Gastric bypass surgery is the most effective way to lose weight, but you will only be a candidate after you meet the BMI for gastric bypass. Your height and weight determine the BMI for gastric bypass and other bariatric procedures.
Suppose you have been wondering how overweight you need to be to get gastric bypass surgery, the gastric sleeve, what is considered an obese BMI, and which is better for your health and getting gastric bypass surgery. In that case, that article will summarize our findings.
What is Gastric bypass surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss operation that reduces the size of your stomach, making you feel full more quickly and for longer.
The operation also reroutes food directly to the middle portion of your small intestine, bypassing a portion of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. That slows down the absorption of calories, which helps you lose weight.
How Overweight to Get Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery can effectively treat morbid obesity — when someone’s BMI is 40 or higher. But you must be at least 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and also have a BMI of 40 or higher before considering that treatment option.
You may also need to be close to that weight if you have serious health problems related to being overweight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Seven benefits to consider having bariatric surgery?
Here are some of the most common benefits that patients experience:
1. Long-term remission for type 2 diabetes
Most bariatric surgery patients experience significant improvement in blood sugar control and other metabolic parameters within a year after their procedure. In some cases, these improvements can happen even before they lose weight.
2. Improved cardiovascular health
Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce heart attack risk by as much as 50 percent within five years after the procedure — an impressive statistic when you consider other treatments for obesity-related heart disease carry risk factors of their own.
It also reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and boosts good cholesterol (HDL) levels. As a result, you are less likely to develop heart disease or suffer strokes later.
3. Eliminate obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a severe sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing temporarily during sleep. It’s often caused by obesity and is usually treated with lifestyle changes or surgery. Bariatric surgery can help reduce or eliminate your symptoms if diagnosed with OSA.
4. Improve metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health problems that increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It’s more common in people who are overweight or obese than in those who don’t have these health conditions.
In addition, Bariatric surgery may improve metabolic syndrome symptoms in some people.
5. Relief of depression
People who are obese suffer from depression or anxiety. In addition, the pressure on their bodies can cause them to feel self-conscious about their appearance and may cause them to feel depressed or anxious.
Bariatric surgery can help relieve these symptoms by helping you lose weight and feel better about yourself.
6. Joint pain relief
One of the most common reasons people choose bariatric surgery is to relieve joint pain caused by their weight. For example, knee arthritis often improves after weight loss surgery because there’s less pressure on your knees when carrying less fat tissue around your middle.
7. Improving fertility
Bariatric surgery may improve fertility in women who are severely obese with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility in women and increase the risk of miscarriage or congenital disabilities.
Read Also: Mini Gastric Bypass In Turkey: Benefits and Price
Who is eligible for bariatric surgery?
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, you may wonder who’s eligible. The answer is that both men and women who are obese are candidates for weight-loss surgery.
However, it would help if you considered other factors. For example, it would help if you met specific criteria to qualify for weight-loss surgery.
1. BMI between 35 and 40
If you’re overweight or obese, your BMI falls from 25 to 30. If you’re extremely obese, your BMI falls within 30 or higher. There are several ways to determine if you’re overweight or obese, but whether it’s determined by body fat percentage or BMI doesn’t matter as long as it’s above 25 (overweight) and 30 (obese).
2. An obesity-related condition
Obesity can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus type 2. These conditions may increase an individual’s risk for death from a heart attack or stroke, so bariatric is the best solution.
3. Between 16 And 70 Years Old
You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you are between 16 and 70 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, and suffer from obesity-related health problems.
If you are over 40 but under 60 years of age with a BMI greater than 35 but less than 40, you may also be eligible for bariatric surgery if other health conditions make it risky for you to lose weight on your own through diet and exercise.
Read Also: Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost in Turkey: Best Packages
Bariatric procedures at the best prices
Packages include medical fees, Hospital accommodation, airport transfers, and personal host.
What is the recovery time following weight loss surgery?
Most patients return to work after three to five weeks, but that varies according to individual circumstances. For example, if you have had major abdominal surgery, it may take several months to feel well enough to return to work.
The recovery time following weight loss surgery depends on several factors:
- Type of Weight Loss Surgery Performed:
Adjustable gastric banding and bypass require longer healing than sleeve gastrectomy or duodenal switch. These procedures also carry greater complications and risks and require more intensive monitoring during recovery.
- Patient’s Age:
Older patients may require more time to recover than younger ones because they heal more slowly.
- Patient’s Health:
Weight loss surgery can be very beneficial in helping people manage their health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
However, suppose you suffer from pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes before your weight loss surgery. In that case, you should speak with your doctor, which may affect your recovery time post-operation.
Read Also: Gastric Sleeve vs. Bypass: full Comparison and Price.
Is there support from surgeons and staff following weight loss surgery?
There is generally a great deal of support from surgeons and staff following weight loss surgery. That is because you are dealing with the physical pain of the surgery and the psychological pain of being overweight.
The support you receive from your surgeon, nurses, and other staff members can make a big difference in your recovery. In addition, they will answer your questions about any aspect of the surgery and its aftercare.
They will also help you get through any difficulties you have during that time and reassure you that it is normal to feel anxious or uncomfortable at times.
A good surgeon will help you manage the challenges of losing weight. They’ll be there to answer questions, offer encouragement and help you stay on track with your goals.
Finding a surgeon who understands that changing your life isn’t easy and wants to help you achieve your goals rather than just performing the surgery for financial gain is essential.
You must ask for help, so your recovery goes as smoothly as possible!
How much weight loss can be expected?
The weight you lose after surgery depends on many factors, including your age, height, and lifestyle. For example, if you’re older and less active, your body will need longer to adjust to the dietary changes required by bariatric surgery.
A typical patient who has had a gastric bypass loses 30% to 40% of excess body weight; loses 1 to 2 pounds weekly.
Is it possible to gain the weight back after surgery?
It is possible to gain back weight after surgery, but it is uncommon. For example, if you have a gastric bypass and your surgeon does not use the standard technique for that procedure, you may be more likely to regain the weight.
If you have a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with an adjustable band, then it is possible that you could regain some of the weight loss. That is because many patients with that type of procedure eventually need to adjust their bands, which means they must undergo another surgery to get their bands tightened or loosened up again.
Fluid retention is common after bariatric surgery. The body retains water because it senses that its internal organs have changed size and shape. Unfortunately, that causes swelling and bloating, making you feel heavier than before surgery. It also causes skin folds to appear in places with no skin folds, such as around your neck, breasts, or arms. These can be uncomfortable, but they will disappear over time as your body adjusts to its new size.
Read Also: Gastric Botox: A Revolutionary Weight Loss Solution
Can bariatric surgery be reversed?
Yes, bariatric surgery can be reversed, and it’s not easy, but it can be done.
Reversing a gastric bypass procedure would require undoing the staples that hold together the stomach pouch created during surgery and reconnecting the small intestine to its original position where it connects with the stomach. Likewise, a gastric-sleeve procedure would require reconnecting the small intestine just below where it was surgically shortened during surgery.
While reversing a laparoscopic procedure may be possible with another laparoscopic procedure.
But reversing an open surgical procedure is much more difficult and involves additional complications such as scar tissue or the risk of infection from being opened up again.
At HayatMed Clinic Turkey, we have highly skilled Plastic Surgeons in the plastic surgery field. In addition to the experienced medical crew and the Clinic, which is equipped with advanced technologies. Click here to get an appointment for a free consultation.
Read Also: Gastric Balloon Cost: 4 Factors affecting Price and Types.
Will insurance cover bariatric surgery?
Most insurance companies will cover bariatric surgery.
The number of people who qualify for bariatric surgery varies from state to state, as each state has its regulations regarding eligibility.
In addition, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, be at least 100 pounds overweight, and have tried other weight loss measures without success.
Some states require that you be obese for two years before seeking bariatric surgery. Some states also require that you try other treatments, such as diet and exercise, for at least six months before seeking the procedure.
Read Also: Gastric Balloon In Turkey: What are The Types and Price
Calculate your BMI for Gastric Bypass
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What do I need to know about pregnancy after gastric bypass surgery?
Pregnancy after gastric bypass surgery can also be a little scary, especially if you’re not sure what to expect or what you’re supposed to do.
The good news is that many women with gastric bypass surgery can have healthy pregnancies with few complications. However, you’ll need to take extra care of yourself during pregnancy and have regular checkups with your doctor throughout the pregnancy.
Here are some things for you to keep in mind as you get ready for your baby:
- Doctors recommend that women wait at least 12 months after gastric bypass surgery before trying to get pregnant.
That gives the body time to recover and heal from any complications that might have happened during the procedure. Once you’ve reached that point, talk with your doctor about when it’s safe to start trying for a baby.
- If you couldn’t lose enough weight before gastric bypass surgery and your BMI is still high enough, more than 30, your doctor may recommend weight loss before getting pregnant.
He’ll also want to ensure that any other medical conditions caused by excess weight — like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea, have been treated or controlled before proceeding.
Diet after your gastric bypass surgery
The diet after surgery is designed to help you regain weight and keep you healthy. These include:
Stage 1: Liquid diet
After you wake up from surgery, you can drink liquids immediately. The doctor will tell you which liquids are allowed and which aren’t.
You’ll get fluids through a tube that goes into your nose or mouth and connects to a small plastic bag called an IV. The feeding tube helps prevent dehydration, which can happen when there’s no food in your stomach to absorb water from the intestines.
You may also be given an enema to help clean the intestine before removing the feeding tube. That helps reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery.
Stage 2: Puréed diet
After 24 hours, most people can start eating puréed foods that are finely chopped or mashed, so they’re easy to swallow without chewing. Examples are applesauce, mashed potatoes, and creamed soups. Try soft oatmeal, yogurt, and cottage cheese with fruit-added toppings or mix-ins. Be sure not to overdo it; too much fiber can cause gas!
Stage 3: Soft foods diet
You’ll be on a soft food diet for the first three weeks after surgery. After that, milk and yogurt are allowed. You can also eat eggs, egg whites, cottage cheese, cooked vegetables and fruits, and other liquids like broth or jello. You’re not supposed to eat fried foods, meats, or sweets.
Stage 4: Stabilization
After the first three weeks, your doctor will want to see how well you’re handling solid foods and whether you need to lose more weight before they allow you to return to work.
If everything looks good, they’ll give you clearance to start eating normal meals again, but only tiny portions at each mealtime with plenty of liquid between meals.
However, even if your doctor gives you the all-clear at that point, don’t expect to return to your usual diet immediately; it could take months before you can eat again!
Conclusion
The decision to have bariatric surgery is a serious one that should not be taken lightly. It has long-term effects on your body and will likely impact your psychological and physical health.
Therefore, before stepping into the operating room, it’s best to understand your options and research all the benefits and drawbacks to make an educated decision. After all, that is a big deal, and you want to feel comfortable with your choice.
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At HayatMed Clinic Turkey, we offer high-quality, specialized, and affordable obesity services. Visit Our Gastric Bypass Category, or go back to the Blog.
gastric bypass Frequently asked questions
Gastric bypass surgery is a safe and reversible operation, but the reverse operation is complicated, and you need to choose a reputable hospital and a very experienced doctor.
In general, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries may be an option for you if:
- A body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher.
- Your BMI is between 35 and 39.9, and you have serious weight-related health problems, such as
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Severe sleep apnea.
In some cases, you may qualify for certain types of weight-loss surgery if your BMI is 30 to 34 and you have serious weight-related health problems.
The Surgery may be associated with some side effects such as:
- Dumping syndrome
- Malnutrition
- Leakage
- Small bowel obstruction
- Anastomosis
- Gastrogastric fistula
- Ulcers
Other complications
Other complications that may occur after gastric bypass surgery include the following:
- gallstones
- Low blood sugar
- Vomiting
There are many types of gastric bypass surgery, and the type of operation varies according to the patient’s condition, health condition, body mass index, and many other things. These types are
- Gastric bypass (classic)
- Mini gastric bypass
- The double-division gastric bypass (SASI)
This article was Medically reviewed by Dr. Hakan Evrüke
