An objective view of weight loss surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, as a method of effectively treating morbidly obese people, has been on the rise. Many people who have attempted and failed at losing weight through dietary methods and exercise have opted for this procedure. Bariatric surgery (which includes all forms of weight loss surgeries) is more than just stomach stapling. Gastric bypass surgery is serious and those who undergo such a procedure should fulfill two main criteria: first, a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more. Second, a BMI of 35 or more with associated co morbid problems.

First of all, gastric bypass surgery is the process where the size of your stomach is decreased so that you feel full quicker and thereby eat less. Therefore, the patient sheds all their excess pounds through fewer calorie consumption, sustaining a healthy weight.

In a Wikipedia post, there is mention of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), who in a 2004 conference which composed of physicians and scientists of many disciplines, both surgical and non-surgical, came to some conclusions. The most significant of these are:

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity.

Gastric bypass is one of four types of operations for morbid obesity.

Laparoscopic surgery is equally effective and as safe as open surgery.

Patients should undergo comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, and have multi-disciplinary support for optimum outcome.

However, more than anything else, with Gastric surgery one should remember that it is the follow-up medical care that is crucial. This surgery also brings with it some risks and complications, which are:

Infection
Ulcer
Lactose intolerance
Anemia
Hemorrhage
Hernia
Anastamotic leakage
Stomal Stenosis
Anastamotic stricture
Gallstones
Need for lifelong medical follow up
Decreased vitamin absorption and requirement for supplements
Blood clots in the lungs
Dumping syndrome

Don't let these risks scare you off. The above are all treatable. Moreover, not getting surgery causes more complications than getting it. Morbid obesity brings with it a whole array of complications which need urgent care and if surgery helps, why not. Obesity causes:

Hypertension
Diabetes
Severe depression
Heart problems
Many types of cancer
Problems with the gall bladder
Painful gout
Sleep Apnea
Respiratory problems
Poor quality of life
Emotional, psychological and social awkwardness and pain.
Sometimes even death.

However, gastric bypass surgery should not be a feared and ignored a subject as it currently is. It provides much benefit to your health and well-being:

Correction in hyperlipidemia
Relief in hypertension
Improvement in obstructive sleep apnea
Over 90% of patients have experienced a reversal of Diabetes mellitus type 2
A better Cardiovascular system
Alleviation of body aches
Improvement in Gastro esophageal reflux disease
Quality of life improves by leaps and bounds

Remember that gastric bypass is not an end-all solution. It is a way to help you recover from obesity.

This article is written by the owner of My Weight Loss Surgeon, a leading name in bariatric surgery. Contact us to find all the information on lap band surgery (a keyhole laparoscopic procedure) and information on Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (roo-en-Y) gastric bypass surgery. Also contact us to find gastric bypass specialists.