In recent years, gastric bypass surgery has become a more accepted method of treating obesity. While it may seem an easy fix, this surgery can be dangerous and may have complications. How do you know if it is the right decision for you? You need to be sure that you are well-informed before jumping into a major surgery such as gastric bypass.

Gastric bypass surgery is basically designed to make the stomach much smaller and to bypass a portion of the small intestine. The actual procedure is to staple the stomach to form only a small pouch at the top. This reduced stomach is then connected to the small intestine, but in the middle of the small intestine, allowing any ingested food to bypass the majority of the stomach and half of the small intestine, where many nutrients (and calories) would normally be absorbed.

If this sounds drastic, that’s because it is. Gastric bypass surgery is not for the faint of heart. It is usually only recommended in extreme cases of obesity, although ultimately it has become more of a cure-all for those suffering from overweight. It is always best to try natural weight loss methods first, including exercise and proper diet.

Your doctor may recommend weight loss surgery if you fit a number of pre-requisites. The surgery should not be performed on anyone under the age of 18, or over the age of 65, due to the risks involved. Also, a history of alcoholism or depression can ban you from the surgery. You need to be willing to make permanent lifestyle changes once the surgery is over and to have suffered from obesity at least five years. Most doctors will also require that your body mass index be at least 40 or over.

Even if you fit all the requirements, there are many risks involved with gastric bypass surgery. As it is a surgery that involves the digestive system, there is always the danger of infection from intestinal leaks as well as the possibility of long term digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea and other related issues. Up to 15% of patients develop ulcers after the surgery and a large number of people experience common vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as anemia. As in any major surgery, there is also the risk of dying in the operating room, this possibility should be discussed with your doctor ahead of time.

If you still feel that gastric bypass surgery is right for you after having read about the procedure, learned of the risks and having talked to your doctor about the procedure, you should be aware that it is not a magical cure for obesity. It can take up to 4 years to lose the required amount of weight. You will need to follow a healthy diet as well since your system is now unable to absorb as many nutrients as before. The surgery helps you to lose weight, but you will still need to look after yourself.

While gastric bypass surgery is not a miracle cure, it can certainly yield results. Those suffering from obesity who find themselves unable to lose weight through conventional methods are the best candidates for this extreme procedure. When recommended by a doctor and followed up with lifelong lifestyle changes, it can be a successful method of regaining health.