Bariatric Surgery Center
Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
How Effective is Surgery?
Successful Weight Loss
Weight loss surgery is considered successful when a patient loses 50% or more of excess body weight (the "overweight") and keeps the weight off for at least five years.
Several factors influence a patient's success:
- Age
- Pre-surgery weight
- Overall health
- Surgical procedure
- Ability to exercise
- Commitment to diet, exercise, and follow-up care
- Motivation
- Cooperation of family, friends, and associates
Clinical studies show that, in general, patients:
- Lose weight for 18-24 months after the procedure
- Lose 30-50% of excess weight in the first six months and 77% of excess weight within 12 months of surgery
- Maintain a 50-60% loss of excess weight 10-14 years after surgery
- With higher initial BMIs lose more total weight
- With lower initial BMIs lose a greater percentage of excess weight and come closer to their ideal body weight
- With Type 2 diabetes lose less excess weight than patients without Type 2 diabetes
- Very few people reach their ideal body weight—this is not the goal of bariatric surgery
Improved Health
Bariatric surgery is proven effective at improving and controlling many obesity-related health conditions. A study done in 2000 of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions—such as back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression—improved or resolved after surgery.
For example, many patients with Type 2 diabetes show less weight loss, but still resolve their diabetes to the point of having little or no need for continuing medication.
Of course, results vary depending upon the procedure and surgeon. So, be sure to ask your doctor for the clinical data of the recommended procedure along with the surgeon's track record. You should also ask if you can speak with patients who have had the procedure performed by the referred surgeon.
