Gastric bypass surgery is arguably the best weight loss surgery currently available. Bariatric surgeons divide the stomach into a smaller upper section, and a larger lower section, and then connect a portion of the small intestine to the smaller stomach pouch.
By reducing the size of the stomach, the gastric bypass procedure lowers the amount of food a patient can have, and reduces the amount their caloric intake.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a gastric bypass procedure may be right for you. Here are the guidelines that qualify patients for a gastric bypass.

• Previous efforts have been unsuccessful. A gastric bypass is a serious surgical procedure, and should be treated as a last resort option. If there are still other avenues of weight loss available, it’s best to pursue those first before undergoing this procedure.
• Your BMI is 40 or higher. If you want to undergo a gastric bypass, your body mass index (BMI) should be 40 or higher. Your BMI is a measure of your body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. A BMI of 40 or higher means that the person is extremely obese.
• You’re suffering from serious weight-related issues. If your BMI is between 35 and 40 — in the obese range — and you suffer from serious weight-related health problems, you may qualify for this surgical procedure. Such serious health issues that may prompt surgical action include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even severe sleep apnea.

Of course the only way to know for sure if a gastric bypass is the correct course of action for you is to talk to your doctor. They can review your medical history, your lifestyle, and determine whether or not it’s a feasible option.

Remember, this procedure is incredibly effective, but is also incredibly serious. It needs to be treated as a last resort, and not a convenient way to slim down.

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.