Ask a doctor - How do you qualify for gastric bypass surgery?

Q. How do you qualify for gastric bypass surgery?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure that changes how you digest food and absorb calories. It is typically recommended as an effective weight-loss solution for people who are severely overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 in those with certain health issues like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or other serious conditions related to obesity.

In order to qualify for gastric bypass surgery, you will need to undergo a comprehensive assessment by both an experienced bariatric surgeon and an accredited bariatric program team. Depending on the severity of your obesity problem, your doctor may order different tests including psychological testing. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that you are committed to making lifestyle changes following the surgery and that it’s safe for you to undergo the procedure. During this evaluation process, all potential risk factors associated with gastric bypass will be taken into consideration before approving you for the surgery itself.

If approved for gastric bypass surgery at this point, your medical provider will next discuss details about pre-operative instructions such as eating and exercising habits prior to the operation which often includes dietary modifications and strict nutritional guidelines along with physical activity recommendations. Additionally they’ll inform you on postoperative care including ongoing counseling sessions which teach behavior modification techniques regarding food choices as well as basic principles involving exercise and healthy eating habits so that long-term results can be achieved and maintained over time following the procedure itself..