Gastric bypass surgery

Diet and exercise are the best, healthiest ways to lose weight. However, some people gain so much weight that their bodies can barely handle the stress of regular activities -- even walking can become a chore. For the morbidly obese, gastric bypass surgery is a common method of treatment.

What is gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery helps people lose weight by effectively reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing parts of the small intestine. After these procedures, patients don’t feel the need to eat as food as they would have with regular-sized stomachs. Shortening the flow of food through the digestive system also means fewer calories being absorbed into the body. The result is fast, dramatic weight loss.

How much weight can I lose through gastric bypass surgery?

Most people who undergo a gastric bypass procedure report great results. It’s not uncommon for patients to lose up to 80 percent of their excess body fat following these procedures.

Obesity is responsible for several health problems, and those problems are often cured or relieved by the weight loss resulting from gastric bypass. Some of these health issues include hyperlipidemia, sleeping disorders, diabetes and hypertension.

Is gastric bypass dangerous?

Being obese is more dangerous than having gastric bypass surgery. Studies have shown nearly half of people who have this surgery will live longer, healthier lives. However, a small percentage of people who have gastric bypass surgery experience complications afterward.

Costs

Gastric bypass surgery isn’t cheap; it can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000. Insurance companies may be reluctant to cover gastric bypass procedures if it‘s for cosmetic reasons. However, because of the health issues involved in obesity, there are plenty of medical benefits for undergoing this surgery. Speak to your doctor and insurance company to find out whether your plan would cover gastric bypass surgery.