Ask a doctor - Is getting gastric bypass surgery a good way to lose weight?

Q. Is getting gastric bypass surgery a good way to lose weight?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

The decision to get gastric bypass surgery for weight loss is a major life-changing decision and should never be taken lightly. While it can be an effective way to achieve significant and lasting weight loss, there are also potential risks associated with the procedure that must be considered.

Gastric bypass surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach and changing how food enters the small intestine so that people feel fuller faster, leading to reduced food consumption. This reduces calorie intake and consequently leads to weight loss. On average, most people lose about 20-30% of their body weight following gastric bypass surgery; however, success rates may vary depending on diet/lifestyle changes made after surgery. Additionally, gastric bypass does not guarantee long-term results as any gains can quickly be reversed if large amounts of calories are consumed post-surgery.

Additionally, there are several potential risks associated with this kind of surgery which include infection, bleeding from a suture line or ulcer in the stomach pouch or intestines, nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption, hernias at surgical sites, nausea* vomiting* diarrhea* constipation* acid reflux hair thinning* gallbladder disease*. Patients also need lifelong follow up care with blood tests regularly done as iron levels tend to drop over time due to malabsorption caused by gastric bypass.

While many people have seen incredible success stories on TV regarding those who’ve had successful outcomes after getting gastric bypasses (i.e., drastic weight loss), it is important that anyone considering such a procedure really weighs both pros and cons before making a decision that could significantly change their life forever! Ultimately this choice should only be made under open discussion between you and your doctor taking into account all aspects including general health condition, suitability for laparoscopic technique in your case etc., The doctor will tailor advice specific for you based on all these considerations before advising which path would suit you best - either go ahead with Gastric Bypass Surgery or try different treatment options like dietary modifications + lifestyle changes + medications etc,.