Is Gastric Bypass Surgery Right for Me?
Gastric bypass is the most popular weight loss surgery in the United States. While gastric bypass technically has more complications than other weight loss surgery options, it typically provides the most sustained weight loss results. Gastric bypass surgery is the most effective weight loss surgery for resolution of weight related health conditions (or comorbidities), including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and many others. Candidates for gastric bypass typically have a body mass index (BMI) that exceeds 40 and have at least 100 pounds of excess weight. If your BMI is between 35 and 40, you might be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery if you suffer from a life-threatening condition related to your weight.
How Gastric Bypass Surgery Helps You Lose Weight
Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a type of obesity surgery that makes the stomach smaller through the use of staples that create a small pouch. This small pouch, which is approximately egg-sized, is attached to the lower point of the small intestine. The new tract bypasses the bulk of the stomach as well as the upper portion of the small intestine.
Weight loss is accelerated through the smaller size of the stomach, which enforces portion control. After surgery, you’ll only be able to eat tiny portions of food at a time. It also means you’ll feel less hunger, since the part of your stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hunger-stimulating hormone, is bypassed.
How Gastric Bypass Surgery is Performed
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is performed either laparoscopically – using small incisions and a viewing tube to which a camera is attached – or through a large abdominal incision. Your surgeon will decide which method is appropriate for you. In either case, gastric bypass is a major bariatric surgery, and it constitutes a life-changing decision.
As a result of gastric bypass, fewer calories are absorbed, and also fewer nutrients. You will need to take vitamins and supplements to get all the nutrients you need. Gastric bypass surgery requires that you make major lifestyle changes. You’ll also have to steer clear of sugary foods because they cause a phenomenon known as dumping syndrome. Sugary foods move too quickly through a shortened digestive system, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea, dizziness and increased heart rate.
Weight Loss Results with Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass can result in significant weight loss. Studies show that, on average, patients who have undergone the surgery can lose 70-80% of their excess weight. If you opt for gastric bypass, you’ll also experience, along with this considerable weight loss, a marked improvement in weight-related health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
As with other obesity surgeries, your success with gastric bypass will depend on you making long-term lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Gastric bypass is your first step on a healthier path to change your life. As your excess weight comes off, you’ll feel more energetic, and you’ll get back not only your mobility but also your confidence.
What are the Risks with Gastric Bypass?
As with all weight loss surgeries, there are risks. Some of these risks include:
- Bleeding and formation of blood clots
- Infection
- Leaking through the staples in the stomach post surgery
- Injury to spleen
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Dehiscence (separation of area that has been stitched/stapled together)
A more comprehensive discussion of the risks and benefits of gastric bypass is covered in depth in our free weight loss seminars.
Surgical Weight Management Solutions is Here for You!
Would you like to commit to a new life path on which you can rejuvenate your energy and self-esteem and improve your health? Please don’t hesitate to call Surgical Weight Management Solutions’ clinic in Dallas, Texas at 877-459-8080 and talk to Dr. Matin or Dr. Rivera about gastric bypass surgery. You will also have the option to sign up for a webinar in which you’ll learn more about gastric bypass and other obesity surgeries.
