Weight loss surgery (gastric bypass) Continued
As is the case with any major operation, a gastric bypass is serious business. People undertaking this operation are making a commitment to reducing their food intake, changing their eating habits, and exercising daily. Although the operation itself will only take a few hours, the change in lifestyle will need to last a lifetime.
Risks of Gastric Bypass Surgery
While this operation is generally considered to be relatively safe, there is still the risk of infection, external bleeding, and respiratory problems. Because of the operation's severity, a hospital stay of three to four days is necessary. After being released from the hospital, the most important thing for a patient to do is maintain the strict diet as prescribed by the doctor. Failing to adhere to a proper diet can lead to the staples popping and more serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
It is also important to note that after the surgery it will probably be difficult to eat anything without feeling uncomfortably full or without vomiting. After six to eight weeks, patients can begin digesting complex foods like chicken, pastas and dairy products. It may be even longer before patients can begin digesting large amounts of fats, alcohol, and sugar. While these risks are serious, the good news is that on average, patients lose 10 pounds per month and can be at a stable, healthy weight within 18 months.
Gastric Bypass Costs
Gastric Bypass surgery is not cheap. On average, the procedure will cost about $25,000.
Because insurers are starting to see the benefits of the surgery, especially over the long-term, more and more of them are beginning to cover this procedure for people with serious obesity problems. If other weight loss remedies have proven unsuccessful, then the costs for this surgery may certainly be justified.
By Jamie Ward
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