- After gastric bypass, most patients can expect to lose 60 percent to 70 percent of their excess weight within the first year. Sixty percent to 70 percent of patients can expect to maintain their weight loss long term.
- After the gastric sleeve, approximately two-thirds of patients can expect to lose 30 percent to 50 percent of their excess weight within the first year.
- After gastric banding, approximately two-thirds of patients can expect to lose 50 percent to 60 percent of their excess weight in the first two years.
Most obese people have medium-to-large body frames (bone and muscle). Reaching a so-called "ideal" body weight is unrealistic, and may even be dangerous. Fortunately, most people look and feel terrific at a 60 percent loss of excess weight. More importantly, they are much healthier.
Most patients experience significant improvement or completely resolved obesity-related medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea. All of these factors help to increase self-esteem and improve quality of life.
Remember, though, that obesity is a complex problem, one that is not cured solely by an operation. Keeping the weight off requires ongoing dietary, exercise and behavioral changes, as well as long-term participation in the program.