Gastric bypass surgery is a major procedure that can help people who are seriously overweight and unable to lose weight with diet and exercise. The surgery usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days before returning to work in 2 to 4 weeks. The bariatric surgeon will discuss with you all the possible risks, complications, and other weight-loss surgery options of gastric bypass surgery before the procedure. It's also important to follow nutrition guidelines after surgery, as gastric bypass restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the amount of calories your body will absorb. Gastric bypass surgery, also known as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure, is the most common form of weight-loss surgery performed in the United States today.
Your doctor may recommend gastric bypass surgery if you are very obese and have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40. Now that you know more about how long gastric bypass surgery lasts, you can make an informed decision about whether it's right for you. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits of any medical procedure before making a decision.
