Gastric Bypass Blog

Gastric bypass surgery is only one type of weight loss surgery available for obese individuals wishing to lose weight. In this procedure, a small portion of the stomach is made into a pouch and connected to the small intestine and ‘bypassing’ most of the stomach.

To qualify for being a potential candidate for this surgery you must have been overweight for at least five years, be an adult under 65 years of age, and have a body mass index of 40 or greater. If you suffer from weight related illnesses such as type II diabetes or high blood pressure, your body mass index needs to be at least 30. You must also demonstrate that you have been unsuccessful at losing weight using more conventional methods.

To be successful, gastric bypass surgery must be accompanied by a complete lifestyle change. Overeating is no longer an option and eating small nutritious meals and taking vitamin and mineral supplements is critical to avoiding nutritional deficits. Certain foods (e.g., fatty, sweet, spicy, fiber-filled) and beverages (e.g., alcohol and carbonated drinks) must be eaten in moderation or completely eliminated from your diet. Initiating an exercise program is important in promoting weight loss.

Patients usually lose between 60 and 70 percent of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. The speed and amount of your weight loss depends on your previous weight as well as how well you adhere to dietary restrictions and exercise requirements. After approximately 18 months weight loss typically levels off. At this time the dedication of many people to their new lifestyle begins to falter, emphasizing the importance of a support system and a strong commitment to lifelong change.

While most gastric bypass surgeries are highly successful the procedure is not without risks. In-hospital complications include mortality, bleeding, infection, blood clots and respiratory distress. Post-operative risks include ulcers, gallstones, bowel obstructions, hernia and leaking at the incision site. Finding an experienced doctor and closely following his instructions will help minimize the risks while maximizing success.