What is Gastric Bypass Surgery for, and who is Eligible to Undergo it?

Are you considering gastric bypass as a weight loss solution? Find out who can have gastric bypass surgery and what the implications are.

There’s no denying that losing excess weight through diet and regular exercise is a task that requires strength, patience, and consistency. When we lack one of these qualities and don’t see results, discouragement may lead us to consider more drastic options. One of these possibilities is bariatric surgery, which includes sleeve gastrectomy, vertical gastrectomy, and gastric bypass.

However, these surgeries are no small matter; not everyone interested in weight loss can undergo them. So, if you want to know what gastric bypass is for and who is eligible, keep reading. This article explains all the details of this weight loss surgery.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery for?

Gastric bypass surgery is designed to help patients with obesity lose excess body weight. Its goal is to make the patient feel full with fewer calories and nutrients.

There are different techniques to perform this, but the most common one is called Roux-en-Y procedure, which reduces the stomach’s capacity (to about 20/30 cubic centimeters, a reduction of approximately 70%) by dividing a small portion of the upper part of the stomach. This separated stomach pouch is connected to a more advanced section of the small intestine so that food can mix with the stomach acids and enzymes from the separated portion of the stomach.

Gastric bypass is considered minimally invasive when performed laparoscopically. This procedure involves inserting thin tubes called trocars into the abdomen through small incisions. The bariatric surgeon uses these tubes to insert instruments for manipulating tissues, including a camera that allows the surgical team to see the area being worked on. During the laparoscopic procedure, carbon dioxide is also released through one of these tubes to lift the abdominal wall, providing space for the surgeon to work. Laparoscopic surgery considerably reduces postoperative pain.

Who can Have Gastric Bypass Surgery?

This treatment of obesity is recommended for people who have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise, or whose health issues due to obesity have reached a severe level. The usual profile of patients recommended for gastric bypass surgery includes the following characteristics:

• Body mass index of 40 or higher (morbid obesity).
• Body mass index between 35 and 39.9 (obesity) accompanied by severe weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
• Some patients with a body mass index between 30 and 34 might be candidates for this surgery if they have serious health issues due to their weight.

However, not all patients with these body mass indexes qualify for gastric bypass surgery, since some medical conditions could make it risky. A healthcare provider must evaluate the viability of the surgery. Patients must also undergo an extensive pre-surgery process to assess their eligibility, including endocrinological and psychological consultations. They must also consider that they must make serious and consistent lifestyle changes afterward.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery

According to the UCLA Center for Obesity and METabolic (COMET) Health, gastric bypass is effective in terms of long-term results, but it also carries risks that must be considered before choosing this option.

Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Very high average weight loss rate, between 60 and 80% (this during the first two years after surgery).
• Long-term weight loss results (most patients maintain up to 50% of their weight loss for up to 20 years after surgery).
• Less postoperative pain when performed laparoscopically.

Disadvantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery

• The complication rates are slightly higher than other procedures like sleeve gastrectomy.
• Bariatric patients cannot take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) after surgery.
• Gastric bypass can lead to long-term vitamin and mineral deficiencies, so patients must take nutritional supplements (both vitamin and mineral supplements) for the rest of their lives. Particular attention should be paid to consuming vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and phosphate.
• Gastric bypass patients cannot eat solid foods for about a month and must consume soft foods and liquids in small amounts.

Alternatives to gastric bypass surgery for weight loss

For those who do not qualify for this type of surgery or do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure, other options can help them improve their lifestyle and reach their ideal weight. The comprehensive weight loss program from Yes You Can! is one of those options.

The program, designed by certified nutritionist Alejandro Chaban, is intended to help you lose weight through smart dieting, physical activity, and supplementation with natural products. If you want to learn more about how and why our program works, look at our article on the subject. In the meantime, we share some products from our catalog that can be your best allies in safely, healthily, and non-invasively losing weight.

Yes You Can! Supplements for Weight Loss

The main idea of gastric bypass is for patients to reduce their food intake and, consequently, their calorie intake. But did you know you can achieve this with one of our supplements? Our Appetite Suppressant can help you feel fuller after eating, regulate your appetite, and reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. Additionally, its composition with chamomile extract, lemon balm, and ashwagandha extract has a calming effect that will help reduce craving-related anxiety.

Our Liquid Fat Burner is another product that can help you lose weight and shape your figure. This drink, made from apple cider vinegar, L-Carnitine, and lemon juice, is perfect for getting rid of stubborn fat. It can be taken in the morning or 20 minutes before your workout. With it, you'll see how you burn fat more quickly and improve your athletic performance and muscle recovery.

Achieve your Weight Loss Goals Naturally with Yes You Can!

Keeping a healthy weight without surgery is possible! Let Yes You Can! accompany you on your transformation journey. Start today with our comprehensive program, explore our options for you, and begin transforming your body and life. Do you want to know more? Continue exploring our blog, visit our online store, or call us at 1-888-988-5515.