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Gastric Bypass Surgery

Many people want to lose weight to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. But at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we know that major weight loss can be difficult with diet and exercise alone. We offer a range of bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass (also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or stomach bypass surgery), to help people with obesity achieve their weight loss goals.

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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: Why choose us?

Our comprehensive Center for Weight Management in the Puget Sound area offers: 

  • Extensive experience: Many surgeons on our team have fellowship training in weight loss surgery. This expertise means they have the skill set to perform challenging bariatric procedures, even in patients with complex medical needs.

  • Minimally invasive options: We perform gastric bypass procedures using minimally invasive techniques. Smaller incisions result in decreased pain, less scarring and a quicker return to your normal activities after bariatric surgery. 

  • National recognition: Our bariatric hospitals have accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This means we adhere to rigorous quality and safety standards when providing your care. 

  • Trusted expertise: Our Center for Weight Management is backed by award-winning hospitals and one of the leading health systems in Washington state. You have access to a large network of specialists and resources with the capabilities to offer world-class care.

  • Gastric bypass surgery (also called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or stomach bypass surgery) changes the way your body digests food. 

    Your surgeon divides your stomach into two parts. One part becomes a small pouch (about the size and shape of an egg) that holds and digests food. The large remaining part stays in place, but it’s bypassed (closed off from the pouch). Then your surgeon reroutes your small intestine, attaching part of it to the pouch.

  • Your new stomach pouch holds less food and liquid, so you eat and drink less. But you also absorb fewer calories from the food you do eat. This is because the food bypasses the section of the intestine where most calorie absorption occurs.

  • If you’re considering gastric bypass surgery, here are a few things you should know about the procedure: 

    • Anesthesia: General anesthesia (you will be asleep)
    • Minimally invasive: Yes
    • Procedure time: 2 to 3 hours
    • Hospitalization: 1 to 2 days on average
    • Recovery: 2 to 3 weeks on average
    • Total weight loss (TWL): About 35% TWL (as a percentage of starting weight)

  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is very effective at producing long-term weight loss. It greatly reduces the chance of many weight-related comorbidities, such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s also a good option for people who have heartburn or acid reflux. The procedure doesn’t usually cause or worsen these conditions.

  • Gastric bypass reroutes your intestines, so it’s a more complex procedure than gastric sleeve surgery and may have more side effects. It is important to discuss risks and possible benefits with your doctor when considering weight loss surgery.

Are you a candidate?

We invite you to take the next step to find out more about your weight loss options.