What are the benefits of gastric bypass?

The largest benefit of gastric bypass surgery is jump starting weight loss. Most patients loose around 75% of their excess weight within two years of the procedure.

If patients do not reach a healthy BMI after the first two years following the procedure than they will meet with the specialist team to determine farther weight loss options. These options usually consist of increased dieting and exercise.

Another benefit of gastric bypass surgery is that it can cure type II diabetes. Some patients find they are cured before even leaving the hospital. It is currently unclear what effect the surgery has on type II diabetes, but the elimination of diabetic symptoms can drastically improve the patient’s quality of life.

Heart and blood pressure related conditions may see drastic improvements after gastric bypass surgery. Many patients also find that they are sleeping more soundly. This is usually due to the elimination of conditions such as sleep apnea, which are exacerbated by excess fat resting on the throat.

The gastric bypass procedure is a long term solution for chronic obesity. It will effect the amount of food that a patient can consume for the duration of the patient’s life. It will also have a lifelong effect on how food is absorbed in the small intestine. Patients who are willing to commit to long term lifestyle changes will benefit greatly from gastric bypass surgery.

Patients with self-esteem or depression issues find that their quality of life increases drastically after the surgery. They begin to feel more confident and positive as the weight begins to drop off.

There are many benefits of gastric bypass surgery, but it is important that patients work to maintain a healthy level of diet and exercise. Those who fight against the surgery by overeating or consuming high fat foods, will have difficulty experiencing the benefits of the surgery. They may also experience pain and discomfort associated with dumping syndrome, a condition that can be exacerbated by overeating and sugary foods.

Gastric bypass surgery is not an easy fix and should not be viewed as a stand alone weight loss solution. Patients must be willing to maintain a healthy, low calorie diet, in order to experience the widest range of benefits from the gastric bypass procedure.