Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y
What is it?
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon creates a small pouch from part of the stomach and then reconnects it to the middle of the small intestine to function as a smaller stomach. This bypasses the rest of the stomach and part of the smaller intestine, which both restricts food intake and limits the absorption of calories and nutrients.
How does it work?
In this innovative, minimally invasive technique, the surgeon makes five small incisions through which a camera and long tools are threaded. Then, a 150 cm segment of the small intestine is created, and it is sutured to a tiny gastric pouch. The small intestine absorbs nutrients from food, but with less intestine, the body takes in fewer calories. Much of the stomach is then removed, reducing it to about the size of a plum. The pouch is sealed with tiny sutures before reconnecting it with the intestine, restricting food intake.
Who is a candidate for this procedure?
This surgery is designed for patients who have a body mass index (BMI) between 40 and 50, and it is performed by Keck Medicine of USC surgeons with experience in laparoscopic techniques.
Find out if you are a candidate here.
Have questions? Our team is here for you. Request an appointment, call us at (800) USC-CARE (800-872-2273) and register to attend one of our weight loss seminars.