Are You Ready For Gastric Bypass Surgery?

The decision to have gastric bypass surgery is a big one. This surgery can be life-changing, but it is a big commitment. Some people have a consultation with a surgeon and immediately decide they are ready. Others decide gastric bypass isn't right for them, and still, others decide to have the surgery — but not right away. How do you know whether you're ready or not? Here are some questions to ask.

Have you tried a physician-guided weight loss program?

Patients are usually advised not to try gastric bypass surgery unless they have already tried, and failed, to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. Unfortunately, these days, there are a lot of weight loss programs that set you up to fail and are not properly backed by evidence and medicine. So, if you have not yet tried to follow a proper weight loss program designed by an actual medical doctor, this is worth trying before you opt for gastric bypass. On the other hand, if you have been a part of a physician-guided weight loss program and have still not succeeded in losing weight, this is an indicator you may be ready for gastric bypass.

Are you at immediate risk of heart failure or diabetes?

Being overweight or obese does increase your risk of certain maladies, including type II diabetes and heart disease. In some cases, your doctor may be worried about you developing these problems within the next few months. In other cases, they may be more worried about your risk further down the road. If your doctor feels you're at immediate risk for obesity-related illness, this is a reason to have a gastric bypass sooner rather than later.

How much control do you have over the foods you eat?

Do you feel like you're capable of moderating your intake, perhaps with a little more guidance from a professional or friends? Or, do you feel completely out of control around food? If you're feeling a total lack of control, then it's probably time to seriously consider gastric bypass surgery. Having the size of your stomach reduced will allow you to feel satiated sooner, and it will give you the motivation you need to exercise self-control.

The decision of whether or not to pursue gastric bypass surgery is a very personal one. Hopefully, this article has given you some more information and some ideas to contemplate as you decide whether this is the route you want to go.