Frequently Asked Questions about Roux en Y Gastric Bypass

Q.  Who is a candidate for Roux en Y Gastric Bypass Surgery?  
A.  Those persons who are 100 pounds or more overweight, or with a Body Mass Index greater than 40 may qualify for surgery.  In addition, potential patients should have a history of failed dietary attempts, be an acceptable surgical risk, and be free of psychological and medical contraindications.  The motivation to comply with lifestyle changes and program guidelines will help determine your results.  

Q.  What does the surgery involve?  
A.  Stapling is used to create a small, upper stomach pouch (~1 oz. in size) which restricts the amount of food able to be consumed.  The rest of the stomach is bypassed and is no longer used to hold or digest food.  Food passes from the new small stomach directly into the rerouted, Y-shaped small intestine.  

Q. What are the risks involved with this surgery?  
A.  All major surgery involves a certain level of risk, and the following risks and considerations can occur with this procedure:  leaks, bleeding, pneumonia, blood clots, infection, intestinal obstruction, nutritional deficiencies, gallbladder problems, and possible death.  

Q.  How soon after surgery can I return to work?  
A.  As with any major surgery, it depends on how quickly you recover.  A reasonable estimate is between two and six weeks, depending also on the type of work you perform.  

Q. Can I exercise after surgery?  
A. Exercise is essential to healthy weight loss.  It will preserve your muscles and help promote loss of excess fat. Patients should not do heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the first four to six weeks.  

Q.  Is it safe to become pregnant after Gastric Bypass surgery?  
A.  Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. You should wait at least two years after surgery (until weight stabilizes) to become pregnant.  

Q.  Can I eat anything in moderation?  
A.  After your stomach has healed, you may eat foods that don't cause you discomfort.  However, because you can only eat a little at a time, it is important to eat foods high in protein and vitamins / minerals as recommended by your program dietitian. If you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat, you may experience the miserable effects of "dumping syndrome" and also slow your weight loss.  

Q. Will I need to take vitamin and mineral supplements?  
A.  Because of anatomical changes to the intestinal tract, certain vitamins and minerals are not absorbed as well and will need to be supplemented.  These include a Multivitamin with Iron and Calcium daily and sublingual Vitamin B12 twice weekly.  

Q. Can I drink alcohol or smoke?  
A.  Alcohol can be consumed cautiously, but smoking must be completely stopped prior to the operation and not resumed after the operation.  

Q.  How much weight will I lose?  
A.  Most people who have gastric bypass surgery quickly begin to lose weight and continue to lose weight for up to 12 months.   

Q.  Is this procedure reversible?  
A.  Gastric bypass surgery is considered permanent. In theory, the procedure could be reversed, because nothing is removed during surgery. However, this would be considered a very serious operation and would only be done in an extreme situation.  

Q. What about taking medications after surgery?  
A.  You should be able to take most prescribed medication. Medications will be reviewed at the time of discharge from the hospital. Break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick. Always ask your doctor about this. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers because they may irritate the stomach.  

Q.  What if I go out to eat?  
A.  Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly.  Finish at  the same time as your table companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much.  

Q.  Will I suffer from constipation?  
A.  There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools, which is normal after a decrease in food intake. This should not cause you severe problems. We sometimes advise a stool softener, and always encourage our patients to drink plenty of water. Your needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6-8 cups of fluid a day.