Struggling with weight can feel like an uphill battle. Diet after diet, gym memberships, willpower... and yet the results just don’t stick. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you do have options. One of the most effective long-term weight loss solutions is Roux En-Y gastric bypass surgery.
Let’s explore this powerful surgical option and how it could help you reclaim your health, confidence, and quality of life—especially under the expert care of Dr. Sherif Awad.
What Exactly Is Roux En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery?
At its core, Roux En-Y gastric bypass is a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery that reduces the size of your stomach and reroutes part of your small intestine. This changes how your body digests food—and how much of it you can eat in one sitting.
Here’s the cool part: not only will you feel full faster, but your body will also absorb fewer calories. That’s a double win for weight loss.
How the Procedure Works
The surgery involves two main steps:
Creating a Small Stomach Pouch: Your surgeon separates a small section of your upper stomach (about the size of an egg) to form a new pouch. This becomes your new, smaller stomach.
Rerouting the Intestine: Then, a part of your small intestine is attached directly to the new stomach pouch. Food bypasses a large portion of the stomach and the first segment of the small intestine (the duodenum).
This setup not only limits how much you eat, but also how many calories and nutrients you absorb.
Why People Opt for This Surgery
If you’re thinking, “Is this really for me?”—here are some reasons why people choose Roux En-Y gastric bypass:
You’ve tried everything else and the weight keeps coming back.
Your BMI is 40 or higher, or 35+ with serious health conditions.
You’re battling health issues like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, or joint problems.
Your quality of life is suffering, physically or emotionally.
Dr. Sherif Awad helps patients assess whether this surgery is the right fit—and makes sure they’re fully prepared for the journey ahead.
The Benefits You Can Expect
This surgery is known for its impressive, long-term results. Here’s what many patients experience:
60–80% loss of excess body weight
Improvement or resolution of type 2 diabetes
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Better sleep and reduced apnea
Less joint pain and more mobility
Improved fertility and hormonal balance
Better mental health and self-esteem
It’s not just about what you lose. It’s about what you gain—energy, freedom, confidence, and health.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is the right fit for Roux En-Y, and that’s okay. The ideal candidate typically:
Has a BMI of 40+, or 35+ with weight-related conditions
Is between 18 and 65 years old
Has struggled with weight for years
Is ready to commit to a new lifestyle
Is willing to attend follow-ups and stay in touch with their care team
Dr. Sherif Awad takes a personalized approach, considering your full medical history and lifestyle before making a recommendation.
What Happens Before Surgery
Before the big day, there’s a bit of groundwork. This is to make sure you’re in the best shape possible for surgery and recovery. You’ll go through:
Nutritional counseling
A physical exam and blood work
Possibly a supervised diet program
A psychological evaluation
Smoking cessation (if needed)
This stage is just as important as the surgery itself. It sets the foundation for your success.
The Day of Surgery
The procedure is done laparoscopically in most cases, which means small incisions, quicker recovery, and less scarring. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia.
After surgery, you’ll spend a couple of nights in the hospital under the watchful care of Dr. Sherif Awad’s surgical team. You’ll be encouraged to get up and move around the next day to promote healing and reduce the risk of clots.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery is a step-by-step journey, and it’s important to follow each stage closely.
First few days: Only clear liquids allowed
Weeks 1–2: Transition to full liquids and protein shakes
Weeks 3–4: Soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and cottage cheese
Month 2 onward: Slowly introduce solid foods
You’ll need to eat small, nutrient-dense meals, avoid sugar, and stay hydrated. It might feel overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it with the right support.
Risks and Complications to Know About
All surgeries come with some level of risk. That’s just the honest truth. Here are a few you should be aware of:
Infection
Bleeding
Dumping syndrome (when food moves too quickly into the small intestine)
Nutrient deficiencies
Small bowel obstruction
Ulcers
The good news? Dr. Sherif Awad and his team take every precaution to minimize these risks—and you’ll be closely monitored before and after surgery.
The Importance of Vitamins and Supplements
Because your body won’t absorb nutrients as efficiently post-surgery, you’ll need to take supplements daily for life. These usually include:
A high-quality multivitamin
Vitamin B12
Iron
Calcium with Vitamin D
Neglecting these can lead to serious deficiencies, so this is non-negotiable. But don’t worry—you’ll be guided every step of the way.
Your New Lifestyle After Surgery
Success doesn’t stop after surgery—it begins there. To maintain your weight loss and stay healthy, you’ll need to:
Eat slowly and mindfully
Stick to a balanced, high-protein diet
Exercise regularly (even walking works wonders)
Avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods
Attend all follow-up appointments
Your mindset is everything. Treat this as a permanent lifestyle change, not a temporary fix.
Realistic Results and Expectations
While some people expect the pounds to melt away instantly, the reality is a steady and healthy weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week. That adds up quickly—most patients lose the majority of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months.
You’ll feel more energetic, move easier, and often reduce or eliminate medications. But the mental and emotional boost? That’s priceless.
How It Compares to Other Weight Loss Surgeries
Here’s a helpful breakdown of how Roux En-Y stacks up:
Surgery Type | Avg. Weight Loss | Recovery Time | Digestion Altered | Reversible? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roux En-Y Gastric Bypass | 60–80% of excess | 2–3 weeks | Yes | No |
Sleeve Gastrectomy | 50–70% of excess | 2 weeks | No | No |
Gastric Banding | 40–50% of excess | 1 week | No | Yes |
Surgical Comparison Chart for Weight Loss Procedures
Why Choose Dr. Sherif Awad
Dr. Sherif Awad is more than just a skilled bariatric surgeon—he’s a partner on your weight loss journey. With years of experience and a compassionate, patient-focused approach, he provides not only exceptional surgical care but also the long-term support you need to thrive.
His team offers personalized plans, educational resources, and the encouragement to keep going when things get tough. You’re never just a number—you’re part of a team working toward the best version of you.
Wrapping It Up
Roux En-Y gastric bypass surgery can be the beginning of a brand new chapter. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not a shortcut—but it works. With dedication, support, and expert care from Dr. Sherif Awad, you can take control of your health and live the life you deserve.
If you're ready to learn more, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation. Your new life could be just one decision away.