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The rapidity of weight loss varies following gastric bypass
surgery and can depend on the patient’s excess body
weight. An individual who is 100 pounds above their ideal
body weight might lose 6-8 pounds a month, while an individual
who is 300 pounds above their ideal body weight might
lose15-20 pounds a month. The average patient will usually
lose about two-thirds of their excess body weight over
an 18-month period. Realistically,
this means a patient may never wear a size 2 dress,
but she may lose 100 pounds and be within a healthy
range of her ideal weight. As mentioned earlier, the
success of gastric bypass surgery is measured not only
in pounds lost, but also in a reduction or elimination
of other health problems. For example, many Type II
diabetes patients’ blood sugar levels return to
normal following gastric bypass surgery and the subsequent
weight loss.
Ultimately, gastric bypass surgery has proven,
long-lasting results. Five years after this bariatric
surgery (an operation designed to help obese people
lose weight), most patients are found to have maintained
a loss of 50 percent or more of the excess weight. (In
contrast, non-surgical treatment of obesity has a high
rate of recidivism.) Not only do these patients look
better, they feel better and often experience fewer
health problems. They frequently have a higher level
of self-esteem than before surgery and are able to enjoy
physical activity.
The Obesity Treatment Center staff is available
to answer questions about gastric bypass surgery. For
more information or to make an appointment, call the
toll-free number, 973-972-2540.
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Life
After Surgery
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