Gastric Bypass or Roux-en-Y Costa Rica

A Gastric Bypass combines a restrictive procedure and a malabsorptive procedure. The stomach is stapled in two sections so that the top section of the stomach is the ‘new’ smaller sized stomach and the lower section of the stomach is bypassed. The small intestine is also divided and the lower part of the intestine pulled up to connect with the smaller ‘new’ stomach, resulting in a Y shape, hence the name.
When food is eaten it enters the new smaller stomach (restrictive procedure) and travels directly to the lower part of the intestine, bypassing the upper intestine. This decreases the amount of calories and nutrients absorbed into the body (malabsorptive procedure).
Due to the malabsorption it is important to follow the recommended guidelines for nutrition supplements following surgery.
Gastric Bypass may be performed laparoscopically, resulting in a shorter stay in hospital and quicker recovery time.