About Risks and Benefits

Questions

What risks are associated with weight loss surgery?
Are there greater surgical risks associated with higher BMI?
What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?
How much weight can I expect to lose and over what period of time?

Answers

What risks are associated with weight loss surgery?

Both laparoscopic bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND®) are considered major procedures. Therefore, the complications associated with major surgery – and the use of general anesthesia – can occur. At our educational seminar and in surgical consultations, we provide information on procedure-specific complications. For additional information regarding the risks associated with weight loss surgery:

Are there greater surgical risks associated with higher BMI?

For those with BMI greater than 50, there are higher surgical risks. These risks are discussed in detail at our Pre-surgery Educational Seminars and in surgical consultations.

What are the benefits of weight loss surgery?

For those dealing with morbid obesity, surgery is a valuable weight loss tool – helping those who have not found success in other, more conventional weight loss programs. In fact, weight loss surgery is the only proven way to achieve successful, long-term weight loss for those dealing with morbid obesity.

Among weight loss surgery’s key benefits are its ability to:

Help resolve medical conditions caused by obesity, such as:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Gastric reflux
Asthma
Sleep apnea
Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders that affect mobility
Lower risks of certain cancers;
Improve social and emotional wellbeing; and
Overall, improve the quality and length of life.

How much weight can I expect to lose and over what period of time?

The amount of weight you lose – and the rate of loss – depend on the type of surgery you receive and how closely you follow the “Five Rules” regarding diet, nutrition and exercise. Patients receiving gastric bypass surgery typically lose 50 to 75 percent of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery. LAP-BAND® surgery patients typically lose 33 to 66 percent of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery. Sleeve Gestrectomy patients may lose 33 to 83 percent loss of their excess body within 3 years of surgery.