Comprehensive weight management: Weight loss (Bariatric) surgery

The gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y surgery is the most common surgery in the U.S. This procedure may be done either through an open approach (large incision) or via the more common laparoscopic approach.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery procedure

During the operation, surgical staples are used to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. A segment of the small intestine is then attached to this pouch. Food bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

Most patients typically have a one- to three-night hospital stay. 

Benefits of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operation helps you lose weight by:

• Caloric restriction: The small pouch created can hold only two to four tablespoons at a time, thereby drastically reducing the amount of food that can be eaten.

• Nutrient malabsorption: Food bypasses a large portion of the stomach and the first portion of the intestine.

Additional benefits of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include:

• Significant hormonal changes for hunger and glycemic control

• Immediate and robust weight loss (six to seven pounds per week in the first six to 12 months)

• It is the most durable procedure for long-term weight loss

• The sleeve gastrectomy procedure may be done through an open approach (large incision) or via the more common laparoscopic approach.

• A large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube-shaped pouch with a capacity of approximately three to four ounces.

• Unlike the Roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) there is no bypassing of the intestines.

• Most patients typically have a one- to two-night hospital stay.

Benefits of sleeve gastrectomy

• The sleeve is primarily a restrictive procedure, meaning patients lose weight by limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at a time, with some change in the ability to absorb calories and nutrients.

• The sleeve may lead to hormonal changes that decrease hunger, and have metabolic effects that may speed the resolution of diabetes.

• The sleeve gastrectomy procedure provides moderate weight loss (four to five pounds per week in the first six to 12 months).

Sign up to learn more about UW Health's surgical weight management program.

Enter your name and email/phone number.

Check your email for a confirmation code and follow the link to watch a series of brief videos about our program (15 minutes).

Request an appointment — you will need your current health insurance and height/weight info.

Our scheduling departments will reach out to you within two business days to discuss next steps.

Please note that coverage varies widely, each employer may purchase a different plan and the information below may not apply to your individual plan.

Please call your insurer or employer's benefits department for the most current and accurate information regarding coverage and requirements of your plan.

If your insurance or employer changes at any time, please let us know as soon as possible as this can impact your coverage.

We recommend that you call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask if bariatric surgery is a covered benefit, and if there are any specific requirements for the surgery to be covered.

It is important to understand your financial responsibilities before you begin this journey, so ask lots of questions!

Am I a good fit for bariatric weight loss surgery?

Do you:

• Have significant health issues that would improve with weight loss?

• Have a BMI of 35 or more with weight-related comorbidities?

• Have a BMI of 40 or more without weight-related comorbidities?

Note that individual insurance plans may have specific requirements for bariatric surgery coverage not included above.

If you are an adult 18 years or older and answered YES to any of the above questions AND are a non-smoker (you must be tobacco- and nicotine-free for at least three months prior to pre-surgery education) then you are likely a good fit for bariatric weight loss surgery.

If you do not meet the requirements of bariatric weight loss surgery, we also offer non-surgical (metabolic) weight management options.

When will I be able to have surgery?

The program pathway is a minimum of five consecutive monthly visits (all required), which include group and individual appointments.

What types of bariatric surgery does UW Health offer?

Our surgeons offer the sleeve gastrectomy and the Roux-en-Y bypass procedures as well as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.

Do you offer revisional surgery?

Yes, our surgeons also perform revisional surgery if medically indicated for people who have had previous weight loss surgery.

Can my child have bariatric surgery?

Our program is designed for adults 18 year and older. For information about pediatric weight loss, please contact UW Health’s Pediatric Fitness Clinic.