This is the most common of the
gastric bypass procedures, allowing small amounts of food to be
tolerated and some calories to be absorbed.
The RGB operation staples and divides the
upper stomach vertically, leaving a small pouch with approximately a half
ounce capacity. Three types of RGB operations are available:
Proximal gastric bypass:
This is the most common surgical weight loss procedure and
the least aggressive gastric bypass. It reduces absorptive
capacity of the small intestine by 20%. Five-year weight
loss averages 50%-75%.
Medial:
This moderately aggressive gastric bypass reduces the absorptive capacity of
the small intestine by 50%. Five-year weight loss averages 70%-80%.
Distal:
The most aggressive gastric bypass, it reduces the absorptive capacity of
the small intestine by 70%-80%. More than half the calories ingested are not
absorbed and the distal patient must take more vitamin, mineral and protein
supplements than other bypass patients. The five year weight loss averages
75%-85%.
Gastric bypass is one of the
most time-tested procedures for long-term weight loss. In
most cases it can now be performed laparoscopically—as a
minimally invasive surgery that results in fewer
complications and less pain during recovery. |
