The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that more than 34 percent of Americans were considered obese in 2007-2008. Obesity can take its toll on your body, from head to toe. The extremely obese are more likely to have cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease than those who maintain a healthy weight. Gastric bypass surgery is an effective, drastic weight loss option for those who have exhausted all other options and are ready to shed their extra weight once and for all.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure in which the stomach is divided into two parts. Through this surgery, food is only able to make it into the smaller part of the stomach, never into the larger portion. This allows patients to feel fuller much faster, drastically cutting down on the number of calories they are able to consume.
Qualifications
Gastric bypass surgery should be used as a last resort for extremely obese people, and it isn't for everyone. According to he Mayo Clinic, the best candidates for this procedure have the willingness and ability to implement diet and exercise as a regular part of their daily routine for weight loss. They must have a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or higher. Some exceptions can be made for people with a BMI between 35 and 40 if other medical issues are present, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Risks
As it is with any major medical procedure, gastric bypass surgery doesn't come without risks. Along with the risks of negative reaction to anesthesia, infection and internal bleeding that are standard with any major surgery, bariatric surgery has its own set of risks worth considering. Vitamin and mineral deficiency, dehydration, food intolerance and even kidney stones are some of the major considerations for this procedure. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors for such a procedure.
Benefits
For the extremely obese, the risks of bariatric surgery are well worth it. The Bariatric Surgery Specialists group reports that more than 75 percent of gastric bypass patients are expected to lose between 75 and 80 percent of their excess weight after the procedure. Losing the extra weight directly contributes to reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other obesity-related health complications.
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