The medical and emotional benefits of surgical weight management begin almost immediately after surgery, and cosmetic benefits follow in their wake.

In addition to significant sustained weight loss, patients benefit from immediate improvement in their blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, relief from sleep apnea and acid reflux, less osteoarthritis pain and improved mobility and improved mood and self-esteem.

You may benefit from gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery if:

• You have a body mass index of 40 or higher or a BMI of more than 35 with significant obesity-related health problems, such as Type 2 diabetes. Calculate your Body Mass Index.
• You have tried other medically managed weight loss programs without success. Studies have shown that only 3 to 5 percent of people with clinically severe obesity have lasting success with non-surgical methods.
• You are motivated and committed to complying with the lifelong post-operative care and lifestyle changes that the procedure demands.
• You are committed to participating in NSMC's mandatory year-long post-operative program, which includes individual counseling, group nutrition and lifestyle education, medically supervised exercise and instruction in cardiovascular risk reduction.
• You have physical, psychological, social or economic problems that could be significantly improved by weight loss.

Some of the risks of gastric bypass and gastric banding surgeries:

• Loosening of the line of staples used to create the Roux-en-Y pouch; pouch stretching or leakage
• Vomiting because of the decreased size of the stomach
• So-called “dumping syndrome” caused by stomach contents moving too quickly through the small intestine and rapid changes in the blood sugar levels causing bloating, pain, vomiting, sweating, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness and diarrhea
• Wound infection–a risk that is greatly reduced when the procedure is done laparoscopically
• A tissue tear at the site of the incision, also called a hernia. This is a risk that is reduced by laparoscopic surgery
• Development of gallstones, which could lead to a laparoscopic procedure known as cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder
• Blood clots–which most times can be avoided by wearing special stockings, compression boots and injected bloodthinners for a few days after surgery
• Vitamin deficiencies–prevented by taking daily vitamin supplements for life
• Complications from the body's ability to tolerate the gastric band implanted in the body
• Band slippage, erosion and deflation
• Obstruction of the stomach or dilation of the esophagus

 

People who may be deemed too risky for bariatric surgery include:

• Those whose obesity is caused by a metabolic or endocrine disorder.
• Those with a history of substance abuse or who do not meet psychiatric guidelines.
• Those with severe medical problems for whom surgery would be dangerous.
• Women thinking about becoming pregnant in the near future.

 Learn more about bariatric surgeries in the Health Library