© GEORGE RETSECK © GEORGE RETSECK

The Before

This diagram represents a presurgical mouse digestive system.

Bile Diversion

To encourage bile acid
absorption and recirculation,
the common bile duct is
disconnected from the
duodenum and reconnected
at the ileum. Metabolic and
weight-loss benefits are similar
to those of mice who receive the
traditional Roux-en-Y procedure.
© GEORGE RETSECK

Roux-en-Y

This common procedure to treat obesity shrinks the stomach and redirects the intestine to reduce calorie absorption. The duodenum, carrying digestive juices from the bile duct, is connected to the jejunum below where it has been connected to the gastric pouch.

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