How to Go About Getting Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery will reduce the size of your stomach and surgically bypass part of your small intestine, so fewer calories will be absorbed and you will feel full more quickly. This should help you lose weight. As helpful as it can be, gastric bypass surgery involves major commitments on your part. There are many things to consider and many questions to ask before getting bypass surgery.

Instructions

How to Get Gastric Bypass Surgery

• 1

  First, find a surgeon who is right for you. You can ask your family physician for a number of referrals, or you can visit online sites to find qualified surgeons in your area. Find a surgeon who has performed hundreds of similar surgeries. Set up a consultation with one or more of these surgeons and ask about their experience and success rate with gastric bypass surgeries. You should feel comfortable with the doctor you choose and confident in his ability to perform your surgery.

• 2

  Ask the surgeon if you are a candidate for the surgery. You must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or 35, along with a life-threatening disease like diabetes or sleep apnea.

• 3

  Ask about the different types of surgeries and what type is best for you; the possible complications of surgery and how you can avoid them; what expectations you should have after surgery in terms of recovery time and limitations you should plan for; what dietary restrictions you will have; what the cost will be and if your insurance will cover any of the costs of procedure; and if there are financing or payment options available.

• 4

  You will need to have medical tests and exams before the surgery. These might include blood tests, an ultrasound of your gallbladder and other organs, and tests to check you for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart or lung problems. Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you are taking. Also, let your doctor know if there is any chance that you might be pregnant.

• 5

  You will need to have nutrition counseling beforehand and classes to inform you about the surgery, what you should do before and afterwards, and what problems could arise after surgery.

• 6

  You will need to be examined by a mental health professional to ensure that you are emotionally sound, and capable of handling the surgery and lifestyle changes afterwards.

• 7

  If you are a smoker, you must quit smoking a number of weeks before the surgery and not smoke after the surgery. You may need to get counseling for smoking cessation in order to do this.