How Effective is Weight Loss
Surgery?
The big questions about stomach operations include:
At the same time, we need to compare the results for surgery with those
of non-surgical methods, like dieting.
Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?
The facts are unclear. The truthful answer seems to be:
YES, surgery works IF the patient is committed to changing their
diet and modifying their lifestyle.
NO, surgery does not work (at least not in the long-term) IF
patients revert to bad eating and exercise behaviors. Also, when post-operation
complications and all adverse events are included, the longer-term benefits
to health and longevity are less visible than weight loss surgeons would
prefer.
See also: Results of
Weight Loss Surgery
Facts About Gastric Surgery Effectiveness
- According to some reports, 30 percent of patients who undergo gastric
banding achieve a normal weight, while 80 percent lose some weight.
But after 3-5 years many patients regain it.
- Gastric bypass patients typically lose about 60 percent of their starting
weight, although weight regain after 3-5 years is not uncommon.
- The success rate for weight loss is slightly higher with the gastric
bypass operation than the gastroplasty/gastric banding.
- Available evidence suggests that laparoscopic gastric bypass weight
loss rates, are similar to open gastric bypass at 1 year, while the
laparoscopic gastric banding success rate is less than that achieved
with open surgery.
More Information About Bariatric Surgeries
For additional information and advice about how gastric surgery can reduce
obesity, plus help finding a board certified qualified weight loss surgeon,
see:
American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP)
American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS)
See also: Results of
Weight Loss Surgery
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