For severely overweight people who have not been able to see results from diet and exercise alone, weight-loss surgery has become the safest and most effective means of achieving significant weight loss. In fact, studies have shown that with diet and exercise alone, nearly 95% of obese patients will regain all of their lost weight 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 50-70% of their excess weight loss. of body weight. Although there are many factors that can affect an individual patient’s weight loss success, 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 undergo weight-loss surgery will lose 50-70% of their excess body weight within 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 typically experience a greater number of complications and side effects than LAP-BAND patients, as the LAP-BAND procedure allows for more gradual and natural long-term weight loss.
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 significant lifestyle changes are necessary to ensure long-term weight loss is maintained, studies have shown that most patients who undergo weight loss surgery are able to maintain weight loss. 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. As weight loss surgery is usually 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 excess body weight or are made worse by obesity can be improved or, in some cases, remedied through weight-loss surgery.
But there are other ways to measure success with weight-loss surgery, such as the LAP-BAND system. For example, many weight-loss surgery patients take pride in 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, climbing stairs without getting out of breath easily, or sitting comfortably in an airplane seat.
While the majority of patients who undergo weight-loss surgery experience incredibly positive results, there are many factors that can affect the overall success of the procedure and follow-up treatment for an individual patient. Here are some important factors to consider when trying to determine if weight loss surgery is right for you.
Preoperative weight
Generally speaking, the higher a patient’s weight or BMI before surgery, the more excess weight the patient can lose after surgery. However, weight loss surgery recipients with less excess body weight will eventually get closer to their ideal weight when they commit to long-term diet and exercise. Additionally, resolution or amelioration of obesity-related diseases can occur even with moderate amounts of weight. Many diseases can often be closer to cure than improvement with earlier intervention at a lower weight.
general 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 a trusted medical personnel. Prospective patients should ask about their surgeon’s success rates with weight-loss surgery and hear about past patient experiences. Additionally, a patient’s weight loss success may also be affected by the quality of post-surgery care and counseling provided by their 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 achieving 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 stay committed to suggested dietary guidelines, exercise regimens, and any bariatric outpatient center-recommended follow-up care is important for both short-term weight loss and long-term weight management.
Motivation
Patients who are motivated to lose weight and willing to follow diet and exercise prior to undergoing weight loss surgery may experience higher 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 will not happen overnight either. Successful patients find small wins along the way to celebrate and stay motivated.
Support for
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 some level of emotional support, prospective patients may want to establish a support network, including friends and family who can participate 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.