For decades, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery was the gold standard procedure for weight loss surgery. It is one of the most frequently performed weight loss procedures in the United States. In this procedure, stapling creates a small (15 to 20cc) stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed, but is completely stapled shut and divided from the stomach pouch. The outlet from this newly formed pouch empties directly into the lower portion of the small intestine, thus bypassing calorie absorption. This is done by dividing the small intestine just beyond the duodenum for the purpose of bringing it up and constructing a connection with the newly formed stomach pouch. The other end is connected into the side of the Roux limb of the intestine creating the “Y” shape that gives the technique its name. The length of either segment of the intestine can be increased to produce lower or higher levels of malabsorption. By adding malabsorption, food is delayed in mixing with bile and pancreatic juices that aid in the absorption of nutrients. The result is an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat. Many studies show that diabetes goes away in up to 80% of patients after surgery!
Advantages of Gastric Bypass:
- The average excess weight loss after the Roux-en-Y procedure can be higher in a compliant patient than with purely restrictive procedures.
- One year after surgery, weight loss can average 77% of excess body weight.
- Studies show that after 10 to 14 years, 50-60% of excess body weight loss has been maintained by some patients.
- A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions studied (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved.
Risks of Gastric Bypass:
- Because some of the small intestine is bypassed, poor absorption of iron and calcium can result in the lowering of total body iron and a predisposition to iron deficiency anemia. This is a particular concern for patients who experience chronic blood loss during excessive menstrual flow or bleeding hemorrhoids. Women, already at risk for osteoporosis that can occur after menopause, should be aware of the potential for heightened bone calcium loss.
- Bypassing the duodenum has caused metabolic bone disease in some patients, resulting in bone pain, loss of height, humped back and fractures of the ribs and hip bones. All of the deficiencies mentioned above, however, can be managed through proper diet and vitamin supplements.
- A chronic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. The problem can usually be managed with Vitamin B12 pills or injections.
- A condition known as “dumping syndrome ” can occur as the result of rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. This is sometimes triggered when too much sugar or large amounts of food are consumed. While generally not considered to be a serious risk to your health, the results can be extremely unpleasant and can include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and, on occasion, diarrhea after eating. Some patients are unable to eat any form of sweets after surgery.
- In some cases, the effectiveness of the procedure may be reduced if the stomach pouch is stretched and/or if it is initially left larger than 15-30cc.
- The bypassed portion of the stomach, duodenum and segments of the small intestine cannot be easily visualized using X-ray or endoscopy if problems such as ulcers, bleeding or malignancy should occur.
If you are a self-pay patient and want info on pricing and financing for gastric bypass, click here!
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Need a gastric bypass consultation. I seen Dr. Curry last year and tried diet pills but with no weight loss.
Just fill out an appointment request and we will get in touch about setting up an appointment!
Dr. C
If you had the gastric bypass and have stretched your pouch can you have it performed again
No, the only option is the Overstitch. Just type overstitch into the search box on journeylite.com for more info. It’s not covered by insurance so would have to be self pay.
I would like to do on line nutrition class
Hi Pauline – send an email to rd@curryweightloss.com they can help you.
How long is the nutrition visit requirement for Caresource? I know UHC is six months; are they the same?
CareSource is at least 6 months, for some reason I’m thinking might be 9 but I’m not 100% sure.
Dr. Curry
I have a BMI of 41.5 and have had no success in losing weight on my own. I have Cigna insurance and have Sleep Apnea – recently diagnosed – and would like to try to have this procedure under this year’s insurance deductible period (ending 12/31). Is this too aggressive?
Its certainly not too aggressive and would probably be a great option for you, however its unlikely to happen before the end of the year unless you’re not going through insurance.
Dr. Curry
I had a lapband surgery in 2009. It had to be removed 3 years later due to a hernia. I had gastric sleeve 3 years later in 2012. At first I lost some weight (not a lot) and now I’m at my heaviest, four year later. At the time, the doctor offered to do either the sleeve or bi-pass. I wish I’d chose bi-pass. My insurance has changed to Molina Medicaid currently and I’m interested in getting the bi-pass. Can it be performed after the sleeve and is it covered by Molina? I do have high blood pressure, was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2008, but did not receive treatment so I’m not sure now. My current BMI is 40.2. Thanks
Bypass is a possibility, I forwarded your info to our patient service reps which should be contacting you soon!
Dr. Curry
Ok Tricia I will have someone reach out to you to discuss your options.
Thanks!
Dr. Curry
I have tried losing weight for 14 years now. I lose and gain it back immediately. i am over 50 bmi. My insurance will only cover if i have type 2 diabetes. I have hypoglycemia but am not diabetic. I cannot afford surgery by myself. Any advice?
I would call 513-259-2555 and talk to Marcy, I’ve never seen a policy that covers weight loss surgery but only in diabetics. Might be able to appeal.
Dr. Curry
I have hsd RYN in 2012,, I have reflux back so bad that all I do is caugh after eating, sleeping and just breathing sometimes..on two meds for this.will getting revision to DS fix this…have some weight gain from depression from 187 lowest weight to 210 now highest weight was 333 before RYN..I have had two hernia surgerys and have new hernia dew to caughing so much…
In cases like this we would start first with an endoscopy to assess the RNY anatomy. Call 513-559-1222 option 2 and ask to schedule a gastric bypass aftercare appointment with Dr. Udelhofen as he deals a lot with these types of issues.
I would like to know if regular Medicaid card covers the bi-pass?
I believe it does, call our patient service reps at 513-259-2555 and they can tell you as well as help you with scheduling a consultation.
Dr. Curry
Can you tell me who I contact to find out self pay
Revision lap band to sleeve
Revision lap band to gastric bypass
I need self pay financing information for gastric bypass surgery. I have struggled with my weight since I was 5 years old and I need help!!!!
Ok I will have one of our patient service reps reach out with more info!
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hi Dr Curry
How long do I have to be off of work after RNY I have a sit down desk job & what is the minimum hospital stay?
Hello there,
Most RNY patients take about 2 weeks off from a desk job. Minimum stay is 23 hours.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
i had gastric bypass 2006 and now at my same weight before surgery what can i do??? to get the weight back off?
Perhaps an Overstitch may be an option, or medical weight loss. Just type Overstitch into the search box in the upper right corner of the site.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hello Dr Curry
My weight been up and down for years. I want to see if I can get surgery. But I am so scared because I have a heart murmur n asthma I also has sleep apnea. I weight 368 now and the lowest I got it on dieting was 321. Can you tell me about the gastro surgery and is that the only one care source will cover?
It would probably be best to call our patient service reps at 513-259-2555 and they can explain the procedures and will probably know CareSource coverage, as I don’t off the top of my head.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I had gastric sleeve 4 years ago. Had some health issues which put me on predisone for quit awhile havw gained my weight back . Was looking into seeing if I would be eligible to have the bypass .
Most likely, just call 513-259-2555 and our patient service reps can help guide you.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Is caresouce accepted? I have tried for 3 years to lose weight and I lost 100 but still no luck. I weigh about 250 and I really just can’t seem to lose anymore.
I’m not 100% sure, call 513-259-2555 and they can tell you.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
DR.CURRY, YOU PREFORMED MY RYN IN 2010,I HAVE HAD SOME GASTRIC COMPLICATIONS. MY HEAVIEST WEIGHT WAS 412, I AM NOW @ 148.06 I AM 5’7.. WHERE CAN I GET HELP WITH SKIN REMOVAL
We recommend Dr. Kurtis Martin who is excellent and has vast experience with patients who have had massive weight loss. His web site is cincinnatiplasticsurgery.com
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Thank you is there away ti send you or your practice a picture.
Sure you can email it to info@curryweightloss.com
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Do you guys perform revision from sleeve to Bypass?
Yes, we have done many of these procedures.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I have an out of state medicaid can I use that? I would really like to have the surgery because I have also struggled with my weight..
Actually I’m not sure about that, give a call to our PSR’s at 513-259-2555 and they can probably tell you.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hi Dr. Curry,
My 9 months of required MD visits and all other requirements from insurance will be completed in August. Do you know how long after I could have the surgery done? I wasn’t sure how long the wait period is to get scheduled for the surgery? I’m going from a gastric sleeve (done in 2011) to the bypass.
Thanks!!
It depends a lot on how long your insurance takes to get us an approval. Usually surgery happens about 8-12 weeks from last supervised diet visit.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
What are the qualifications?
Qualifications vary depending on insurance plan, but a general guideline is:
BMI 35-40 with at least 2 significant weight related comorbidities (like diabetes, sleep apnea, etc)
BMI 40 and over regardless of comorbidities
You have to first make sure you even have bariatric coverage as not all plans do. Our patient service reps can help you with this at 513-259-2555.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Do Caresource cover the weight loss surgery
Yes, CareSource does cover weight loss surgery if you meet all of their requirements.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
im on Medicare and have insurance can i get pre aproved before i have to pay out of pocket for office visits not a whole lot of money
Hi there, typically Medicare does not require pre-approval but I would recommend giving a call to our patient service reps and they can better guide you. 513-259-2555.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hello, I would like to find out if I am a candidate for the Obalon weight loss balloons. Would I need to schedule a consultation first?
Hi there you can probably find out if you are a candidate just by speaking with one of our patient service reps – give them a call at 513-259-2555 or psr@journeylite.com
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Our insurance has chose not to cover bariatric surgery again. If we choose to try and finance a self pay option, how long does it take to get to surgery date after few has been paid? Also is the self pay prices all inclusive of all charges? Thanks!
Sorry about the delay, we are currently running a $1000 off special on primary surgical weight loss procedures. Usually it takes 4-8 weeks after the initial consultation for surgery to happen.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians