How effective is Gastric Bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass is a statistically-proven, effective treatment procedure for morbid obesity, and helps achieve long-term weight loss results by reducing quantities of food digested, and shortening caloric absorption duration. While an estimated two-to-five percent of patents with over one hundred pounds of excess weight will lose weight with dieting alone, eighty-five percent of MIMIS patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery lose weight, and more importantly, keep it off. This weight reduction often results in either significant improvement or complete resolution of medical problems related to obesity.

Clinical studies show that, following weight loss surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until eighteen to twenty-four months following their procedure. Following this period, weight loss continues at a gradual more steady rate based on factors such as a patient’s age, overall health condition, ability to exercise, commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines, follow-up care, and the motivation of the patient. Ultimately, when paired with lifestyle changes, support networks, and the qualified and trusted work of a surgeon, success is achievable.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may be right for you if:
• You are an adult (at least eighteen years of age)
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or your BMI is at least 35 and you have one or more severe morbid obesity conditions, or you weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight.
• You have attempted to lose weight in a variety of ways with only short-term success.
• You do not have a disease that may have caused you to become overweight.
• You are prepared to make significant changes in your lifestyle and eating habits, including implementing the psychological and emotional support from qualified professionals.
• You are willing to continue working with the specialist who is treating you.
• You do not consume alcohol excessively.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may not be right for you if:
• You have an inflammatory disease or gastric condition.
• You have severe heart or lung disease, or other disease, which makes you a poor candidate for surgery in general.
• You have portal hypertension.
• You have an abnormal esophagus, stomach, or intestine.
• You have cirrhosis.
• You have chronic pancreatitis.
• You are currently pregnant. See FAQs
• You have a drug or alcohol addiction.
• You are under eighteen years of age.
• You have an infection anywhere in your body that could contaminate a surgical area.
• You use steroid treatment, short term or long term.
• You are unable or do not wish to follow the dietary rules that must be implemented with this procedure.
• You are allergic to the materials or devise used in the procedure.
• You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease.

While these are some helpful guidelines, ultimately, only a surgeon can determine whether or not an individual is a good candidate for the gastric bypass, or if a different procedure would be better suited to that individual’s needs.

A surgeon may recommend that a patient consider other weight loss options, if the patient does not comprehend the health problems their obesity is causing, and refuses to agree to necessary responsibilities they will be required to take. If an individual is ready to take an active part in long-term weight reduction, and meets the health guidelines, then a surgeon will consider the treatment procedure.

For further information in regard to health qualifications or candidacy, procedure information, to address procedural-related concerns, or in regard to other related weight loss information, CRMC / MIMIS offers Informational Seminars as an excellent resource.