the stomach and the reduced length of the small intestine play an important role in weight reduction. In this way, it is a combination of restrictive and malabsorption procedure.

Positive Side Effects of Gastric Bypass with Roux-en-Y

• This bariatric surgery type offers the best weight loss result of all the other types.
• This surgery type is reversible, unlike Gastric Sleeve where a major portion of the stomach is cut and stapled permanently.
• Gastric Bypass helps in rectifying many co-morbid conditions, unlike the other surgery types.
• Gastric bypass also has the distinction of gently pushing the patients to lead a healthier life by having a balanced diet.
• Gastric bypass is found to have not much of long term complications associated with it.

Negative Side Effects of Gastric Bypass with Roux-en-Y

• Because of malabsorption, patients have to take vitamin supplements for Vitamin B12, Calcium and Iron for the rest of their life.
• Initial chances of getting affected with Dumping syndrome is high. But with constant care and periodic follow up with the bariatric surgeon, this condition should subside after getting used to the eating pattern.
• If you are a smoker and also consume alcohol, it is better to quit both after a Gastric bypass as the chances of acquiring ulcer are high. Logically it is actually a good thing.