How Effective Is Weight Loss Surgery?

The actual weight a patient will lose after weight loss surgery is dependent on several factors. These include:

• Patient's age
• Weight before surgery
• Overall condition of patient's health
• Surgical procedure
• Ability to exercise
• Commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines and other follow-up care
• Motivation of patient and cooperation of their family, friends and associates

In general, weight loss surgery success is defined as achieving loss of 50% or more of excess body weight and maintaining that level for at least five years. Clinical data will vary for each of the different procedures mentioned on this site. Results may also vary by surgeon. Ask your doctor for the clinical data stating their results of the procedure they are recommending.