What You Should Know
Gastric Bypass is a medical procedure where the stomach is made smaller to accommodate less food, causing extreme weight loss. This procedure is currently limited to the morbidly obese (equaling a BMI index of 40.0 or more) with a long history of obesity, usually equating 5 years or more. Other factors, such as dietary lifestyle, pre-existing conditions and issues with psychiatric disorders also play a part in determining the right Gastric Bypass patient. The effects of Gastric Bypass are heavily documented, and this procedure has its benefits and its risks which each patient should consider with their doctor. This procedure is only intended for the morbidly obese, and unless dieters need to lose the weight for their health (or if their weight is threatening their livelihood), this procedure is rarely recommended.
If diet and exercise have not helped you lose enough weight, bringing up Gastric Bypass with your physician may be one solution to consider although weighing the benefits against its risks is suggested before considering this risky operation. The cost (this procedure is not cheap either, and sometimes not covered by insurance) is also another factor, and the long recovery time may cause you to think twice before going under the knife.
Gastric Bypass is completed by surgically placing a band around the stomach to make it smaller, then connecting it to the small intestine to further prevent more weight gain. This usually requires a week’s stay at the hospital, followed up by home bed rest and then slowly introducing food into the diet to avoid any complications. Complications include quick emptying of the bowels, vomiting, and faintness. If the procedure is successful, a weight loss of over 50% is usually predicted within the first year, although it will vary on an individual basis. It almost always causes a significant weight loss after successful Gastric Bypass surgery. Patients will need to follow a strict diet plan with a nutritionist to keep the procedure from failing, however, and to stay healthy. Nearly 30% of patients suffer from anemia and malnutrition due to the intestine’s decreased ability to absorb nutrients, and normally shots or vitamins are prescribed to tackle this issue.
Other issues following Gastric Bypass range from moderate to severe, the most severe being death. About 1.5% of patients die as a result of Gastric Bypass surgery, and about 15% will develop serious stomach-related issues such as ulcers or hernias. Other issues include an increased risk of gallstones, malnutrition, and bloating. Gastric Bypass is a lifelong, permanent procedure, and for those willing to take the risk, it may be one option to consider with your doctor. It is important to be aware of the dangers, however.
- Is a permanent procedure with documented benefits, including weight loss of 50% or more of the mass weight.
- Is a viable solution for the morbidly obese.
- Is a very risky procedure with a chance of death, ulcers, or gallstones.
- Must follow a strict diet after the procedure is completed to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Is very expensive and requires substantial recovery time.
Gastric Bypass is the choice of many morbidly obese patients who need to lose the weight for their health, and it is heavily documented as a viable, working solution. There are serious risks when completing this procedure, however, and it cannot be reversed. Dedication is heavily required if one is to consider this procedure, and physicians will ultimately decide if this is the proper procedure for them.