Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller using surgical staples or a plastic band and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine, which means fewer calories are absorbed. Patients feel full more quickly than before, which reduces the amount of food eaten and calories consumed.
What to expect
A two- to three-day hospital stay for a laparoscopic procedure and a return to normal activity within three to five weeks.
It can cause a "dumping syndrome" when food moves too quickly through the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness and possibly diarrhea soon after eating. High-calorie foods such as sweets worsen the effects.
Patients can exercise the day they get out of the hospital. Most tend to exercise quickly after surgery.
Who should have it
Those with a body mass index at 40 or above, a life-threatening or disabling condition related to weight, or unable to lose weight with other treatments.
Who shouldn't
Patients with terminal cancer or severe heart problems. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse, untreated depression or another major psychiatric problems.
Some numbers
75 percent of patients are women and 25 percent are men
18 to 65 is the age range of the majority of patients
69 to 82 percent of excess weight is lost within 12 to 54 months after laparoscopic surgery.
Source: Local surgeons, WebMD Medical Reference
Who should have it
Those with a body mass index at 40 or above, a life-threatening or disabling condition related to weight, or unable to lose weight with other treatments.
Who shouldn't
Patients with terminal cancer or severe heart problems. Patients with a history of alcohol abuse, untreated depression or another major psychiatric problems.
Some numbers
Source: Local surgeons, WebMD Medical Reference
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