What You Should Know about Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery

The United States has one of the largest obesity rates in the world. A third of all adults, more than 72 million people, are obese. Living a sedentary lifestyle combined with an excessive nutrient intake are the main causes of the rapid acceleration of obesity in Western society in the last quarter of the 20th Century.

Effects on Health

A large number of medical conditions have been associated with obesity:

Cardiovascular: Congestive heart failure
Endocrine: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Gastrointestinal: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Musculoskeletal: Osteoarthritis
Neurologic: Stroke
Respiratory: Obstructive sleep apnea
Psychological: Depression

Treatment

The main treatment for obesity is to reduce body fat by eating fewer calories and exercising more. Diet and exercise programs are a popular way of losing weight. However, not all dieters are satisfied with these results and turn to other methods of weight loss such as bariatric surgery or gastric bypass surgery.

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the use of surgical interventions in the treatment of obesity. As there are risks with every kind of surgical intervention, bariatric surgery is seen as the last resort when a diet and exercise regime or drug treatments have been unsuccessful. There are several things you can do to prepare yourself if you are proceeding with the surgery:

Understand the surgical process
Be mindful that your eating habits will be changed for the rest of your life
Speak with others who have had the surgery
Ask your surgeon how many successful bariatric surgeries he has performed
Write a letter to yourself and your surgeon explaining the reasons for choosing bariatric surgery
Record how you feel in a journal - include challenges you are facing before and after the surgery
Get a letter of support from your family or friends.

After The Surgery

The success rate of bariatric surgery is very high. More than 80% of patients lose to within 10% of their desired weight. The majority of the weight loss is in the first year, with additional weight loss being made up to the 18th month. However, there can be complications. If you haven't chosen an experienced surgeon, the risks are significant. Doctors who are inexperienced or inadequately trained are more likely to make a mistake. If a member of your family has suffered or died because of complications to having bariatric surgery it may be wise to consult with a medical malpractice attorney.