Requirements for Gastric Bypass Surgery
Los Angeles, Irvine and Santa Monica, California
Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass is performed more than all other bariatric surgery procedures because it has been successful for thousands of patients over a long period of time. The procedure was first used more than 40 years ago, and its success is well documented.
There are two types of gastric bypass surgery: open and laparoscopic. Patients should keep in mind that open gastric bypass is the most invasive of bariatric surgery options because it requires incisions. Open gastric bypass also requires a longer recovery time than laparoscopic methods.
Gastric Bypass Requirements
A number of factors must be present before a patient is deemed a good candidate for either version of gastric bypass surgery. A potential gastric bypass patient should have some combination of the following indications:
- Obesity is not caused by other illness or medications
- Has a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher, weighs twice ideal weight, or is 100 lbs over ideal weight
- Ability to show commitment to permanent lifestyle changes that include eating habits, exercise requirements, and continued medical supervision
- Has tried, and failed, to reach weight loss goals through a medically supervised diet and exercise program
- Has quit smoking for at least ninety days
Other Gastric Bypass Considerations
Patients who do not meet the BMI requirements for gastric bypass surgery may be eligible if other complicating conditions exist.
Patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 may be candidates if they also have at least two of the following obesity-related medical problems:
- Adult Onset Diabetes
- Arthritis of the spine, knee, or hip
- Asthma
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Enlargement of the heart caused by obesity (cardiomegaly)
- Gastric Reflux Disease(GERD)
- Hiatal Hernia
- Hypertension
- Hypothyroidism
- Pedal Edema
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Sleep Apnea
- Urinary Incontinence
Medical Contraindications for Gastric Bypass
Not everyone who is obese makes a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery. An experienced weight loss surgeon like Dr. Carson Liu can help patients determine if they possess any major risk factors that might complicate the procedure. Certain conditions may prevent a surgeon from performing gastric bypass safely.
Patients should consult a bariatric surgeon to find out more information about the requirements for gastric bypass surgery. Please call or e-mail Dr. Carson Liu's Los Angeles bariatric surgery office to schedule a consultation.