Q: I've been researching gastric bypass surgery. I weigh 230 pounds and I am 100 pounds overweight. I have arthritis all up and down my spine. The constant pain in my back is becoming more than I can stand. I have high cholesterol and my thyroid function is up and down. I fear for my long-term health, and I am afraid of a heart attack, stroke, diabetes, etc. What is your professional opinion on having bypass surgery?
A: Gastric bypass surgeries are like anything else that can be good for you, but that carries some inherent risk along with it—like training for a marathon, buying stocks or using pickup lines. You can reduce the risks associated with the surgery significantly by following a pre-operative exercise and psychological program, and sticking with your post-operative eating and exercise plan. Our best advice: Find a university hospital that has done a lot of these procedures (there are four different commonly used gastric bypass procedures).
|
