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Weight Loss
There is dramatic weight loss after gastric bypass surgery.
After one year, 95% of patients lose at least 40% excess body
weight. Overall, patients can generally expect to lose an
average of 60-65% of excess weight and keep it off permanently
if they commit to the lifestyle changes required after surgery
1.
Shown below is a graph
typical of the weight loss in Synergy Bariatrics patients.
It is broken down into three phases: In Phase I, weight loss
occurs most rapidly. A patient may lose up to 20% of excess
body weight within the first eight weeks of surgery. Phase
2 occurs over the next 10 months to one year. During this
period, weight loss continues, but not as rapidly. During
Phase III weight loss typically stabilizes. It appears to
stabilize at about a 63% loss of excess body weight. Fluctuations
around this range may be indefinite, however, healthy eating,
good habits, and regular physical activity help patients maintain
their weight.
1. Christou NV, Sampalis JS, Liberman M,
et al. Surgery Decreases Long-Term Mortality, Morbidity, and
Health Care Use in Morbidly Obese Patients. Annals of Surgery
2004;240(3):416-424.
Improvement In Health
Patients can expect an improvement in obesity related diseases
and conditions. Studies show resolution of diabetes, high
blood pressure, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.
***It is important to note that these improvements need to
be monitored by patients’ primary care physicians so that
medications can be reduced or withdrawn.
Copied with permission © 2006 Ethicon
Endo Surgery, Inc.
* Refers to % resolution and/or improvement
Pories, et al. Ann Surg 1995, Sugerman, et
al. Ann Surg 2003,
Schauer, et al. Ann Surg 2003, Rasheid, et al. Obes Surg 2003,
George SM, et al. World J Surg 1998, Buchwald, et al JAMA
Oct 2004.
Improvement in Quality
of Life
Patients experience a significant improvement in the quality
of their life after gastric bypass surgery. Perhaps most importantly,
patients have a higher self-esteem and renewed self-confidence.
Many give up bad habits and are able to adopt healthier lifestyles
with better food choices and regular participation in exercise
and recreational activities. They find that they have more
energy to participate in family and social activities, make
advancements at work, and are able to better deal with the
stresses in their lives, particularly those from bad relationships.
Sometimes, these adjustments are not
made easily, however. Even successful weight loss can be associated
with a significant psychological impact. Some patients may
need support or formal counseling. For more information about
the benefits and meeting times of patient driven peer support
groups, click here.
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