Surgical Procedures
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center primarily
performs the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This
procedure can be accomplished through a variety
of approaches including laparoscopic surgery
and with an open incision.
 Roux-en-y Gastric
Bypass reduces a normal size stomach to a small
pouch that is disconnected from the rest of
the stomach. The small intestine is then cut
and connected to the pouch. An opening is made
in the pouch, and the lower segment of the small
intestine is surgically connected to the pouch.
Connection
of the pouch to the lower segment of the small
intestine reduces the absorption of nutrients
and calories from food. Due to this
decrease in nutrient absorption, patients who
undergo the gastric bypass must take daily vitamin
and mineral supplements for the rest of their
lives to maintain adequate nutrient levels.
The main goal of this procedure is to restrict
food intake (due to the smaller stomach). There
is also a component of ‘negative feedback’ associated
with the procedure. The “negative feedback” being
the unpleasant side effects, such as nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping, that
can occur if concentrated sweets or fatty foods
are ingested. This is commonly known as "dumping
syndrome."
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