What are the success rates of weight loss surgeries?
August 12, 2022 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Quentin Keck
Dear Doctor,
My name is Alwin Koch and I am reaching out to you because I am considering a weight loss surgery and would like to learn more about the success rates.
The current situation is that I have been suffering from severe obesity for years, which not only affects my physical health but also severely limits my self-confidence and quality of life. Despite various diets and exercise programs, I have not been able to sustainably reduce my weight. Therefore, I have researched different options and am now considering the possibility of undergoing a weight loss surgery.
The current state is that due to my obesity, I already suffer from various health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and joint pain. I have already discussed my situation with my primary care physician, who has advised me to consult a specialist in bariatric surgery to find the appropriate treatment option for me.
My concerns mainly lie in not knowing how successful such surgeries actually are and whether the risks and possible complications are worth it. I wonder if a weight loss surgery can truly achieve long-term results and if it will help me reduce my weight permanently.
So my question to you is: What are the success rates of weight loss surgeries? Can you provide me with information on how many patients lose weight in the long term after such a surgery and what factors can influence success? Are there specific risks or side effects that I should be aware of?
I thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
Sincerely,
Alwin Koch
Dear Mr. Koch,
Thank you for your trust and open words regarding your situation. I understand that the thought of a weight loss surgery raises many questions and concerns. It is important to be well informed before making such an important decision.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that weight loss surgeries have become increasingly common in recent years and are an effective solution for many people to reduce their obesity and improve associated health problems. There are different types of weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass, gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy. Each of these surgeries has its own pros and cons that should be discussed with your treating physician.
In terms of the success rates of weight loss surgeries, I can tell you that many patients actually lose weight long-term after such a surgery. Studies have shown that most patients can lose about 60-70% of their excess weight after a gastric bypass or gastric banding surgery and maintain this weight long-term. However, this also depends on various factors such as your own motivation, lifestyle, diet, and exercise habits after the surgery.
It is important to understand that weight loss surgery is not a miracle cure and can also come with certain risks and side effects. Possible complications include infections, blood clots, bleeding, gastrointestinal issues, and nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly discuss potential risks and side effects with your treating physician before the surgery to make an informed decision.
I strongly recommend consulting with a specialist in bariatric surgery to discuss your individual situation and find the appropriate treatment option for you. Weight loss surgery can be a life-changing and positive experience for many people, but it is important to be well informed and understand all aspects of the operation.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need more information, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Quentin Keck
