Gastric bypass is a combination procedure that uses both restrictive (it limits the size of the stomach) and malabsorptive (it limits the amount of calories and nutrients absorbed) elements.

The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass requires the construction of a small pouch that holds about ¼ cup of solid food, or about 2 ounces of beverage or other fluid. A connection is then made directly into the small intestine where digestion begins. 

Either open or laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass can be performed.

If it is an open procedure, the surgery is done through an abdominal incision between your navel and rib cage. The surgeon will perform the surgery through this incision and close you up using internal stitches. Staples will be used on the outside of the incision and will be removed about one week later at the time of your first post-operative visit.

If your surgery is done laparoscopically, five small holes are created in your abdomen that allow the surgeon to pass a light, camera and surgical instruments into the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with gas (carbon dioxide) to allow the surgeon a better view.