Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) is a procedure that modifies the stomach and/or intestines to treat obesity and obesity-related medical conditions and improve the body’s ability to achieve a healthier weight. It has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for the disease of obesity.
This type of surgery results in significant weight loss and helps prevent, improve or resolve more than forty obesity-related diseases or conditions including: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea and certain cancers.

Studies show that individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) have a 50-100% increased risk of premature death compared to individuals without obesity. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant improvements in safety of surgery, showing that the risk of death is 0.1%, and the overall likelihood of major complications is about 4%.

Safety & Risks

Overall mortality rate is about 0.1% - less than gallbladder surgery (0.7%) and hip replacement surgery (0.93%). Overall likelihood of major complications is about 4.3%. Clinical evidence shows the associated risks with the disease of obesity outweigh risks of bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness

Studies show patients typically lose the majority of weight in the first two years after surgery. Patients may lose as much as 60% of excess weight in the first six months after surgery, and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. On average, patients maintain 50% of their weight loss five years after surgery.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

These procedures improve or resolve more than 40 obesity-related diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, sleep apnea, GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint problems. Additional benefits include:

• 60% reduction in mortality from cancer, with the largest reductions seen in breast and colon cancers
• 56% reduction in mortality from coronary artery disease
• 92% reduction in mortality from type 2 diabetes
• 40% overall reduction in mortality in gastric bypass patient

Medical Outcomes of Weight Loss Surgery

Condition/Disease	% Resolved or Improved
Type 2 Diabetes	86
Hypertension	78.5
Obstructive Sleep Apnea	85.7
Hyperlipidemia	78.5

*Reference American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

Important Information for Bariatric Surgery Patients

Eating For Life - Bariatric Surgery Handbook 

• Nutrition basics - before and after surgery
• The important of protein and fluids
• How to read food labels
• Menus and meal plans
• Physical activity
• Helpful resources

About Weight Loss Surgery
Commonly Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery

• How to set yourself up for success
• Protein supplements
• Dehydration
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Pre- and post-operative diet guide