Robotic Gastric Bypass
Robotic Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure
During robotic gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch from your stomach is created. A piece of small intestine is attached to the pouch so food can come out of the pouch directly into a segment of small intestine, thereby causing a part of the stomach and small intestine to be bypassed. The mechanism of weight loss is two-fold: The small pouch restricts the amount of food you can ingest, and the bypass of the stomach and duodenum restricts the body’s ability to absorb calories, while still providing adequate nutrition. As a result of the surgery, changes in eating habits are required. These include restricted portions of food, as well as food choices that optimize nutritional requirements.
Video of a Robotic Gastric Bypass
At Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute, our Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures are performed robotically, allowing patients less pain and bleeding, a reduced hospital stay, and faster recovery and mobility. Here is an example of a robotic gastric bypass narrated by Dr. Brown. It’s a good example of the efficiency of the robot in that the instruments move just like he moves his hands, resulting in minimal bleeding and trauma to the surrounding tissues.
Ideal Candidates for Robotic Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass surgery isn’t right for everyone. Like any surgery, it comes with health risks and side effects, which is why our team performs a thorough health evaluation before recommending the procedure. Ideal candidates are people who are:
- Between the ages of 18 and 65
- Morbidly obese with a BMI of 40 or higher
- Obese with a BMI 35 or higher and have another weight-related health condition, like diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, hypertension, or joint pain
- Unsuccessful after trying multiple diet and exercise programs
- Nonsmokers
- Dedicated to maintaining the lifestyle changes that accompany the surgery.
Expectations Following Robotic Gastric Bypass
Following robotic gastric bypass surgery, all patients see that their obesity-related comorbidities improve or resolve completely. Weight loss is initially dramatic and can be anticipated for an extended period if patients are compliant with the lifestyle and dietary changes required. The gastric Roux-en-Y is proven to be safe and effective in morbidly obese patients, allowing these patients to:
- Lose significant weight and maintain weight loss long-term
- Reverse many obesity-related health problems
- Favorably impact longevity and quality of life
For more information, contact our skilled and compassionate team at Colorado Bariatric Surgery Institute at 303-861-4505.
Possible Side Effects
Gastric bypass surgery is associated with few complications, but it can still have risks and side effects. Some possible side effects include bowel obstruction, ulcers, stomach perforation, gallstones, low blood sugar, and malnutrition. Our team will consult with you about side effects beforehand so you understand the possible risks associated with surgery.
