![Gastric Bypass](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/obesity-weight-loss.jpg?output-quality=75)
Most patients qualify for bariatric surgery if they weigh at least 100 lbs more than their ideal body weight. They must, however, not weigh more than 450 lbs.
A person can also qualify for the surgery if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI between 35 and 40 along with an obesity-related health issue, such as:
Weight loss or bariatric or metabolic surgery is used as a treatment for obese people; it can lead to significant weight loss and help improve many obesity-related conditions, such as type II diabetes or high blood pressure.
What is a gastric bypass?
Bariatric surgery is a long-lasting weight-loss solution for obese patients that makes changes to the shape and function of the stomach and digestive system, which either limits the amount of food eaten or the nutrients absorbed.
Types of weight loss surgeries
- Duodenal switch: A major part of the stomach (about 80 percent) is removed, and the stomach is connected to the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine).
- Gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy: A large portion of the stomach is removed to create a tube-like sleeve to limit the amount of food eaten and make the patient feel full sooner.
- A smaller stomach also produces fewer hormones that affect appetite. The combination of being able to eat less and wanting to eat fewer results in significant weight loss.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: The stomach is stapled into two pieces, which speed the flow of food into the intestine and alter the gut hormones that influence feelings of hunger and fullness.
- The gastrointestinal tract is altered by attaching the smaller section of the stomach to the small intestine.
- It is considered a “metabolic” procedure because it changes the way the body absorbs fat, calories, and nutrients.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/weight-loss-surgery/weight-loss-surgery-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
What is weight loss surgery? See AnswerWhat are the eligibility criteria for a gastric bypass?
The body mass index (BMI) is calculated using weight and height to estimate body fat.
The eligibility criteria for gastric bypass or weight-loss surgery include:
- A BMI of 40 or higher with or without comorbidities
- A BMI of 35 to 39.9, with an obesity-related condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea
- Weight of 100 lbs more than the ideal body weight
- Unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period (at least six months), even after supervised weight-loss attempts
- Obesity-related conditions that could be life-threatening, if left untreated
- No medical conditions that may put a patient at risk during and after surgery
What are the benefits of weight-loss surgery?
The long-term success of bariatric surgery depends on the ability to make permanent changes in diet, behavior, and exercise.
Studies have reported that people who undergo bariatric surgery:
What are the risks involved in weight-loss surgery?
Weight-loss surgery carries a risk of complications, such as:
- Decreased vitamin and mineral absorption from the diet, making a mandate for supplements for the rest of the life
- Gallstones (small, hard stones that form in the gallbladder)
- Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg)
- Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)
Weight-loss surgery is likely to be avoided or considered high-risk if the individual has the following:
- Blood-clotting disorders
- Severe heart disease that prohibits the use of anesthesia
- Other conditions that may increase the risk of using anesthesia
Health News
- One Death, 10 Hospitalizations in Listeria Outbreak Tied to Peaches, Plums
- Charity Scams Get Active Over the Holidays: Expert Tips to Avoid Them
- Too Few Seniors Get Follow-up Care After a Serious Fall
- AI Could Predict a Nonsmoker's Risk for Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer Rates Higher in Urban vs. Rural Areas
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery? Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/bariatric/candidate
Qualifications for Bariatric Surgery. Temple Health: https://www.templehealth.org/services/bariatric-surgery/for-physicians/surgery-qualifications
Weight-loss surgery: Is it an option for you? Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/gastric-bypass-surgery/art-20046318
Weight Loss Surgery Options. Duke Health: https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/weight-loss-surgery/which-bariatric-surgery-for-me
Top Required Weigh for Gastric Bypass Surgery Related Articles
Are Gastric Bypasses Reversible?
Gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations are reversible, but the reversal procedure is risky. The attempt to reverse the bypass to normal anatomy can cause rare but serious complications. The parts of the stomach and small intestine can be put together again but their function will never be quite the same.Can You Live a Normal Life After Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass surgery, also known as a Roux-en-Y, is one kind of weight-loss surgery. You can live a normal live after gastric bypass but you have to change your diet, exercise and lifestyle habits.Beat Belly Fat
Could your job be to blame for your belly fat? It might be, if it stresses you out. But there are a number of ways to get rid of it.Diet and Weight Loss: Why Are You Always Hungry?
What are the causes of hunger? There are more reasons you get hungry than just an empty stomach. Food cravings, pregnancy, blood sugar spikes, lack of protein in the diet, smelling delicious foods, and eating while stressed or emotional are just a few causes of hunger. Learn about the hunger cues your body relies on to be fed.Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that creates a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake and constructs bypasses of the duodenum and parts of the small intestine to decrease one's ability to absorb nutrients from food. There are two types of gastric bypass operations: Roux-en-Y and extensive gastric bypass. Patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery will need to take nutrition supplements due to limited absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.How Long Does Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery Take?
Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss procedure that takes about two to three hours. In this surgery, usually reserved for morbidly obese people who haven't responded to diet and exercise, a surgeon makes changes to the stomach and small intestine to alter the way you absorb and digest the food.Is Bypass Surgery Safe for a 75-Year-Old?
Above 70 percent of patients undergoing bypass surgery are older than 70 years. People older than 80 years, however, are now surviving bypass surgery.Obesity and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.The 10 Best Diet Plans For Weight Loss
Diet means a reduction in calorie intake. For the optimal management of overweight and obese patients, a combination of diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications may be helpful. Weight loss is directly related to the difference between the individual’s energy intake and energy expenditure.Weight Loss Challenges: Why Can't I Lose Weight?
Finding it difficult to lose weight? It’s a hard thing to do, and there are some surprising reasons you may not be losing weight as quickly as you hope. From sleep cycles to calorie counts, health food fakers to prescription drugs, learn many of the stumbling blocks that can prevent you from reaching your health goals.Weight Loss Quiz
Are you trying to lose weight? Take this quiz to see what you can add to routine to get on the right track for results!Weight Loss Surgery Quiz
What happens after weight loss surgery? What should you eat? Take this quiz to learn about bariatric surgery. Are you a candidate?Weight Loss: Tips to Lose 100 Pounds or More
These lifestyle changes -- suggested by experts and real people who've lost the weight -- can help you stay on the path toward a healthier body and a happier you. Find out for yourself with this WebMD slideshow.What Should I Ask My Doctor About Weight Loss?
With changes in lifestyle and standards of living, obesity is emerging as a pandemic. A higher than normal body weight puts you at risk of various diseases. Learn the 11 questions you should ask your doctor if you are planning to lose weight.Which Weight Loss Surgery Is Permanent?
Weight-loss surgery — also known as bariatric surgery — is one of the best treatments for obesity and related diseases. As per the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), there are five types of surgeries that your doctor can recommend for permanent weight loss.