Benefits
of
Gastric
Bypass
Surgery
The
benefits of the gastric bypass procedure very
much outweigh the risks. 75% of patients are
expected to lose 75 to 80% of their excess body
weight. Well over 70 to 80% of patients with
hypertension will be off medications and well
over 90% of patients with type II non-insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus are expected to be
off medication. Drastically improved, if not
completely resolved includes sleep apnea,
asthma, joint pain, arthritis, reflux, fatigue,
shortness of breath and an overall increased
sense of well-being.
There
is expected to be a significant reduction in
risks of heart disease, pulmonary disease and
cancers. Morbid obesity can reduce the lifespan
as much as 20% in a given patient, depending on
their age and co morbid problems. There is also
a significantly improved quality of life and
self-esteem in patients who have undergone
gastric bypass procedure for weight loss.
It is
important to understand that this surgery is to
be taken serious. In general, the risks to
morbidly obese patients are greater for most
surgeries and medical interventions than are for
patients who are not morbidly obese. The
incidence of the risks mentioned above are very
low, however, are real and should be considered
when making a decision as to your candidacy for
a gastric bypass procedure. It is important to
understand your role in the gastric bypass
surgery. First and foremost, it is a tool for
weight loss and for maintenance of weight loss.
It is not a magic bullet and will not guarantee
results without complete dedication by yourself
and by your physician. Our practice would expect
you to commit yourself to our program and accept
long-term follow-up, and recognize that the
surgery has its limitations. Following our
suggestions made by your surgeon, nurse, and
dietitian will greatly increase your success at
this procedure. It is important to remember that
vitamin supplements are a lifelong commitment as
is exercise and a sensible diet.
It
will require absolute dedication and cooperation
from our patients. With this dedication will
come unlimited benefits, the most important
being the elimination or vast improvement in
your obesity related medical problems.
-
Right
after surgery, most patients lose weight
quickly and continue to lose for 18 to 24
months after the procedure. Although most
patients regain 5 to 10 percent of the
weight they lost, many maintain a long-term
weight loss of about 100 pounds.
-
Surgery
improves most obesity-related conditions.
For example, in one study blood sugar
levels of 83 percent of obese patients with
diabetes returned to normal after surgery.
Nearly all patients whose blood sugar
levels did not return to normal were older
or had lived with diabetes for a long time.
Many
individuals report having developed a newfound
sense of well being after weight loss surgery.
People who undergo weight loss surgery can
usually expect:
-
Improvement in or elimination of conditions
associated with morbid obesity, including
adult onset diabetes, hypertension, sleep
apnea and arthritis and joint problems.
-
Improved
ability to engage in physical activity
-
A loss
of 50 to 70 percent of that weight above
the ideal body weight. This loss usually
occurs during the 18 months following
surgery.
-
Maintenance of this weight loss.
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