Gastric Bypass Surgery Benefits
Improvements in health, quality of life, and, of course, significant weight loss are important bariatric surgery benefits. In addition to providing greater detail about these benefits, the information below will help you understand how gastric bypass can help you achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Significant weight loss after bariatric surgery
- As a result of gastric bypass, patients typically lose 61.6% of excess weight in the first year following surgery.9
- At least two-thirds of patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery are able to keep off at least 50% of their excess weight for 10 years or longer.19
Improvement or resolution of many serious health problems
In a clinical study, gastric bypass surgery reduced the total number of serious health problems (known as comorbid conditions or comorbidities) of participating patients by 96%.17
Table 1: Health Improvements After Gastric Bypass Surgery
| Health Problem (Comorbidity) |
Result After Gastric Bypass Surgery |
| Type 2 Diabetes |
Resolved† in 83.7% of patients.9 In fact, in some gastric bypass cases, resolution of type 2 diabetes occurred within days of the surgery.9 |
| High Blood Pressure |
Resolved in 67.5% of patients9 |
| High Cholesterol |
Improved†† in 94.9% of patients9 |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea |
Resolved in 80.4% of patients9 |
| Acid Reflux/GERD |
Resolved in 98% of patients17 |
| Depression |
Improved in 47% of patients18 |
| Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain |
Resolved in 41% of patients18 |
| Stress Urinary Incontinence |
Resolved in 44% of patients18 |
| Menstrual Dysfunction Due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome |
Resolved in 100% of patients20 |
| Ovulation and Fertility Restored |
Restored in 100% of patients20 |
† In medical terminology, "resolved" is defined as removing all known symptoms and signs of the condition or disease.
†† In medical terminology, "improved" is defined as reducing the known symptoms and signs of the condition or disease.
Shorter hospital stays, faster recovery
Most surgeons prefer the laparoscopic approach to bypass surgery. Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures.
Weight loss surgery cost savings over time
A recent study showed that bariatric surgery pays for itself in about 2 years.11 One important reason is that weight loss surgery may help to improve or resolve conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol,9 so patients save money on related prescription drugs, doctor visits, and hospital visits11. In addition, monthly savings associated with laparoscopic bariatric surgery reaches more than $900 as early as 13 months following surgery.11
Quality-of-life improvements
Clinical studies of laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients found that they felt better, spent more time doing recreational and physical activities, benefited from enhanced productivity and economic opportunities, and had more self-confidence than they did prior to surgery.9
Take the next important step to learn more about gastric bypass
If you're considering gastric bypass, we encourage you to attend an information seminar hosted by a REALIZE trained surgeon at a bariatric clinic that offers gastric banding, gastric bypass, or sleeve gastrectomy. It's a great way to learn about the benefits and risks of your surgical weight loss options. You'll get insights into what to expect from gastric bypass before and after surgery, you'll meet bariatric team members who will support you before and long after your surgery, and you may also hear from patients who have had weight loss surgery. There's no pressure to make a commitment—and no better way to get the answers you're looking for. Of course, family and friends are welcome, too.
Use our seminar finder to locate a seminar in your area, and register to ensure that you have a seat because seminars often fill up.
Want to talk it over? We're ready to help. Call us at 1-855-2-REALIZE if you have questions or concerns or want help finding a seminar near you.
