Carle Bariatric Center

About the Procedures

The Bariatric Center at Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle SurgiCenter offers three proven options for surgically achieved weight loss.

• Roux-en-Y: The "gold standard" Roux-en-Y open procedure helps achieve maximum weight loss and may be covered by insurance. Learn more.

• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: This minimally invasive gastric bypass procedure provides for faster recovery and may be covered by insurance.

• Laparoscopic Banding: This new minimally invasive outpatient procedure is now conveniently available at the Carle SurgiCenter on Mattis Avenue.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Surgeons at Carle's Bariatric Center perform the Roux-en-Y gastric Bypass procedure.  The procedure can be done through traditional surgical techniques or, for some patients, through less invasive laparoscopic methods. This procedure allows patient to lose weight in three ways:

1. Eat less - with a separate, small stomach pouch, you eater less food and fell full sooner.
2. Changed Appetite - Most patients find that they tolerate fewer high-fat and high-sugar foods. 
3. Fewer calories - you absorb fewer calories  since food bypasses part of the small intestine and digestion occurs in the lower part of the small intestine (malabsorption)

'Roux-en-Y' Explained

Step 1: The Incision
The typical incision runs between the tip of the breast bone and navel.  Laparoscopic surgery involves smaller incisions
Step 2: The Stomach is Divided into Two Parts
The stomach is completely separated into two parts.  The upper part forms a small pouch capable holding about 1 fluid ounce.  This part will receive food.
Step3: Small Intestine is Measured and Cut
The lower part of the stomach is bypassed, as is the first part of the small intestine. Food will not pass through this bypassed segment (although it still functions).
Step 4: Small Intestine is Connected to the Small Stomach Pouch
The lower part of the small intestine is brought up and connected to the small stomach pouch.  food will pass through a small opening from the small pouch into the small intestine.
Step 5: The Bypassed Part of the Small Intestine is Reconnected (forming a "Y")
The end of the bypassed section of the small intestine coming from the bypassed stomach is reconnected to the lower small intestine, forming a "Y".  The allows digestive juices to empty into the portion of the small intestine where food is present.