How effective is weight loss surgery?

For severely overweight people who have not been able to see results from diet and exercise alone, weight-loss surgery has emerged as the safest and most effective means of achieving significant weight loss. In fact, studies have shown that with diet and exercise alone, almost 95% of obese patients will regain all the weight lost within 5 years. On the other hand, long-term success rates for weight loss surgery, including the LAP-BAND procedure, are remarkably high, allowing patients to maintain a loss of 50-70% of their excess weight. of body weight. Although there are many factors that can affect the weight loss success of an individual patient, weight loss surgery is simply the most effective long-term weight loss and healthy lifestyle solution for severely obese patients.

Studies show that most patients who have weight-loss surgery will lose 50-70% of their excess body weight in the first three years after the procedure. Those who undergo gastric bypass surgery will lose excess body weight more quickly in the first 12 months than those who choose LAP-BAND surgery. However, gastric bypass patients often experience a greater number of complications and side effects than LAP-BAND patients, as the LAP-BAND procedure allows for more gradual and natural weight loss over the long term.

From a clinical perspective, weight loss surgery is considered successful when the patient loses at least 50% of their excess body weight and maintains the weight for at least five years. While major lifestyle changes are necessary to ensure weight loss is sustained over the long term, studies have shown that most patients who undergo weight loss surgery are able to maintain a loss of 50-60% of excess body weight 10 years after the surgical procedure. . However, it is important to note that a weight loss of just 10% of total body weight can begin to have positive health effects in resolving obesity-related conditions such as asthma, gastric reflux (GERD) and diabetes. Since weight-loss surgery is typically performed on patients who are at least 75-100 pounds overweight or have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 with a health condition, overall weight loss can range from 40 pounds and over 100 pounds. . But the patient is really the leader behind achieving these results.

While patients will certainly look and feel better after weight loss surgery, there are also numerous health benefits associated with successful weight loss. In most cases, health conditions that develop as a result of excessive body weight or are made worse by obesity can be improved or, in some cases, remedied by weight-loss surgery.

But there are other ways to measure success with weight-loss surgery, like the LAP-BAND system. For example, many weight-loss surgery patients pride themselves on being able to perform certain activities that may not have been possible for several years, such as crossing their legs, bending over to tie a show, walking up stairs without getting out of breath easily, or sitting comfortably in a chair. an airplane seat.

While most patients who undergo weight loss surgery experience incredibly positive results, there are many factors that can affect the overall success of the procedure and an individual patient’s follow-up treatment. Here are some important factors to consider when trying to determine if weight loss surgery is right for you.

preoperative weight

Generally speaking, the greater a patient’s weight or BMI prior to surgery, the more excess weight the patient can lose after surgery. However, weight loss surgery recipients with less excess body weight will eventually move closer to their ideal weight when they commit to long-term diet and exercise. Furthermore, resolution or amelioration of obesity related diseases can occur even with moderate amounts of weight. Often many diseases can be closer to being cured than better with earlier intervention at lower weight.

overall health

While pre-existing health conditions can affect the overall success of weight-loss surgery (for example, patients with type 2 diabetes generally lose less excess body weight after surgery), studies have shown that many related ailments with obesity they improve or disappear. in remission after a successful procedure. For example, a 2000 study of 500 weight-loss surgery patients showed that nearly 96% of health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, back pain, and diabetes, improved long after losing excess weight and long-term commitment to diet and exercise.

Surgical procedure

Since there are potential risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure, potential patients should always seek to have their weight loss surgery performed by trusted medical personnel. Prospective patients should ask about their surgeon’s success rates with weight-loss surgery and listen to the experiences of previous patients. In addition, a patient’s weight loss success can also be affected by the quality of post-surgery care and advice provided by your outpatient bariatric center.

Diet and exercise

Since diet and exercise are two of the most important factors in any weight loss plan, patients who are physically able to exercise after weight loss surgery have a better chance of reaching their goals. To maintain the weight loss achieved by surgery, both exercise and healthy eating habits must become integral parts of the patient’s lifestyle.

Commitment

The ability to remain committed to suggested dietary guidelines, exercise regimens, and any follow-up care recommended by the bariatric outpatient center is important for both short-term weight loss and long-term weight management.

Motivation

Patients who are motivated to lose weight and willing to diet and exercise before undergoing weight loss surgery may experience greater levels of success immediately after the procedure and in the long term. Most people did not find themselves severely obese overnight. It took years to reach that weight, and therefore patients need to be patient with the weight loss process, which also won’t happen overnight. Successful patients find small victories along the way to celebrate and stay motivated.

Support

Because weight loss surgery will require time away from daily activities, it is important to have the support of family, friends, and co-workers before undergoing any surgical procedure. Additionally, since the ongoing weight loss process after bariatric surgery may require a certain level of emotional support, prospective patients may want to establish a support network, including friends and family who may be involved in exercise and diet. healthy.

Considering that significant weight loss can not only remedy many health problems, but also improve a person’s quality of life, the potential benefits of weight-loss surgery are plentiful. For severely overweight people who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone, weight loss surgery is the most effective method of losing weight and keeping it off.