Gastric Bypass Surgery

Expert Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in San Diego

Two women smiling as the walk outdoors for exercise, representing the active lifestyle that people often enjoy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Expert Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in San Diego

Widely accepted as the most effective weight loss surgery available, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is performed by Scripps bariatric surgeons in San Diego as a minimally invasive (laparoscopic) procedure. With some of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in Southern California, our team has helped tens of thousands of people safely transform their lives.

About gastric bypass surgery

Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, gastric bypass surgery is a type of bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgeons at Scripps use the latest in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques. By making only a few small incisions during surgery, laparoscopic gastric bypass may result in less pain, shorter hospitalization, decreased risk of complications, shorter recovery time and better cosmetic results.

How does gastric bypass work?

Roux-en-Y surgery helps promote weight loss in two ways:


  • By reducing the size of your stomach, which restricts the amount of food it can hold and subsequently, the number of calories consumed
  • By shortening or “bypassing” part of your small intestine, which reduces the amount of calories and nutrients your body absorbs


Patients do not experience any malnutrition as a result of the procedure.

What happens during gastric bypass surgery?

During the procedure, your bariatric surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of your stomach. While the average human stomach can hold up to two quarts, this new stomach pouch has a capacity of roughly two ounces. This means you feel full after eating just a small amount of food.


Next, your surgeon attaches your new stomach pouch to the middle portion of your small intestine. During the normal digestive process, your small intestine absorbs calories and nutrients. Following surgery, once food leaves your stomach pouch it will bypass the top portion of your small intestine — meaning your body will absorb fewer calories and nutrients from the food you’ve eaten. 


At Scripps, we also have experience with laparoscopic revision bariatric surgery. Revisions could involve removing a gastric band (Lap-Band) and performing a gastric bypass. Also, while it’s not common and rarely indicated, we have experience converting a sleeve gastrectomy to a gastric bypass.

Your bariatric surgery team

The Scripps weight loss and bariatric surgery team gives you the combined expertise of:


  • Highly trained board-certified surgeons who specialize in minimally invasive bariatric surgery
  • Board-certified physicians in other specialties who help provide additional care depending on your specific medical needs
  • Nurse practitioners with expertise in weight management
  • Registered dietitians
  • A certified lifestyle coach
  • Support staff, including a bariatric nurse and physician's assistant for pre- and post-surgery care

Is gastric bypass surgery right for you?

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is one of several bariatric surgery procedures Scripps offers to help people lose weight safely and effectively. You and your doctor will discuss which procedure is ideal for you, based on your unique health history and weight loss goals. We encourage you to learn more about whether gastric bypass surgery is right for you, get answers to frequently asked questions about bariatric surgery and attend a bariatric surgery orientation.

Support services

At Scripps, we understand that while bariatric surgery can be life-changing, successfully keeping the weight off requires ongoing support. That’s why we empower our patients with the right tools and support services to help you be successful at achieving and maintaining your ideal weight. 


Our bariatric surgery support services include:


  • Monthly bariatric support groups
  • Scripps Living Lite behavioral change program
  • Follow-up with a registered dietitian
  • Ongoing support from a bariatric registered nurse


See a full list of our bariatric surgery support services.