WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR GASTRIC BYPASS

You can be a candidate for a gastric bypass or another weight-loss procedure if you meet the following criteria: (extreme obesity).

• You have extreme obesity (BMI > 40)
• You have a major weight-related health issue, and your BMI is between 35 and 39.9 (obesity).
• When diet and exercise have failed, a gastric bypass procedure is performed.

PREPARATION FOR GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY

You may be asked to begin a physical exercise program and refrain from smoking in the weeks preceding your gastric bypass surgery. You may also be asked to restrict what you eat and drink and which drugs you can take right before your surgery.

Surgery Details

Gastric bypass surgery can be performed in two ways. To open your belly during open surgery, your surgeon creates a big surgical cut. The bypass procedure involves operating on your stomach, small intestine, and other organs.

A small laparoscope camera can also be used to do this procedure. This camera is implanted in your stomach. The procedure is known as laparoscopy. The scope enables the surgeon to view your stomach. During this process, your surgeon will make 4-6 tiny incisions in your abdomen and insert a camera to monitor the surgery.

After Surgery

Since most gastric bypass surgeries are laparoscopic, this means that the surgeon will make small cuts. That makes for a short recovery time post-surgery. You may have to stay in the hospital for two to three days and can resume regular activities in 3 to 5 weeks.

After surgery, in the first few months following weight-loss surgery, you’ll also have regular medical exams to monitor your health. You may require laboratory tests, bloodwork, and other procedures.

Home Recovery

You may eat liquids but no solid meals immediately after gastric bypass surgery as your stomach and intestines recover. You’ll next follow a customized diet plan that gradually transitions you from liquids to pureed meals. After that, you can eat soft things before progressing to harder items as your body can accept them.

Strenuous exercise is not advised for three to six weeks after surgery. Avoid lifting anything more than 15 to 20 pounds for the first six weeks.