|
A gastric bypass is a surgical procedure carried out on the stomachs of patients who are obese and need to lose weight urgently. A gastric bypass is often recommended to patients who have been unable to lose weight by more traditional methods such as strict dieting and intensive exercise programs set by their medical consultants. In the US, those who tend to be considered by their physicians as candidates for gastric bypass surgery are those with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or, less typically, patients with a BMI ranking between 35 and 40 who also suffer from a serious disease like diabetes that could be significantly relieved by gastric bypass surgery.
The majority of gastric bypass procedures involve restrictive surgery, which is more commonly known as ‘stomach stapling’. This form of surgery involves a reduction in the volume of the patient’s stomach, in order that they begin to feel full after eating much smaller amounts of food. The typical result of this gastric bypass is an accordant decrease in the patient’s calorie intake, causing a reduction in their weight in the medium or long term. The ‘pouch’ of stomach left intact by the gastric bypass surgeon at first holds only one ounce of swallowed food, but in time expands, eventually able to store between two and three ounces. Research suggests that roughly 30% of patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery go on to achieve and sustain an average weight, and that roughly 80% do experience weight loss of some kind. Who Needs a Gastric Bypass? Have you considered whether gastric bypass surgery is the answer to your or to a loved one’s obesity and weight-related health problems? A gastric bypass is essentially weight-loss, also known as bariatric, surgery that changes the structure of your stomach and entire digestive system, limiting how much food you can eat and digest. A gastric bypass is generally the most approved form of weight-loss surgery in the U.S., as it is generally considered to be safer and less complicated than other procedures. Although surgery may seem like the perfect solution to anyone’s weight-loss needs, the truth is that a gastric bypass is not for everyone, and not everyone will be a qualified candidate for this extensive surgical procedure. Being overweight or even obese is not enough of a reason to have a gastric bypass. A healthy, balanced diet as well as adequate exercise is always recommended before embarking on any weight-loss surgery. A gastric bypass carries with it many medical risks as well as potential side-effects that you need to be aware of and consider. So who needs a gastric bypass? You may be considered a candidate for a gastric bypass if you are extremely obese (usually this means a Body Mass Index or BMI of 40 or more); if you are obese or very overweight—a BMI between 35 and 40—along with weight-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure; or if you are unable to lose any weight whatsoever through diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor if you think you might qualify for a gastric bypass and see what he or she recommends. |
