We as a society are faced with an ever-growing health issue, this is chronic obesity. This condition is recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a health issue which is treatable by surgery. One of the best surgeries that are available is the Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. However, a great number of would be patients do not know exactly what the procedure involves.

1- The Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is, by far, the most commonly performed surgery in America today. Many in the bariatric industry have even called it the Gold standard. The reason for this is because this surgery combines a restrictive surgery with a malabsorption procedure, the result is quicker weight loss with less risk of vitamin deficiencies.

2- The Laparoscopic bypass surgery is performed by making a small pouch from the top section of the existing stomach. The rest of the stomach is then stapled shut, it is not removed from the body, but it is no longer used either (this is the restrictive portion of the surgery). The pouch holds approximately a quarter of volume as the complete stomach did; this is one of the ways weight loss is achieved.

3- When the smaller pouch stomach is created, it is directly connected to the middle portion of the small intestine. By doing this, the digestive process moves past, the point where calories are absorbed (the malabsorption part of the procedure). With the calorie absorption severely limited, the weight loss method is completed. However, the part of the small intestine that is bypassed to stop calorie absorption is also the part that absorbs need nutrients such as vitamin B12 and calcium. If these deficiencies become too much of an issue, supplements will be prescribed.

4- The weight loss that many patients experience can be as much as one to two pounds a week. While this is the intended outcome of the surgery, it may surprise a great many of the patients who experience this amount of weight loss. Many times, another surgery must be performed to remove the excess skin that is left over from the weight loss.

5- There are risks involved with the Laparoscopic bypass surgery, while they generally are not major, you should still seek the advice and knowledge of your surgeon before you decide if this procedure is right for you and your personal situation. These risks can include death, vomiting, diarrhea, repeat surgeries and infection.