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Types of Gastric Bypass

Types of Gastric Bypass

There are several types of gastric bypass procedures. All of them bypass (go past or around) the small intestine and some of them reduce stomach size. Your doctor will help determine which type of surgery is best for you based on your medical history and weight loss goals.

Surgeries for weight loss are usually divided into three categories:

  • Restrictive: Limits food intake by reducing stomach size
  • Malabsorptive: Limits food absorption by bypassing parts of the small intestine
  • Combination restrictive and malabsorptive

All gastric bypass procedures are malabsorptive. Some are a combination of malabsorptive and restrictive.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y is the most common type of gastric bypass surgery. The procedure involves stapling the stomach to create a small pouch that holds less food. We shape a portion of the small intestine into a "Y." Roux-en-Y is:

  • Malabsorptive (limits food absorption)
  • Restrictive (limits food intake)
  • Highly successful for weight loss

Learn more about Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Biliopancreatic Diversion Gastric Bypass

Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) is a less common procedure. It is more complicated than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Biliopancreatic diversion is different from Roux-en-Y:

  • It is primarily malabsorptive (limits food absorption)
  • It Involves the removal of part of the lower stomach
  • It is typically reserved for patients that are severely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 50.

Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Banding (Lap Band) Surgery

Gastric banding (lap band) surgery is a common bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Gastric banding is different than gastric bypass in that it is purely restrictive (limits food intake), while gastric bypass is always malabsorptive (limits food absorption) and sometimes restrictive.

Gastric bypass and gastric banding both have different risks and different benefits. Your doctor can help you determine which type of weight loss surgery is best for you.

Learn more about gastric banding (lap band) surgery.

Clinics for Types