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The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, patients usually lose about one-half (50 percent) to two-thirds (66 percent) of their excess body weight. This is about one-third (33 percent) of their current weight. It is possible to lose more than 66 percent of your excess body weight after bariatric surgery, but this requires commitment to following the dietary guidelines, as well as the motivation and ability to exercise regularly.

Less than five percent of patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery reach their “ideal body weight”.

Note: A patient can regain weight about two years after surgery, if he or she doesn't exercise regularly and follows an improper diet.

Through the weight loss you achieve after bariatric surgery, other benefits will occur, such as:

• Elimination of pulmonary (lung) problems and sleep apnea: Bariatric surgery can eliminate sleep apnea in over 90 percent of patients. Shortness of breath is also likely to improve. Asthma also improves and the need for inhalers decreases.
• Improvement in heartburn and reflux symptoms: Heartburn and other reflux symptoms associated with obesity improve in almost all patients after gastric bypass, however, can worsen following the sleeve gastrectomy.
• Improvement in your outlook and self-esteem: Significant weight loss can help a patient feel a sense of accomplishment and improve their self-esteem. Many patients notice that they are no longer preoccupied with food, are in a better mood, and have increased stamina.
• Improvement of blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Studies show that blood pressure and cholesterol levels may improve after bariatric surgery, largely due to the restricted diet a patient must follow after the procedure.
• Reduction in diabetes medication: Over 90 percent of patients with obesity-related diabetes are able to stop insulin or oral medications or decrease their doses significantly after bariatric surgery.
• Reduction in the risk of heart disease: Since gastric bypass surgery will help you lose weight, your risk of heart disease is also decreased since obesity is a clear risk factor for heart disease.
• Reduction of degenerative joint disease, arthritis, and back pain symptoms: Arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and back pain are not cured by bariatric surgery, but their symptoms may be reduced after surgery.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy removes a large section of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach about the size and shape of a banana. Limiting the size of your stomach restricts the amount of food you can comfortably consume. This procedure is performed laparoscopically.

Gastric Revision Surgery

Gastric Revision Surgery is done for patients with problems related to prior bariatric surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions