Gastric bypass surgery: Is it for you?

Gastric bypass surgery is a safe and proven weight loss procedure. Gastric bypass and various other types of weight loss surgeries are together known as bariatric surgery. Such surgery makes alterations to the stomach and digestive system which limits food intake and nutrient absorption causing weight loss.

While this sounds desirable, gastric bypass procedures are not suitable for everyone. Similar to any other surgical procedure, gastric bypass involves medical risks as well as side effects. Additionally, the long-term effectiveness of this procedure is dependent on the patient’s ability to make permanent lifestyle changes.

Patients considering gastric bypass surgery must go through a comprehensive assessment to determine their suitability for this surgery. Pragmatic bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre provides gastric bypass surgery to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and surrounding locations.

Guidelines to Qualify for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass as well as other bariatric surgery procedures can be significantly life-altering. Weight loss surgery can cut down the risk of medical problems related to excessive weight such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease.

However, it also presents certain risks and complications. The patient may be required to meet specific medical guidelines to be eligible for weight loss surgery. The patient will likely undergo a comprehensive screening process to ensure their eligibility for the surgery.

Gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgical procedures could be an option for the patient if:

• Other initiatives to lose excess weight through exercise and diet have proven unsuccessful
• The patient’s body mass index (BMI) is 40 or more
• The BMI is 35 or higher and the patient suffers from severe weight-related medical problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or serious sleep apnea.
• The patient is a teenager who has attained puberty, and their BMI is 35 or higher with severe weight-related issues such as severe sleep apnea or type 2 diabetes
• In some instances, patients may be eligible for gastric bypass surgery if the BMI is between 30 and 34, and they have severe obesity-related medical problems.

Evaluating the Patient’s Readiness for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Even if the patient meets the general guidelines, they may still have to meet specific medical criteria to be eligible for gastric bypass surgery. The patient will likely undergo a screening process to assess whether they qualify for the surgery.

A team of medical professionals, typically including a physician, dietician, surgeon, and psychologist, will assess whether gastric bypass or another type of weight loss surgery is ideal for the patient. This assessment usually establishes whether the potential medical benefits from the weight loss surgery outweigh the possible serious risks and if the patient is medically fit to go ahead with the surgery.

The assessment also established whether the patient is psychologically ready for the surgical procedure. In conducting the assessment for gastric bypass surgery, the medical team will consider:

• The nutrition and weight history of the patient
• The general health of the patient
• The psychological status of the patient

Committed bariatric surgeon Dr. Wiljon Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Central Florida, and nearby areas in the prolific Sunshine State for weight loss surgery.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.

To find out more about the procedures & treatments performed by Orlando Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Wiljon Beltre, at The Center for Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Call 321-499-6505 or Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.