Gastric bypass surgery, as well as other types of bariatric surgery, have both pros and cons, as most medical procedures do. At the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we’re here to explain the benefits and the risks you face while deciding whether this procedure is right for you. Pros: The most obvious benefit is the promotion of weight loss. This occurs through the restriction of the amount of food your stomach can hold, as well as the amount of calories your small intestine can absorb. Some studies show that patients’ hormone levels change with regard to feelings of hunger and fullness, as well as your brain’s response to eating. Because of this, many patients feel full most of the time, derive less pleasure from eating, and do not feel the need to eat as an emotional response. Changes in food cravings also arise. Patients often crave less foods which are high in sugars and fats. They have fewer preferences for carb-heavy foods as well. Some patients also describe a decreased tolerance for foods like meat, dairy, carbs, and sweets. Cons: Some patients experience bitterness, bad smells, and unappealing textures in foods they once found enjoyable.  Hormonal changes can also lead to what is called “dumping syndrome.” This is also called, in more technical terms, rapid gastric emptying. This condition occurs when food travels to the small intestine too quickly after eating a meal with high amounts of sugars or carbohydrates. Symptoms of dumping syndrome include the following. Cramps of the abdominal area Diarrhea Mood change Nausea Vomiting Sweating Confusion