Gastric bypass surgery is one particular type of weight loss or bariatric surgical procedure usually reserved for the most morbidly obese patients – those with a body mass index 35 or higher and serious weight-related health issues. While it may seem tempting to undergo a medical procedure like gastric bypass surgery in order to lose weight, one must carefully consider the pros and cons, risks, costs and permanent effects gastric bypass surgery will have on the individual.

Many people are under the impression that gastric bypass surgery will magically provide them with long-lasting, surgically-induced weight loss that doesn’t require dieting, exercise or willpower. But the reality is – successful results from gastric bypass surgery require permanent lifestyle changes including dieting and exercising.

Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of your stomach. A normal empty stomach is the size of a fist. After gastric bypass surgery your stomach will be the size of a walnut! In addition to reducing the volume capacity of your stomach, the surgeon will sew the second section of your intestines, the small intestines, to the tiny stomach pouch, bypassing the first section of the intestines or the large intestines. The purpose of the intestinal redirect or bypass is to limit the body’s absorption of calories.

Not everyone who wants gastric bypass surgery is approved for it. The candidate must first meet with a bariatric panel of medical professionals consisting of a physician, a dietitian, a psychologist and a surgeon.

• The physician will determine if you are healthy enough to tolerate the surgery with limited risk of complications. Gastric bypass surgery is only advised when the anticipated benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks.


• The dietitian will explain the new weight loss diet you will start prior to gastric bypass surgery and will continue on for the remainder of your life.


• The psychological evaluation is often the most important determining factor. If you are found to have a psychiatric illness or a severe eating disorder, depression, addiction to drugs, alchohol or cigarettes, or an unrealistic expectation of the results, you will not be approved for gastric bypass surgery. The psychologist will determine if you have the willingness and commitment necessary to make the major lifestyle changes required for a successful gastric bypass surgery outcome. Depression is a common emotional after-effect of gastric bypass surgery. Many individuals mourn the loss of enjoyment of food they formerly exprienced. Physical effects, such as muscular weakness, pain and lack of energy can also predispose gastric bypass patients to depression.


• Finally the surgeon will decide which type of gastric bypass surgery you will recieve. The Roux-en-Y gastric surgery is the most popular type performed today.

There are numerous opportunities for risk of complication and side-effects associated with gastric bypass surgery. These include:

• Vitamin and mineral deficiency


• Dehydration


• Gallstones


• Bleeding stomach ulcer


• Hernia at the incision site


• Intolerance to some foods


• Kidney stones


• Low blood sugar


• Blood clots in the legs


• Leaking at the staple line in the stomach


• Pneumonia


• Pica – a compulsive tendency to eat substances such as paper, clay, plaster, ashes, or ice.


• Dumping syndrome – the food passes too quickly from the stomach to the intestines causing discomfort from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and sweating.


• Death

At this time, and for the reasons discussed in this article, we cannot recommend gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. A sensible weight loss diet, moderate exercise and natural supplements can help most people achieve their weight loss goals without the exorbitant cost, serious health risks and long-term, permanent lifestyle changes associated with gastric bypass surgery.