For those that struggle with morbid obesity, weight loss surgery is considered the best option. Study after study has proven that it is one of the most successful long-term strategies for significant weight loss and in some cases the last option available for those that have been unable to lose weight and maintain that weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
There are many different options available for those considering bariatric surgery. Each option varies not only in complications and lifestyle changes – but also vary in bariatric surgery weight loss rate.
While the overall rate of weight loss after bariatric surgery is based on an individual’s commitment to post-surgical weight-loss strategies, nutrition, and other factors, studies have been able to pinpoint a likely weight loss rate for each individual surgical procedure.
Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Rate
Gastric Sleeve has quickly become the most popular weight loss surgery procedure in the United States and Mexico. It has the fewest dietary restrictions, a low complication rate, and one of the highest average weight loss percentages. Studies have shown the following statistics:
- Average Weight Loss by Month – 15% (of Excess Body Weight – First Few Months)
- Average Weight Loss by 6 Months – 50% to 60%
- Average Weight Loss by 2 Years – 55% to 65%
Keep in mind that this percentage is only an average. Those that adhere to a very healthy lifestyle and stay active will lose more weight. Those that cheat on their diet or struggle to remain active may lose less. But overall, estimates put the average gastric sleeve weight loss rate at 60%.
Learn More: Gastric Sleeve Expected Weight Loss: Chart of Weight Loss
Gastric Bypass Weight-Loss Rate
For decades, gastric bypass surgery has been the preferred option for weight loss surgery, only recently being surpassed by the gastric sleeve. It remains one of the most popular, safe, and reliable options currently available. The average bariatric surgery weight loss rate for gastric bypass is 65% – slightly above the gastric sleeve.
Duodenal Switch Weight-Loss Rate
Duodenal Switch is used almost exclusively on those that require extreme weight loss, with BMIs over 50 and a history of being unable to maintain their diet and exercise goals. It produces the highest average weight loss rate among all bariatric surgery procedures, with an average weight loss of 70% excess body weight.
Mini Gastric Bypass Weight-Loss Rate
The mini-gastric bypass surgery is still in the experimental stage, but the results have been promising. The term “mini” may be a bit misleading, however. Although the procedure is simpler, it does bypass more of the intestine than the traditional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Success rates though are comparable, with patients seeing approximately 67% average weight loss of their excess body weight after the procedure.
Gastric Plication Weight-Loss Rate
Gastric plication surgery is a newer bariatric procedure that is also still in its experimental stage. It resembles gastric sleeve surgery, in the sense that stomach space is reduced by approximately 70%. However, instead of removing that portion of the stomach, the stomach is instead folded inward and sewn together, making it reversible.
The gastric plication weight loss rate is less than the gastric sleeve, at approximately 35% to 55%. However, because it is reversible and has a low complication rate, it may be recommended for select patients.
Gastric Balloon Weight-Loss Rate
A gastric balloon’s weight loss rate is unique, in that the procedure itself is only 6 months long, after which the balloon needs to be removed. In many ways, the gastric balloon is a training tool to help you learn to control your eating habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also often used in patients with BMIs between 27 and 35, making it one of the only procedures available for that weight range.
Weight loss rate varies between studies. Some pinpoint an average weight loss of 20lbs total, for most weight ranges. Others put the average weight loss rate at between 10% to 30%. Weight regain is a risk, but it is considered a potential starter option for those whose weight loss needs are less urgent.
Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap Band) Weight Loss Rate
Although it has fallen out of favor, the Lap-Band is still a widely used weight loss surgery procedure. Determining a total weight loss rate for the adjustable gastric band though is complicated.
As many as 50% of those that undergo the procedure have it removed due to discomfort and complications. Yet the individuals that decide to continue using the Lap-Band have weight loss rates of anywhere from 30% to 50%, with a slightly higher weight regain risk over time.
Your Personal Rate of Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery
One of the challenges in determining the average weight loss rate for any one individual is that the cause of weight gain and the habits and lifestyle maintained by the individual may vary considerably.
Total weight loss can be as high as 100% of excess body weight if the individual maintains a very healthy diet and exercise schedule, with no cheat days, or it can be very low if the individual reverts back to old habits or depends only on a diet (and skipping exercise) as part of their weight loss strategy.
But on average, the amount of weight loss for the most well-established bariatric surgery procedures is high, and the vast majority of those that undergo these options are able to see significant weight loss results, as well as an abatement – or complete reversal – of their obesity-related diseases.
If you are interested in bariatric surgery and would like to learn more about the options that are available, their benefits, or why many of those in the United States decide to travel internationally for their weight loss surgery, contact Mexico Bariatric Center today at 855-768-7247.
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