The large intestine carries out the function of absorption of water and electrolytes as well as storing waste until it can be expelled. It is also responsible for maintaining water balance and some absorption of vitamins such as vitamin K. The mixture of remaining food and intestinal juices called chyme in the colon is devoid of almost all nutrients and water; it consists of primarily the undigested food with some amount of water and electrolytes.

There are major changes to the digestive system, changes that make this approach to bariatric surgery very effective in significant weight loss. Post-operation, the diet is typically all-liquid for several weeks and then only soft or mashed foods until the post-surgical swelling in the digestive system heals. At the same time, a gastric bypass is more than a surgical procedure; it is also part of a lifestyle change.

What occurs during laparoscopic gastric bypass? Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass works by temporarily decreasing hunger and cravings, restricting the amount of food you can eat at one time and reducing the absorption of calories. The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is considered by many experts to be the current gold standard procedure for bariatric surgery. Although the surgery is typically not reversible, it is the most popular form of bariatric surgery.