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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
Published on: June 11, 2012
Relationship between varying Roux limb lengths and weight loss in gastric bypass
Sukhyung Lee1, Kirk G Sahagian, John P Schriver
1General Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX 79920, USA.
Background:
The optimal Roux limb length for gastric bypass is unknown. Therefore, the effect of Roux limb length on weight loss and nutritional deficiency after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure was studied.
Methods:
From September 2000 to February 2004, 165 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries were performed at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. One-year follow-ups were completed on 97 patients. Roux limbs varied from 100 cm to 150 cm, based on the patient's body mass index (BMI). Roux limb lengths were compared with 1-year changes in absolute weight, BMI, and nutritional levels.
Results:
In the 97 patients, average age at the time of surgery was 44 years (range, 20-63). Average BMI was 46.7 +/- 6.6 kg/m(2) before surgery and 30.9 +/- 5.8 kg/m(2) at 1-year follow-up. Average absolute weight loss at 1 year was 43.7 +/- 12.8 kg. A statistically significant linear relationship existed between Roux limb length and reductions in BMI and absolute weight. No relationship existed between Roux limb length and changes in nutrient levels.
Conclusion:
A linear relationship exists between Roux limb length and 1-year weight loss.
