The benefits of bariatric procedures can provide patients numerous health advantages—such as a reduced risk of cardiovascular, liver, and kidney disease, decreased blood pressure and blood glucose (type 2 diabetes), and lower cholesterol levels—typically more so with every pound that is lost. However, there are many factors that can contribute to the amount of weight lost by each individual patient. Below, our board-certified surgeon, Dr. James Parrish, explains the reasons behind varying outcomes and what results can be expected after weight loss surgery.
To begin with, factors that can affect weight loss typically include the type of bariatric surgery received, the starting weight and age of the patient, medical conditions, the patient’s commitment to dietary changes following the procedure, and ongoing lifestyle habits. With those variables in mind, patients can lose an average of 40 to 70 percent of excess body weight—or as one study found, between 38 and 87 pounds after one year.1 Since each type of weight loss procedure can address various ranges of obesity, it is helpful to look at the surgeries individually:
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Designed to reduce the size and capacity of the stomach, many patients are able to lose significant amounts of weight with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. After surgery, patients should feel full after eating less food, therefore absorbing fewer calories. This popular procedure enables patients to lose an average of 60 to 70 percent of their excess body weight.
Gastric Sleeve
Can you imagine your stomach being reduced to the size and shape of a banana? That is what can be achieved with gastric sleeve surgery, also referred to as vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). By removing part of the stomach, gastric sleeve surgery can reduce “ghrelin” hormone levels, which can lead to a decrease in hunger, along with a smaller stomach size, and cause fewer calories to be consumed. For many patients, this can lead to an excess weight loss of up to 50 to 70 percent.
Gastric Banding
Alternatively, the LAP-BAND® system, a type of gastric banding, is designed to create a smaller stomach chamber for food digestion by placing a restrictive band that should cause the patient to eat smaller portions and, again, consume fewer calories. Unlike other types of weight loss surgery, this procedure can be reversed or adjusted. Gastric banding patients usually see about a 40 percent reduction in excess weight.
Intragastric Balloon
As a non-surgical weight loss option, the ORBERA® gastric balloon takes up space inside of the stomach to create an earlier feeling of fullness in order to stop patients from overeating. This technique, along with a medically-supervised weight loss program, can help patients lose an average of 21 pounds over six months.
With that said, it is important to remember that personal weight loss is highly individual, and patients should focus on developing a plan with their surgeon and weight loss team that works best for them. To be successful after bariatric surgery, patients must implement and commit to long-term, healthy dietary and activity changes.
To learn more about bariatric surgery options and which procedure may be best for your weight loss goals, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parrish, please contact our practice today.
1National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases