Potential benefits of gastric bypass

Patients who have gastric bypass surgery often lose more weight, lose weight more quickly and keep more weight off for longer periods of time than those who have other forms of bariatric surgery. However, individual results depend on many factors, including the type of procedure performed and the commitment of the patient to making the necessary dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Age, gender and initial weight at the time of the surgery may also play a role in the outcome.

Patients often report higher self-esteem and better general health, including having more endurance to carry out daily tasks. Gastric bypass surgery may also lengthen a patient’s lifespan and help improve symptoms of conditions related to obesity, including:

  • Hyperlipidemia is corrected in over 70% of patients.
  • Essential hypertension is relieved in over 70% of patients, and medication requirements are usually reduced in the remainder.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea is markedly improved with weight loss, so that most patients are asymptomatic, and often do not even snore, within one year.
  • Diabetes mellitus type 2 is reversed in up to 90% of patients, usually leading to a normal blood sugar without medication, sometimes within days of surgery.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease is relieved from the time of surgery in almost all patients.
  • Venous thromboembolic disease signs such as leg swelling are typically much improved.
  • Low back pain and joint pain are typically relieved or improved in nearly all patients.

A recent study in a large comparative series of patients showed a 89% reduction in mortality over the 5 years following surgery, compared to a nonsurgically treated group of patients. There were accompanying decreases in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, infections, and cancer. Concurrently, most patients are able to alter their
lifestyle, to consume "healthier" foods, exercise more regularly, and to enjoy greater participation in family and social activities. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, and can markedly improve health and lifestyle.