Do You Really Need to Undergo Gastric Bypass Surgery? Things to Ponder Before Making A Decision

Weight loss surgeries nowadays seem to be the best and only solution to morbid obesity. You will hear a good number of success stories from people who went from 400 to 200 lbs in one year and considering this kind of weight is not easy to reduce, gastric bypass surgeries have a certain mass appeal.

This procedure can be done through an open or laparoscopic method. The surgeon creates a pouch and reduces the size of the stomach, and then connects the small intestine directly to this pouch, bypassing the stomach. Major changes happen in one’s lifestyle after the operation.

Qualifications

While gastric bypass surgery is an effective and immediate solution to obesity and other life-threatening health conditions like Diabetes and heart diseases, the procedure is not for everyone. There is a long selection process involved as well, as surgeons carefully assess their candidates before scheduling them for operation.

Technically, the ideal candidate for gastric bypass surgery:

• Have failed to lose weight through various non-surgical diet and weight loss programs
• Has a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and severe health conditions like Diabetes and/or heart problems
• Is extremely obese, with a body mass index of more than 40
• Has a BMI of 35 to 39.9 and whose obesity is affecting productivity at home and at work and life in general
• Should be 18-60 years old (individuals younger than 18 or older than 60 may also qualify if proven mentally and physically able, and surgery is necessary)
• Mentally fit to comply with or commit to specially designed diet programs, daily intake of vitamins and supplements, and healthy habits for life to continue to lose weight
• Is psychologically stable to completely understand the consequences, benefits and disadvantages of the procedure
• Does not have any depressive or psychotic disorder
• Can tolerate general anesthesia
• Is not dependent on alcohol or illegal substances

Bariatric surgery has become a popular weight reduction method with positive feedback from patients around the world, which may give you the impression that the weight loss is easy. Realistically, the success of the procedure still lies on your ability to comply with the new life-long healthy habits. Bariatric surgeries does not work on auto-pilot. Because you have undergone the operation, it does not mean your body will just start to shed fat automatically. You will still need a healthy diet and exercise.

Think carefully. The operation carries overwhelming promises and entails tremendous adjustments. If you are willing to undergo a ‘rebirth,’ as what dedicated patients call it, feel free to choose your surgeon and start the screening process.

Things to remember

Although bariatric surgery does wonders, it should only be a last resort. Weight loss can be overwhelming for people who want and need speedy results. However, you must understand that this ‘magical’ invasive procedure, in reality, works best with commitment and strong desire to be healthy and happy.

• If you know in yourself that you have done everything in your power to lose weight and become healthy but nothing worked, that’s the only time you should go for it.
• If you are willing to comply with strict diet and exercise programs; If you are ready to subject yourself to the recommended daily caloric intake and are aware of the limited foodstuff you can only consume, be my guest.
• The operation leaves your system vulnerable and prone to complications. After the surgery, you are obligated to follow strict rules concerning diet, medications, and supplements. Most often, a tiny mistake can lead to mild discomfort or even major health issues. Many patients complain of weight regain after five years of healthy living because they got bored or tired of the routines. Some opt for a second surgery because of gallbladder complications and comorbidities, while other unfortunately did not survive the demands. Are you ready to face all these?

Malissa Jones for example, once UK’s fattest teenager, underwent gastric bypass surgery, lost weight significantly and lost interest in food in the process causing her to develop anorexia. Reports say that she hated food and the idea of eating alone makes her sick, which was why she was a frequent guest at the hospital.

What served as a curse to Jones, served as a blessing to Georgia Davis (former ‘Britain’s Fattest Teenager’ title holder, 15 years old at the time she made news), who needed 50 firemen to get her out of the house and rush her to the hospital. Reports say she spent time at the hospital while her diet was being strictly monitored by dieticians. Last time I checked, she will be scheduled for bariatric surgery once her weight becomes manageable (although she could be far from that). Davis’s words were: “I’m getting my life back!”.

Do you have the same spirit?