Gastric bypass surgery has become increasingly popular over the past decade as a means of treating severe and morbid obesity. Because the procedure generally promotes dramatic weight loss, many post-operative patients might expect life after gastric bypass surgery to be smooth sailing ? and, for the first year, it usually feels that way, as they effortlessly lose excess pounds due to their limited food intake. But, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight takes active participation on the part of post-operative patients. Gastric bypass surgery only works when accompanied by permanent and consistent changes in the patient's lifestyle and behavior.



Gastric bypass surgery as we know it has been around since the mid-1960s. Over the past four decades, the procedure has saved countless lives, not only by making it possible for morbidly obese patients to safely lose excess weight, but by successfully treating Type 2 Diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, joint and spine pain, and other health problems that often accompany obesity. In the minds of many patients, gastric bypass surgery has become more than a medical procedure ? it is a miracle, a magical cure for obesity.

In reality, however, gastric bypass surgery is neither miraculous nor magical. It is a serious surgical procedure, and one that bears significant risk. And it is not a cure for anything ? it is only part of a comprehensive program of treatment of obesity.

Obesity is not just a matter of excess weight. It is a complicated disease that affects the whole person ? physically, mentally, and emotionally. Therefore, to be effective, any treatment of obesity must address the disease in all its dimensions. Surgery is one means of treating this disease, but surgery can only treat the patient's physical body. To succeed, the patient's entire life has to change.

Changes in diet come first. Patients must permanently change their eating habits if the bypass is to succeed. Gone are the days of ice cream, savory stews, buttery popcorn, and other soft foods; these may be enjoyed as occasional treats, but if eaten on a regular basis will render the gastric bypass ineffective. Low-fat meats, whole grains, and healthy fruits like bananas and pears ? these are the staples of the post-operative patient's diet. Along with these, it is vital that patients take a daily nutritional supplement, since the surgery reduces the body's ability to absorb vitamins, calcium and other minerals necessary for good health.

Regular visits with a doctor are also necessary for the post-op patient. Americans are a go-go nation, and we sometimes tend to skip medical check-ups in our rush to resume our normal, vigorous lives. Weight loss surgery patients don't have the option of skipping out on doctor visits, however, because only a physician can accurately assess the condition of a post-operative patent.

?All kinds of complications can arise after weight loss surgery, some of which might not be immediately apparent,? says Dr. David Provost, a bariatric surgeon specializing in gastric bypass surgery in Denton, Texas. ?Post-operative patients should see their doctor at least once a year for a routine check-up ? ideally, the doctor who performed their surgery,? adds Dr. Provost, who personally examines and assesses the condition of his post-operative patients.

The psychological and emotional health of post-operative patients should also be closely monitored. Depression is not uncommon among gastric bypass surgery patients in the months following their procedure; after all, food is an important part of the emotional well-being of obese people, and the changes in the patient's relationship with food after surgery can place great emotional strain on the patient.

The restriction of food intake tends to lower a person's energy levels as well, causing muscular weakness in the months following surgery. Balance problems, difficulty climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects, and increased fatigue following simple physical tasks are also common. These and other non-physical issues usually resolve themselves over time, but it's important that doctors monitor their patients? psychological health just as diligently as their physical health in the period following weight loss surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery can and does save thousands of lives each year. With proper post-operative care, patients who choose the procedure as a treatment for obesity can quickly begin a ?new life? as a person of healthy weight. Patients who watch food intake, get regular check-ups, and take care of themselves emotionally and psychologically can expect to live out the rest of their lives in health and happiness.