Gastric bypass surgery may help you lose weight. However, you must meet eligibility requirements. Even if you are very obese, you may not qualify for the procedure. The guidelines are in place to protect your health and ensure the procedure's success. Your doctor may ask you to take certain steps before you are eligible for gastric bypass surgery. Continue reading to learn more about the general qualifications for this procedure.

What Is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is one of many weight loss surgeries available. It involves reshaping and re-routing parts of the stomach and small intestine. The result is a small stomach pouch attached to the small intestine. You will feel fuller faster, and the food enters the intestinal tract more quickly.

Who Can Benefit From Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is most beneficial for people who have severe and immediate complications from obesity. Your risk of dying or becoming severely ill from your weight-related conditions needs to be greater than the risks of the surgery. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease that is directly related to your weight, you may benefit from this procedure.

Who Qualifies for Gastric Bypass?

People who want gastric bypass must go through a series of steps before getting the surgery. To qualify for gastric bypass, you may need to do some of the following things:

• Be more than a certain percentage or number of pounds overweight
• Have attempted to lose weight or have been on a supervised weight loss program
• Have an obesity-related health condition
• Be willing to make life-long lifestyle changes

Who Shouldn't Get Gastric Bypass?

Certain people should not get gastric bypass surgery if they have certain health conditions and issues. Different doctors and surgeons may have their own standards. Generally, you may not be eligible if you have the following issues:

• You have trouble with blood clotting
• You have heart or lung conditions that make anesthesia use risky
• Your weight is very high
• You have certain unresolved mental issues
• You gained weight during the assessment period
• You did not follow the recommended lifestyle changes

Many people derive great benefits from gastric bypass surgery. In some cases, it can greatly improve your health. However, it is not a cure-all or easy way to lose weight. You must have a need and qualification for the procedure. If you are very obese and struggling to lose weight, talk to your doctor about gastric bypass. If you don't qualify, your doctor may come up with another solution to lose and manage your weight.