The following gastric bypass Q and A will help you to gain a deeper understanding of what is involved in weight loss surgery. What is the difference between gastric bypass surgery and lap-band surgery? In gastric bypass surgery, both the stomach size is reduced and a portion of the small intestine is bypassed. The bypass of the upper and mid sections of the small intestines reduces the caloric absorption from food. The lap-band surgery only reduces the size of the stomach, but does not affect the intestinal absorption. Is gastric bypass surgery risky? All surgeries have some inherent risk. For the morbidly obese, their condition already provides a great deal of health risk. Because of the health risks involved, gastric bypass surgery is not a cosmetic procedure but one done to assist those at greatest risk for obesity related illnesses. How much does gastric bypass surgery cost? Depending on your area and health situation, gastric bypass surgery can cost approximately $20,000, give or take $5,000. Fortunately, more insurance companies, including Medicaid are covering the surgery for the morbidly obese. How does gastric bypass surgery work? Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach, making you feel full and satiated after eating a much smaller portion. Additionally, the intestinal bypass reduces the bodies ability to absorb calories from the food you eat. Therefore, after gastric bypass surgery you eat less and absorb less calories leading to significant weight loss. What can I eat after gastric bypass surgery? Your eating habits will be permanently changed after gastric bypass surgery. Initially, you will be on a liquid diet, progressing to a pureed diet, to a soft-food diet, and eventually to a healthy regular diet incorporating most foods. Eating healthy is essential to your success after surgery to avoid nutritional deficiency. It will be important also to intake proper fluids, but not at meal time. Hopefully this gastric bypass Q and A has helped you answer some basic questions about weight loss surgery.
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