ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION Mason and Ito introduced the original concept of the gastric bypass for weight reduction in 1967. Subsequent refinements led from the open loop gastric bypass to ultimately the development of the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reported by Wittgrove. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach as compared to open include diminished rates of wound infection, hernia, and pulmonary complications. Other advantages include shorter length of stay and return to activity.
