A gastric bypass (also called a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) is suitable for people who are severely overweight and who have not been able to lose weight with diet, exercise, or medicine.
Surgery is generally considered when your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher. Surgery may also be an option when your BMI is 35 or higher and you have a life-threatening or disabling problem that is related to your weight.
It is important to think of this surgery as a tool to help you lose weight. It is not an instant fix. You will still need to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. This will help you reach your weight goal and avoid regaining the weight you lose.
Gastric bypass is surgery to make the stomach smaller and change the connection between the stomach and the intestines. The small intestine is attached to a new opening made in the stomach (above the double row of staples). The two parts of the small intestine are connected so that the unused part of the stomach can drain.
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