Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB). This operation is the most common gastric bypass procedure. First, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling or by vertical banding. This causes restriction in food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) as well as the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This causes reduced calorie and nutrient absorption. Tricare used to only cover an Open RNY, but they now cover a lap.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNY):
There are a number of techniques currently in use for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. The most common one, and the one I am having, is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, being performed about 75% of the time.

This surgery involves creating a (mine was the size of my thumb, 1-2 ounces) vertically oriented stomach pouch, as well as a bypass of most of the stomach and a varying amount of small intestine (see figure). As a result, weight loss is accomplished both by restriction of food and by malabsorption of nutrients. Ingestion of concentrated sugar is also essentially prohibited because doing so results in "dumping." Dumping is a group of unpleasant symptoms that resembles food poisoning (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flushing, and palpitations) that occurs when simple sugars enter the small intestine without first being properly digested by the stomach. Diabetics have probably experienced this, and know it is NOT fun. Many people that have diabetes will probably NOT have it after loosing the weight through the WLS , or it will be diet controlled. BUT that is another subject. [top]

Many people also report diminished appetite after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, as well as a change in the taste of food. One day fish can taste fantastic, the next YUCK! Many of these things are on a cast by case basis and they are additional ways the gastric bypass causes weight loss. Following RNY surgery, patients are at risk for developing anemia because of poor absorption of iron and vitamin B12. Therefore, dietary supplementation of these nutrients is required. Poor absorption of calcium may also occur, in other words, OSTEOPEROSIS! And I am sorry, but I do not want to look like the cousin of the Hunchback of Notredome, unless I was born with this problem SO … you have to remember to take the RIGHT type of calcium supplements! Also, with at least 30% of the patients, will develop gallstones! IN FACT here are some risks LAYED OUT Risks!!! [top]

" Ten to 20 percent of patients who have weight-loss operations require followup operations to correct complications. Abdominal hernias are the most common complications requiring follow up surgery. Less common complications include breakdown of the staple line and stretched stomach outlets.

" More than one-third of obese patients who have gastric surgery develop gallstones. Gallstones are clumps of cholesterol and other matter that form in the gallbladder. During rapid or substantial weight loss a person's risk of developing gallstones is increased. Gallstones can be prevented with supplemental bile salts taken for the first 6 months after surgery.

" Nearly 30 percent of patients who have weight-loss surgery develop nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease. These deficiencies can be avoided if vitamin and mineral intakes are maintained.
" Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy until their weight becomes stable because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus. [top]

OK the BENEFITS!???

Benefits
" Immediately following surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure. Although most patients then start to regain some of their lost weight, few regain it all.

" Surgery improves most obesity-related conditions. For example, in one study blood sugar levels of most obese patients with diabetes returned to normal after surgery. Nearly all patients whose blood sugar levels did not return to normal were older or had had diabetes for a long time.
St. Lukes is performing a study that is showing how most of the obesity related conditions controlled by medicine are either GOING AWAY or diminishing to the point of lesser medication (as in the cast of me, being hypothyroid, the medication amount will go down). This is absolutely AMAZING to me. My grandmother died being on medications that out numbered the recommended cap of seven by atleast 5. Scary huh? OK RISKS of STAYING FAT?
RISKS OF STAYING OBESE!!!!!!! (as found at American Obesity Association http://www.obesity.org/obmedconditions.htm) Just scanning the list I got scared! I had a freak out period between December and Febuary that made me thing, that this was NOT for me… and I tried and I tried… however… THIS is a MUST read!!!
Obesity is an independent risk factor or an aggravating agent for more than 30 medical conditions including:[top]

Arthritis
1. Osteoarthritis of knee and hip
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Birth Defects
Cancers
4. Breast Cancer in Women
5. Breast Cancer in Men
6. Cancers of the Esophagus and Gastric Cardia
7. Colorectal Cancer
8. Endometrial Cancer
9. Renal Cell Cancer
10. Cardiovascular Disease
11. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
12. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
13. Daytime Sleepiness
14. Deep Vein Thrombosis
15. End Stage Renal Disease
16. Gallbladder Disease
17. Gout
18. Heat Disorders
19. Hypertension
20. Impaired Immune Response
21. Impaired Respiratory Function
22. Infections Following Wounds
23. Infertility
24. Liver Disease
25. Low Back Pain
26. Obstetric and Gynecological Complications
27. Pain
28. Sever Acute Biliary and Alcoholic Pancreatitis
29. Sleep Apnea
30. Stroke
31. Surgical Complications
32. Traumatic Injuries to Teeth
33. Type 2 Diabetes (NIDDM)
34. Urinary Stress Incontinence
[top]

You tell me, but after I read the above risks of being fat, after I realized how hard it was for me to run after my children, to do ANY activity I used to LOVE to do, it was worth all the risks! PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE! READ! RESEARCH AND STUDY ALL YOUR OPTIONS! That is the BEST advice I can think of! AND JOIN ONLINE AND REAL LIFE SUPPORT GROUPS!!!!! Find some suggested support groups on Yahoo, check out my LINK page to see what suggestions I have..

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