How Effective Is Surgery?

The effectiveness of weight loss surgery involves several factors such as the patient’s age, pre-surgery weight, overall health and the surgical procedure applied. Weight loss surgery is normally considered successful if the patient is able to lose 50% or more of his/her excess body weight and is able to keep the weight off for a minimum of five (5) years.

In order for the surgical procedure to be effective, the patient must also be committed to prescribed behavioral changes such as regular exercise, proper diet and follow-up care. The cooperation of family and friends is also an important factor in motivating the individual to stick to these lifestyle changes.

Most studies show that weight loss surgery patients generally gain the following results after surgery:

• Weight loss from 18-24 months after the procedure
• Weight loss of 30-50% of excess weight within the first six (6) months
• Weight loss of 77% of excess weight within twelve (12) months of the surgery
• Maintain 50-60% loss of their excess weight ten (10) to fourteen (14) years after the surgery
• Patients with higher BMI experience higher total weight loss
• Patients with lower BMI lose a higher percentage of excess weight and generally come closer to their ideal body weight
• Patients with Type II Diabetes loss less excess weight that those without Type II Diabetes

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery generally improve or are able to resolve many obesity-related conditions and other associated health conditions such as back, pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Many patients with Type II Diabetes are able to resolve their diabetes problems to the extent of reducing their need for or eliminating continued medication.