There are many weight loss surgery options available to those who are morbidly obese. One of the more popular medical weight loss solutions is gastric bypass. Here is all you need to know about this procedure.
What is gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that divides the stomach into two small pouches, and the small intestine is re-positioned to connect the two. This leads to a much smaller stomach, which will help the patient eat less food, along with giving them an altered psychological response to food.
What are the gastric bypass requirements?
In general, the patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 to qualify for this procedure, and must have also shown that they have not been successful in different weight loss attempts.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Typically, the estimated weight loss in the first one to two years after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is approximately 50% to 66% of excess weight. You can expect to lose about one to two pounds per week. In the long term, 50% of excess weight loss has been documented 10 years and more after gastric bypass.
What is the gastric bypass recovery time?
This procedure is done laparoscopically, meaning the doctor will make small incisions in your abdomen and use a camera to perform the operation. Because of this, most patients return back to work after two weeks. You may have low energy during the recovery period, but this is normal. Follow your doctor’s instructions and you should be on track to recovery.
What else can I expect from this surgery?
This procedure will not only allow you to lose weight, it will help you become healthier in the long run. Losing weight can lead to an 80% reduction in diabetes and greater than a 90% resolution of sleep apnea. You can also expect to decrease your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Gastric bypass surgery is one of several weight loss surgery options that can help you if you are overweight, obese or morbidly obese. If you are interested in learning more about this form of weight loss, contact the weight loss doctors Birmingham AL depends on at the Surgical Associates of Marshall County.
