How Much Do You Have to Weigh to Get 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.

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

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:

• Live longer.
• Have reduced cardiovascular risk.
• Have less sleep apnea and joint-related pain.
• Enjoy an improved quality of life.

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