Benefits of Surgery
 Long-Term Weight Loss
One of the most important
benefits of gastric bypass surgery is weight loss!
A research
study shows that most patients loose up to 70% of their excess weight the first
year after surgery. Over 15 years most patients maintained a significant weight
loss. The amount of weight a patient looses and the speed at which that weight
is lost varies for many reasons. Some studies show that men loose faster than
women and that patients with higher BMI’s (or higher weights) pre-operatively,
loose faster. Many studies reflect the fact that many patients loose up to 95%
of their excess weight. How close you come to achieving your “goal weight”
depends on your commitment to healthy lifestyle changes.
Improved Health
Before surgery, numerous patients have serious health
problems (or comorbidities) like diabetes and high blood pressure. They may take
several medications and may need CPAP for sleep apnea all related to excess
weight. Studies show that with significant weight loss, many patients are able
to get off of all medications and experience an improvement in their overall
health. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications unless your surgeon or
family doctor has recommended it.
In the chart below, from a study conducted by Dr. Wittgrove,
you can see how most health problems decreased or completely resolved after
gastric bypass surgery.
Comorbidity Comparison in gastric bypass
|
| Condition |
Pre-Op |
Post-Op |
| |
| GERD |
269 |
4 |
| HYPERCHOLESTEROL |
275 |
8 |
| HYPERTRIGLYCERIDE |
158 |
1 |
| DIABETES |
85 |
1 |
| GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE |
50 |
0 |
| STRESS INCONTINENCE |
201 |
6 |
| SLEEP APNEA |
225 |
5 |
| HYPERTENSION |
118 |
10 |
| ARTHRITIS (symptomatic) |
371 |
36 |
| Total |
1752 |
71 |
Proximal Gastric Bypass Long Term Outcomes
Alan Wittgrove, MD, FACS; G. Wesley Clark, MD |
 Increased Quality of Life
After having surgery and loosing a significant amount of weight, a lot of
patients have a renewed ability to enjoy life and relationships. According to
the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) some of the areas
that could improve after surgery include:
- % of Excess weight loss
- Medical conditions
- Physical
- Self esteem
- Ability to work
- Social
- Love Life
“Only
surgery has proven effective over the long term for most patients with
clinically severe obesity”
-National Institutes of Health Consensus
Development Conference Statement |
|
