It is now well accept that weight loss surgery is the safest and most successful option for people who are morbidly obese and have not seen meaningful results with diet and exercise alone. In fact, research shows that after 5 years, approximately 95% of obese people who lose weight through diet and exercise will have gained it all back. Weight loss surgeries, such as the LAP-BAND treatment, have extremely high success rates over the long term, allowing patients to keep off between 50 and 70 percent of their excess weight. Weight-reduction surgery is the only guaranteed method of permanent weight loss and good lifestyle modification for people who are morbidly obese.



Studies reveal that most people that undergo weight loss surgery will lose between 50-70% of their excess body weight during the first three years following their procedure. Those that get gastric bypass surgery will lose excess body weight more swiftly in the first 12 months than those that select LAP-BAND surgery. However, gastric bypass patients often face a greater number of difficulties and side effects than LAP-BAND patients, as the LAP-BAND treatment allows for more gradual and natural long-term weight loss.


From a clinical perspective, a weight-loss surgery is deemed effective when the patient loses at least 50% of their excess body weight and keeps the weight off for at least five years. Studies show that most individuals who undergo weight reduction surgery are able to sustain a decrease of 50-60% of extra body weight 10 years after the treatment, while significant adjustments in lifestyle are necessary to ensure the weight loss is maintained over the long run. Though it may seem like a lot, even losing just 10% of your body weight can help resolve obesity-related conditions including asthma, GERD, and diabetes. As weight-reduction surgery is frequently performed on individuals that are at least 75-100 pounds overweight or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 with a health problem, overall weight loss can range anywhere from 40 pounds to over 100 pounds. However, the patient is the true driver of these outcomes.

Patients will feel and look better after weight loss surgery, but that is only the beginning of the positive effects. Most health problems that arise from obesity or are exacerbated by obesity can be alleviated or even cured by surgical weight loss.

The LAP-BAND System is one method of surgical weight loss, but there are others. For instance, many people who have undergone weight loss surgery take great pride in the fact that they are now able to cross their legs, bend over to tie a shoe, walk up stairs without getting winded, and sit comfortably in an aeroplane seat—all of which may have been impossible for them for quite some time prior to the surgery.

While the majority of people who have weight-loss surgery report phenomenal improvements, the outcomes for any given patient depend on a number of factors. Here are some things to think about before deciding if surgical weight loss is for you.

Pre-Operative Body Mass Index

The higher the patient's body mass index (BMI) before surgery, the greater the potential for weight loss afterward. However, those who have less excess body weight to shed after weight loss surgery will get closer to their desired weight if they stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine over the long term. Furthermore, even slight weight loss or gain might result in resolution or improvement of obesity-related disorders. In many cases, early intervention at a healthier weight might bring about a complete recovery rather than just a slight improvement in the patient's condition.

The State of Health

Studies have shown that many obesity-related diseases either improve or go into remission after a successful weight-loss procedure, however the success of the surgery can be affected by preexisting health issues. For instance, a study conducted in 2000 on 500 patients who had weight loss surgery showed that nearly 96% of health conditions associated with obesity, including high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, back pain, and diabetes, greatly improved after the patients lost excess weight and committed to a healthy lifestyle.

Interventional Surgical Technique

Patients considering weight-loss surgery should always look for an established medical team to undertake the treatment, as any operation carries the possibility of unexpected consequences. Prospective patients should talk to former patients of the surgeon they are considering and research the success rate of the surgeon overall for weight reduction surgery. Patients' post-operative care and counselling from their chosen bariatric outpatient facility may also play a role in how effectively they lose weight.

Physical Activity and Nutrition

Patients who are in good enough shape to exercise following weight-loss surgery have a better chance of succeeding, as food and exercise are two of the most critical aspects of any weight-loss regimen. In order for a patient to keep off the weight loss from surgery, they need to make exercise and healthy eating habits permanent components of their routine.

Commitment

Both short-term weight loss and long-term weight management rely on a patient's ability to stick to the food guidelines, exercise plans, and other aftercare recommendations made by their bariatric outpatient clinic.

Motivation

Patients who are already highly motivate to lose weight and who are prepare to follow through with a healthy diet and regular exercise have a better chance of seeing rapid and sustained weight loss results after weight loss surgery. Most folks didn't suddenly become morbidly obese. Patients should have patience because it took years to gain that much weight and it will take time to lose it. The most resilient patients see and relish even the smallest of gains as opportunities to rejoice and keep the momentum going.

Support

It is crucial to have the support of loved ones and friends before deciding to have weight-loss surgery, as recovery following the procedure will necessitate time away from regular activities. In addition, potential patients may wish to set up a support network, including friends and family members who can join in on exercise and healthy eating, as the continued weight-loss process after bariatric surgery may require some level of emotional support.

The potential benefits of weight-reduction surgery are extensive, as significant weight loss can not only fix various health conditions but also improve an individual's quality of life. Surgery for weight loss is the best option for people who are morbidly obese and have tried and failed to lose weight through other means.