Weight loss surgeries are most often used as a weight loss technique for patients that are suffering from at least one-hundred pounds over their ideal weight or considered to be morbidly obese. Weight loss surgery comes with multiple risks of complications and should be considered only as a last resort for those who have tried and failed with multiple other weight loss programs.

There are various times when patients with a high body mass index are considered for surgical weight loss procedures if they suffer from ailments which are caused or worsened by the factor of weight. These ailments are referred to as comorbidities. Common comorbidities of obesity include; hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease and decreased life expectancy. Many patients experiencing a successful treatment and lifestyle change can decrease the effects that these ailments may have on their health.

There are two main types of weight loss surgeries; gastric bypass surgery and gastric banding surgery. When a patient undergoes gastric bypass surgery they are subject to the cutting and stapling of the stomach as the newly created stomach pouch is attached to separate part of the intestine, often foregoing access to parts of the large intestine. Gastric banding surgery allows the patient to undergo a procedure in which a band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch through the use of a saline injection into the band.

Gastric banding surgery comes with a decreased risk of side effects, as well as a lower morbidity rate. Although banding has fewer side effects, bypass surgery is still more commonly used as a weight loss surgery in the United States. The benefits of the banding surgery far outweigh the benefits of the gastric bypass surgery such as the patient experiencing a shorter recovery time, as well as the absence of cutting of the stomach, making the procedure easily reversible in a situation such as an illness or pregnancy where getting high levels of nutrition from food is necessary.

There are many risks that have become evident when a patient chooses to undergo gastric bypass surgery, these risks include:

Dumping Syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs in many patients who have undergone gastric bypass surgery and occurs when undigested food has entered the intestine. This food can create symptoms in the patient that are similar to shock, such as: cold chills, fever and disorientation. It is a painful condition that cannot be avoided when choosing to undergo the surgery.

Vitamin Deficiencies. Patients who have undergone weight loss surgery procedures have been shown to have decreased levels of B vitamins, folate and iron within their body. This can lead to a myriad of side effects and malnutrition. It is important to take a multivitamin regularly to avoid the symptoms which can accompany these deficiencies.

With both gastric bypass and gastric banding surgeries, the patient can expect to have an initial weight loss due to the significant change in eating habits, with an ongoing weight loss of one to two pounds per week. Ongoing weight loss can only be attained by making changes within the lifestyle including exercise, proper eating and portion control.