Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - FAQs

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Why don't I just keeping losing weight, until I'm under my ideal body weight?

Eventually you will be able to eat enough to sustain the body weight that you have reached and your weight loss levels off.

Is this cosmetic surgery?

No, definitely not. As we have mentioned in this booklet, obesity is a disease that is potentially life threatening and has many problems associated with it. Surgery for obesity is a treatment of this disease.

Should I expect vomiting?

Vomiting after this procedure is rare, however if you eat the wrong type of foods or eat too quickly during the initial phase, you may have occasional episodes. Fresh bread and solid red meat can often cause regurgitation and therefore are frequently avoided.

Will I be constipated?

Constipation may occur because of the reduction in your food intake and therefore fibre. If it occurs, you will need to try lactulose syrup. However this causes 'dumping' in some people and they will need to take Metamucil (with plenty of water) instead.

What happens if I become pregnant?

We strongly discourage pregnancy in the first 12 months following surgery, due to the rapid weight loss that is expected. You require a stable weight to adequately nourish a baby, so contraception is advised during this phase. After this stage, if you are trying to become pregnant or are at risk of doing so, you will need to take folate supplements daily to reduce the risk of spina bifida in your baby.