title: Relationship between varying Roux limb lengths and weight loss in gastric bypass.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A linear relationship exists between Roux limb length and 1-year weight loss.
authors.affiliation: General Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX 79920, USA.
authors.forename: Sukhyung
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kirk G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Sahagian
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Schriver
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss