If you are considering having weight loss surgery, you probably have several questions. Is the surgery safe? What will the pain feel like afterward? What are my chances of success?

Bariatric success stories inspire anyone who is struggling to lose weight by dieting and exercising. In this article, we are going to look at some gastric bypass success stories and possible ways you can increase your chances of success post-surgically.

What is Gastric Bypass?

Gastric bypass is a type of bariatric, or weight loss, a surgery that involves making surgical changes to the stomach and small intestine. It aids weight loss by restricting the amount of food that the stomach can hold, limiting the number of calories and nutrients the body absorbs, and changing gut hormones. The change in gut hormones gives a feeling of fullness longer and contributes to appetite suppression.

The Risks Associated with Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass can be very effective to aid in weight loss. Like all surgeries, however, there are possible risks and complications. Some of the risks associated with gastric bypass surgery include dumping syndrome, peritonitis, and stomal stenosis.

• Stomal Stenosis occurs when there is a narrowing of the new opening between the stomach and intestine. This tightening can result in vomiting after eating or drinking.
• Dumping Syndrome is the term used to describe the rapid movement of partially digested food from the stomach directly into the small intestine.  For most patients, dumping syndrome can be managed by dietary changes. Still, like any other complication, it is essential to follow up with a physician if symptoms occur.
• Peritonitis is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. One of the major causes is a gastric leak. Symptoms include abdominal pain, hiccups, rapid heart rate, restlessness, and fever.

Do The Benefits Outweigh The Risks?

Before having any type of surgery, it is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks to determine if surgery is the best option.

Obesity is a major contributing factor to health-related issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, obtaining and maintaining a healthy weight is important for everyone.

Some benefits of having gastric bypass surgery include:

• The amount of weight individuals loses after having gastric bypass surgery is often remarkable. Weight loss results in a reduction of other diseases that are associated with obesity, such as heart disease and hypertension (high blood pressure).
• The risk of developing a non-alcoholic fatty liver is decreased.
• Obesity-related sleep apnea symptoms are reduced/relieved.
• Improved joint health as excess weight is lost.
• Increased energy as mobility is more comfortable with weight loss.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are often relieved following gastric bypass surgery.
• The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is decreased.
• Depression symptoms associated with weight-related low self-esteem is reduced.

Gastric Bypass Success Stories

Daniel V.’s Gastric Bypass Success Story

“I experienced several health problems because of my obesity. My quality of life was absolutely nothing. My size kept me from being able to participate in physical activities. Simply going for a walk was physically exhausting. Since having gastric bypass surgery, I have more energy and am so much more active. I have participated in various marathons and now ride a bike more easily than I used to walk to the pantry for chips. Has it been easy? No way! But when I think of where I would be now, I would do have surgery again. I am finally living!”

Natasha’s Gastric Bypass Success Story

“When I was 16, I weighed 285 pounds. I was a miserable, obese mess. I was depressed, angry, and frustrated. By the time I was 21, I had weighed 316 pounds, and my health was spiraling out of control even more. I tried every diet I heard of, and nothing seemed to work long-term. I knew people who had bariatric surgery, but I was always scared of all of the “what-ifs.” When I couldn’t walk without gasping for air, I knew I had to do something. Fast-forward three years after having gastric bypass, I am down to 175 pounds. I can walk and run without feeling like my heart is going to pound out of my chest. I don’t cry when I look in the mirror or try to hide behind big baggy clothes anymore. I’m healthier than I’ve ever been and have no regrets whatsoever!”

Jean’s Gastric Bypass Success Story

“Gastric Bypass Surgery saved my life! I no longer have to take insulin. I’m off of all of my blood pressure medicines. I can play with my kids without being exhausted, and my husband and I recently went on a hiking trip. I hate to think of where I would be now if I hadn’t had the surgery. My highest weight was 384 lbs. Today I am 219 lbs. Not far from ONEderland!!!!”

Cade’s Gastric Bypass Success Story

“I was always tired, always achy, and had sleep apnea. I had my first heart attack at 45-years-old. It came down to me having to decide if I wanted to live or die and then deciding what I was willing to do to become healthy. I’ll admit that weight loss surgery was not my first choice because I’ve always been scared to have any kind of surgery. But when I had a heart attack, my perspective changed about a lot of things. I started looking at different options for weight loss surgery and decided that gastric bypass would probably be the best option for me. I’m almost two years out and have lost 180 pounds so far. I still have a long way to go to reach optimum health, but I am living every day of my life like the gift that it is.”

Ways to Improve Post-Surgical Success

The speed at which weight is lost following bariatric surgery causes some people to believe this option is a “quick fix” for obesity. While initial weight loss is, in fact, rapid, to achieve long-term success, lifelong changes must be made. With that in mind, some things can be done to help improve weight loss and health gain success.

• Get moving: As with any weight loss plan, exercise is important. Each surgeon will have his/her recommendation on how soon a patient should begin exercise and how often. The important thing is to move! Go for a walk, ride a bike, or swim. Do resistance exercises and cardio workouts. Exercise will help tone muscles, improve cardiac function, and increase metabolism.
• Take your vitamins and supplements: Gastric bypass surgery alters the way vitamins and nutrients are absorbed in the stomach and intestine. The fact that alterations in the body prevent the nutrients from being absorbed usually does not mean that they are not needed. When a person lacks essential vitamins and nutrients, this can cause other health-related issues.
• Don’t forget your protein: Protein is an essential part of a bariatric friendly diet. While you will add other things to your diet, it is always best to eat your protein first. Proteins give you energy and keep you feeling fuller longer.
• Avoid “slider foods”: Slider foods are foods that have little to no nutritional value. They include popcorn, chips, and cookies. These types of foods are high in carbohydrates and sugar and can cause dumping syndrome and weight gain.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying well hydrated will help improve digestion, improve skin tone and clarity, and will prevent complications of becoming dehydrated.

While there are many more tips for improving your overall success following gastric bypass surgery, these are some of the most common.

Is Gastric Bypass Right for Me?

If you are considering whether gastric bypass surgery is a good option for you, it may feel overwhelming.  It’s important to know that there are several resources for education about bariatric surgery options, and your primary care provider will be able to provide you with contact information for trusted surgeons.

Contrary to the opinions of some, weight loss surgery is not “the easy way out.” It takes a lifelong commitment to be dedicated to achieving health and wellness. Nevertheless, it is not impossible.

Take the time to research information and write down any questions you can think of before visiting your doctor. This way, you can take the time with your physician to glean as much insight from him/her as possible based on your questions or concerns. Only you can decide if gastric bypass surgery is the right option for you. If you do decide to move forward with the surgery, remember to celebrate small victories just as much as big ones. You are worth any effort it takes to achieve good health and well-being.