Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
If you've been struggling with excess weight and have found that diet and exercise alone haven't delivered lasting results, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery may be an option worth considering. At Brisbane Bariatric Centre, Dr Justin Greenslade performs gastric bypass surgery in Brisbane using a minimally invasive approach wherever appropriate, helping patients achieve significant, long-term weight loss while improving a range of weight related health conditions.
Every patient's journey is different. During your consultation, Dr Greenslade will discuss your medical history, lifestyle, goals and whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the most appropriate bariatric surgery option for you.
What is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass?
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most established bariatric surgery procedures available. The gastric bypass procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch (also called a gastric pouch) from the upper part of the stomach before connecting it directly to a section of the small intestine. As a result, food bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine while digestive juices continue to aid digestion further along the digestive tract.
This surgical procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, using several small incisions and specialised surgical instruments under general anaesthesia. Compared with traditional open abdominal surgery, a laparoscopic technique often results in less discomfort and a quicker recovery.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is widely recognised because it can:
Deliver significant and sustainable weight loss, with many patients losing around 60–70% of their excess weight during the first 12 months.
Help maintain meaningful weight loss over the long term.
Improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea.
Reduce hunger through hormonal changes within the digestive system.
Improve quality of life when combined with long-term lifestyle changes.
As with all bariatric procedures, the surgery also carries risks, which Dr Greenslade will discuss with you during your consultation.
How does the gastric bypass work?
Weight is lost by the following 4 mechanisms:
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure supports weight loss in several ways.
Firstly, the surgeon creates a small gastric pouch, meaning you feel full after eating much smaller meals. Because the stomach pouch can only hold a limited amount of food, your overall food intake naturally decreases.
Secondly, ingested food bypasses part of the small intestine, changing the way nutrients and calories are absorbed. While some nutrient absorption is reduced, ongoing monitoring and vitamin and mineral supplements help maintain good health.
The procedure also changes hormone signals between the stomach and brain, helping reduce appetite and making it easier for many people to lose weight without constantly feeling hungry.
Some people also experience dumping syndrome after eating sugary or high-fat foods. These uncomfortable symptoms, which may include nausea, sweating, dizziness and abdominal discomfort, often encourage healthier food choices and reduce the desire for high calorie foods.
Who Is Gastric Bypass Surgery For?
You may be considered for RYGB surgery if you:
- Have a high body mass index (BMI).
- Live with severe obesity.
- Have been unable to achieve lasting weight loss through diet and exercise habits alone.
- Experience obesity-related health conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease or metabolic syndrome.
- Have experienced ongoing weight regain after previous attempts to lose weight.
Before recommending surgery, Dr Greenslade undertakes a comprehensive assessment. This may include reviewing your medical history, discussing previous exercise habits, arranging a psychological evaluation, and ensuring you understand the lifelong commitment required after surgery.
What is life like with a gastric bypass?
Most patients notice they feel satisfied with much smaller meals after surgery. The small pouch means you'll generally comfortably eat much less than before while still feeling full.
Dining out often becomes easier than expected, with many people feeling satisfied after an entrée-sized meal rather than a large main course. Rather than constantly battling hunger, many patients describe feeling naturally satisfied with less food.
To achieve durable weight loss, it's important to adopt a healthier lifestyle that includes nutritious meals, regular exercise and ongoing follow-up care.
Foods high in sugar or fat may trigger dumping syndrome, so these foods are generally best limited. Avoiding frequent snacking and choosing nutritious meals supports ongoing success and helps reduce the risk of weight gain or weight regain.
Because gastric bypass changes nutrient absorption, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are essential. Most patients require multivitamins, calcium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and other mineral supplements as recommended by their healthcare team. Regular blood tests help monitor for nutritional deficiencies and ensure supplementation remains appropriate.
Why Choose Brisbane Bariatric Centre for Gastric Bypass Surgery?
Choosing gastric bypass surgery is an important decision, and having an experienced surgical team matters.
At Brisbane Bariatric Centre, you'll receive care from Dr Justin Greenslade, an experienced upper gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon who provides straightforward advice in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
Your care doesn't end after surgery. Through NV Health, you'll have access to up to 24 months of allied health support, including dietitian appointments, nursing care and lifestyle coaching to help you maintain your results long term.
Frequently asked questions
While every patient is different, many people lose excess weight steadily during the first 12 months following surgery. Long-term success depends on ongoing healthy eating, regular activity and follow-up care.
Both sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are effective weight loss surgery options. The most suitable procedure depends on your medical history, existing health conditions and treatment goals. Dr Greenslade will explain how gastric bypass compares with gastric sleeve surgery during your consultation.
Yes. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended because changes to the digestive tract can affect nutrient absorption.
Yes, although you'll eat much smaller portions. Most patients return to a varied, nutritious diet while avoiding foods that trigger dumping syndrome or cause discomfort.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Brisbane Bariatric Centre
If you're considering gastric bypass surgery in Brisbane or would like to learn more about your options for weight loss surgery, we're here to help. Book a consultation with Dr Justin Greenslade to discuss your goals, ask questions and find out whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the right option for you.
