How Effective is Surgery
The average best weight loss (% of excess Body Weight Lost) for patients undergoing Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass is 75% (based upon actual WLSC patient data) while the average best weight loss (% of excess Body Weight Lost) for LAP-BAND® is estimated at 55-65%. For optimal success, the operation should be accompanied by the eating habits that include the selection of nutritious foods and the proper spacing of meals. For gastric bypass patients, the small pouch and the rearrangement of the bowel make this easier because it helps eliminate hunger pangs and places a limit on the amount you can eat at one time. At WLSC all patients who have undergone gastric bypass and VBG/gastric bypass have lost weight. Two years after surgery, 98% of patients have lost more than 50% of their excess weight (average 75% of their excess weight). In obesity surgery, a successful operation is one which results in the loss of 40% or more of excess weight. Having a full complement of professionals including board certified surgeons, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered dieticians and experienced support staff is critical. A comprehensive program includes all of these disciplines. In addition, it is best to have the Center of Excellence designation for the surgeons, hospital and physician office for an optimal setting that meets/exceeds established standards of care. |
The effectiveness of surgery depends upon many factors including, but not limited to the type of procedure, participation in pre-operative and post-operative education programs, ongoing support, age, sex, and most-importantly the commitment of the patient to follow recommended guidelines and incorporate healthy eating habits (high protein, low sugar, low fat diet) and some form of physical activity.