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Atlanta’s Surgical Weight Loss Center

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass technique for gastric bypass surgery has an excellent track record in achieving and maintaining a patient’s ideal weight, making it one of the most effective ways to surgically achieve your weight loss goals. 

At Atlanta Bariatrics, our skilled bariatric physicians specialize in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. Our team of medical professionals offers leading-edge medical care with a personal touch, providing you with the best possible weight loss journey. We understand that weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, and we strive to provide you with the highest quality care every step of the way.

If you’re ready to feel happier and healthier with an Atlanta weight loss center that truly cares about your results, schedule your first consultation with a bariatric physician at our practice today. We can’t wait to help you take the first step!

New Patient ConsultCall: (770) 232-9252

Diagram of the bypass procedure
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Weight Loss Treatment Options: Roux-en-Y Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure for Weight Loss

Gastric bypass surgery is an effective weight loss surgery that reduces the size of your stomach, allowing you to eat less and lose weight. It works by harnessing two properties known as restriction and malabsorption.

  • Restriction: The stomach is divided to make a small pouch (15-20 cc) which limits how much one can eat or drink during a given period of time. This is the primary way in which gastric bypass surgery helps you lose weight.
  • Malabsorption: The small intestine is rerouted so that it connects directly to the pouch, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine. This decreases the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs from food, resulting in further weight loss.

In addition, the gastric bypass works on behavioral modification through “dumping syndrome.” Dumping syndrome is a constellation of physical symptoms that can occur if a patient with a gastric bypass eats something high in simple sugars (i.e. a cupcake). This can cause symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, flushing, and diarrhea, which can psychologically help change the way you look at sweet foods. It can be a valuable tool to help patients stay true to a healthy diet, thereby keeping the weight off long-term. 

Traditionally, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has been done through a large upper midline incision in the abdomen. However, because of our extensive laparoscopic experience, Atlanta Bariatrics performs the same Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure using minimally invasive techniques. This means tiny incisions with a laparoscopic approach. Using a laparoscopic approach may decrease the amount of time necessary to stay in the hospital, increase the speed of recovery, and decrease the risk of some surgical complications.

We typically perform the procedure in about 1 hour. Patients will usually stay in the hospital for 1-2 days following surgery and are back to work 1-2 weeks following surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of gastric bypass surgery?

The health benefits of gastric bypass surgery are profound. Studies show up to 90% resolution of diabetes, 70-80% resolution of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, 85% resolution of sleep apnea, and almost 100% resolution of gastric reflux just to list a few of the benefits. For some health problems like diabetes or gastro-esophageal reflux, gastric bypass surgery is far superior at curing the condition than any of the other bariatric surgery procedures.

How much weight can I expect to lose after gastric bypass?

The majority of the weight loss generally occurs over the first 12 months after surgery. Average weight loss is 60-70% of the patient’s excess weight. There have been multiple studies showing success in maintaining weight loss, something no diet or exercise plan can show. Even 15 years later, there is still an average of 50-60% excess weight loss. The weight comes off and stays off, allowing for improved health.

Will I still be able to absorb medicine and essential vitamins after gastric bypass?

There are still usually 15-20 feet of small intestine left below the bypassed intestine, which is where most all medicines, antibiotics, vitamins, and minerals are absorbed and is generally unaffected by weight loss surgery. The bypass does affect the absorption of certain vitamins, however, so supplementation is required after surgery. Typically this involves taking a bariatric specific multivitamin, calcium, and Vitamin B12. We will discuss this in detail with you at your appointments.

To help you maintain proper nutrition following your surgery, our team of registered dietitians are here to provide you with ongoing nutrition counseling and education. We’ll help you create an individualized meal plan and supplement regimen to meet your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. 

How can I get started with the top bariatric surgeons near me?

At Atlanta Bariatrics, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your journey toward meeting your weight loss goals. Request your initial consultation today. Our office staff will work with you to make sure you get the care and support that you need.

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