Life After Gastric Bypass

Curious About Life After Gastric Bypass? Read On!

If you're thinking about having gastric bypass surgery, then you're probably already aware of what the procedure entails. Basically, the top portion of the stomach is turned into a pouch and bypassed, or attached to the intestine. This creates a smaller stomach, which makes the recipient feel full more quickly and consume less calories. Gastric bypass is reserved for the extremely overweight, and should only be considered after diet and exercise have failed.

Life after gastric bypass is quite different than the way it was before the procedure. Immediately following the surgery, you will be required to adhere to a special diet. You'll also have to stay in the hospital for around five days. At first, you will only be allowed to consume clear liquids. After a few days of this, your diet will progress to pureed foods that are gentle on the digestion. At this phase of the diet, many patients choose baby food rather than blending their own foods.

After the pureed foods phase, you will be allowed to eat from all the food groups. However, you will be restricted to very small portions spaced evenly throughout the day with liquids in between. Your doctor will most likely refer you to a dietician that can guide you in regards to what you should be eating.

Most people who have gastric bypass end up losing 50 to 90 percent of their target weight between a year to a year and a half after the surgery. Whether or not gastric bypass is successful depends on each individual. Your lifestyle has a lot to do with your success. If you eat correctly and follow a regular exercise program, you are more likely to lose the weight.

One good way to learn about life after gastric bypass is to join a support group for gastric bypass patients. You can socialize with people who've been through the process, and learn firsthand what it's like. These support groups can be found in your local area, or even attended online. By talking to people who've had personal experience with gastric bypass, you can be better equipped to decide if gastric bypass is the right thing for you.

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Gastric Bypass News:

Dill sets his health record straight - Tower Timberjay News

Tower Timberjay News

Dill sets his health record straight
Tower Timberjay News
Dill, who has also suffered from diabetes for a number of years, had opted for a gastric bypass about 16 months ago to help him control his weight. .

Buffalo News - Gastric banding for obese teens found better than lifestyle changes
February 10, 2010 -- Gastric-banding surgery appears to be significantly more effective than lifestyle changes in helping severely obese teenagers lose a...