Facts on Gastric Bypass Surgery

For the thousands of obese people who have tried to lose weight time after time, gastric bypass surgery seems to be the only hope they have left. For some it is a matter of self-esteem, while for others it is a matter of health. Though this surgery appears to be the light at the end of the tunnel, before making a final decision to pursue it, it is always better to know the facts concerning the process.

Qualifications

• For a patient to be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery, he must have a body mass index greater than 40 or weigh 100 pounds or more.

Risks

• There are risks involved with the surgery, just as with any other major surgery. They include bleeding, risk of infection, developing gallstones due to drastic weight loss in a small time frame and developing a calcium deficiency.

Process

• During the surgery, the doctor will divide the stomach and make a small pouch, which he then will connect directly to the intestine.

Time Frame

• On average, patients lose 10 pounds a month for the first two years; the weight loss then begins to slow down.

Considerations

• Though effective, gastric bypass is not a cure. It simply helps the patient eat less by feeling full sooner. For the patient to receive the complete benefits of the surgery, she must exercise regularly and eat properly.