Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is a longstanding, highly effective weight loss procedure often considered the “gold standard” for patients with severe obesity or specific conditions like chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and Barrett’s oesophagus.
RYGB is a bariatric surgery that reduces the stomach size and reroutes part of the small intestine to limit calorie absorption and reduce appetite. Unlike simpler bypass procedures, RYGB creates a more complex intestinal circuit that can deliver significant and sustained weight loss while addressing certain medical conditions.
Performed laparoscopically under general anaesthesia, the operation begins with five keyhole incisions. The surgeon divides the lesser omentum and uses a stapling device to create a small gastric pouch, calibrated precisely to the correct size. The remaining stomach is left in place but disconnected from the normal food pathway.
Additional sutures are applied to bury and reinforce the top of the staple line, reducing the risk of leaks.
The small intestine is divided 60 cm from the pouch, with the downstream end joined to the pouch using a combination of staples and laparoscopic sutures reinforced with a double layer. The upstream end is reconnected 100 cm further down to complete the new gastrointestinal circuit. This configuration ensures food passes through the pouch and a portion of intestine before mixing with bile and pancreatic juices, limiting nutrient absorption.
All mesenteric defects are closed with permanent sutures to prevent internal hernias, and wounds are closed with dissolvable sutures and local anaesthetic.
RYGB promotes weight loss through reduced stomach capacity and malabsorption. Patients feel full quickly, eat smaller meals, and absorb fewer calories. Most patients lose 75–85% of excess weight over 12–18 months, with some achieving complete excess weight loss.
Lifelong monitoring is required to prevent nutrient deficiencies, with blood tests every six months to check Vitamin D, Calcium, B12, and Iron. Deficiencies can lead to anaemia, osteoporosis, or nerve issues if untreated.
Circle of Care’s Allied Health Program supports patients in adapting their eating technique, managing supplements, and maintaining lifestyle changes for long-term success.
Significant and sustained weight loss
Reduction of appetite and portion size
Effective for GORD and Barrett’s oesophagus
Strong metabolic improvements, particularly in diabetes
Structured, lifelong follow-up to prevent nutritional deficiencies
Safe, minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure
RYGB reduces the stomach size and bypasses a portion of the small intestine, limiting food intake and nutrient absorption. This combination leads to substantial weight loss—typically 75–85% of excess weight over 12–18 months—while also influencing hormones that regulate hunger and satiety.
Patients usually stay in hospital for a few nights. Light activities can resume within 2–3 weeks, and full recovery generally takes 6–8 weeks. Post-operative care includes dietary guidance, lifestyle support, and regular blood tests to monitor for nutrient deficiencies like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
Yes. Patients require lifelong follow-up to monitor for nutrient deficiencies and maintain weight loss. Supplements, portion control, and ongoing support from Circle of Care’s allied health team are essential to ensure long-term health and successful weight management.
