How Much Weight Should I Expect to Lose?
Weight loss surgery is considered a success if you lose 50% or more of your excess weight over time. Excess weight loss is calculated
by subtracting your ideal body weight from your body weight. Each type of weight loss surgery is different in terms of the estimated percent of excess weight loss expected and the speed with which the weight comes off. Over the long term,
studies show the following expected weight loss ranges for each type of procedure:
Higher End of Excess Weight Loss Expected
- Gastric Bypass: 60%–80%
- Duodenal Switch: 60%–100%
Lower End of Excess Weight Loss Expected
- Lap Band: 10%–80%
- Gastric Sleeve: 40%–80%
Your bariatric team will explain why one of these procedures may be better for you than another, and work with you after your surgery to help you achieve these goals.
Weight Loss Surgery Considerations
The extensive evaluation you undergo takes these and other factors into consideration.
Your Weight Loss Goals
The percent of excess weight you are expected to lose and the rate at which you lose weight differs for each surgery.
Your Medical History
Your history with medical problems such as acid reflux and diabetes -- and how long you’ve had them -- can make one surgery better for you than another.
Your Risk Factors
Each weight loss procedure is associated with a different set of risks, which may vary based on your specific medical condition. For example, some people may be at higher risk for ulcers after certain bariatric surgeries if they take NSAID medications (like ibuprofen).
Previous Scar Tissue
Previous abdominal incisions may make some weight loss surgeries more difficult.
