For millions of obese people through out the world, gastric bypass surgery is an option that is available to improve their lives. If you are one of these people, you may have heard conflicting reports as to what the criteria to have the surgery performed, what is involved or what happens after the hospital stay. The following information will answer many questions you may have.

1- Gastric bypass surgery is approved for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. For most women this is about 80 pounds over weight and for most men, 100 pounds. However, if there are serious weight related health issues involved, the BMI requirements can be lowered to 35.

2- Gastric bypass surgery essentially creates a new stomach pouch. This pouch holds a quarter of the food that a full size stomach can, a cup as compared to a quart. The type of procedure you opt for will determine how the pouch is created, as well as any effects on the flow of food into the digestive system

3- The surgery lasts approximately 30 minutes to one hour and is done under general anesthesia. To eliminate any vomiting upon waking from the surgery, it is required that no food be eaten after midnight the night before the surgery, water may be restricted as well, depending on your surgeon.

4- After the surgery is completed, your new diet will consist of clear liquids. When these are successfully kept down, you will progress to broths and pureed foods. Generally, you will be allowed to leave the hospital when you can keep the pureed foods down with out vomiting. The hospital stay usually lasts about five days

5- There are some side effects associated with the gastric bypass surgery, with the most common being vomiting and dumping syndrome. Both of these risks occur when the patient does not follow the doctors orders regarding eating after surgery.

6- Dumping syndrome is a side effect that involves diarrhea, vomiting and fever. It is caused because of the bodies' inability to adjust quickly to the new way food is being digested. This side effect can be controlled through careful food choices and eating habits.

7- Most insurance companies do approve payment for a gastric bypass surgery. However, that does not mean that you will be automatically coved, even if your insurance company offers the coverage. The reason being, the insurance companies also give employers the chance to opt out of this coverage. By doing this the employer can keep insurance costs down for all employees. It is important to check with your insurance company regarding your specific plan.