Results and benefits of weight loss surgery

The emotional and medical benefits of a weight loss surgery begin almost immediately after the procedure. Over time, many benefits may occur as a result of co-morbid diseases improving, such as:

• Significant weight loss – Immediately following surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18-24 months after the procedure.
  
• Improvement or complete resolution of Type II Diabetes – In one study, blood sugar levels of most obese patients with diabetes returned to normal after surgery. Nearly all patients whose blood sugar levels did not return to normal were older or had had diabetes for a long time.
  
• Lower or normal blood pressure
  
• Lower cholesterol – significant weight loss improves the cardiac risk profile by itself
  
• Relief of sleep apnea
  
• Relief of acid reflux
  
• Decreased joint and back pain, improved mobility
  
• Dysmenorrhea (abnormal menstrual cycles) and infertility may improve
  
• Improved mood and self-esteem

Before	After
Hear Jan's surgical weight loss Story

Weight loss surgery expectations need to be realistic. Approximately two-thirds of all patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass will achieve weight loss equal to 60-70% of their excess body weight over a period of 12-24 months(1). In other words, if you are 100 pounds over your ideal body weight (calculated for a female by adding 105 pounds plus 5 pounds for every inch over 5 feet) you can realistically anticipate loss of 60-70 pounds.

Over the ensuing 2-5 years, a small weight gain should be anticipated as the body accommodates to the “new anatomy”. At 5 years post surgery, you can anticipate that 40-60% of patients will have maintained their post-operative weight loss at one year. The remainder of patients will have gained back a percentage of their initial weight loss. The patients who are the most motivated and participate in a regular exercise program and continue to maintain good eating habits will have the most success.

The psychological benefits of weight loss surgery are tremendous. Not only do most patients feel better as a result of increased energy with profound weight loss, many also benefit from improved self-image. The magnitude of emotional changes that occur equals the magnitude of the profound weight loss.

Gastric bypass surgery is a life changing event. Patients should regularly attend weight loss surgery support group meetings. Clinical results show a higher weight loss and higher Quality of Life when patients attend group meetings. Click here to view a listing of dates and times for our support group meetings. Calendar of Events

Remember: There are no guarantees for any method, including weight loss surgery, to produce and maintain weight loss. Success is possible only with your fullest cooperation and commitment to behavioral change and medical follow up. This cooperation and commitment should be carried out for the rest of your life.

Follow the link to the next page to learn about the Risks, Myths and Realities of undergoing weight loss surgery.

(1)Sugarman, HJ Gastric bypass for treating severe obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;55:560S-566S.