Bariatric surgery is a very effective tool to help recover from morbid obesity, but it is essential that the patient understands the role of surgery in their life transformation and fully commits to working in conjunction with their procedure to achieve a healthy weight. The amount of weight to lose depends on different factors. These factors include: lifestyle, diet, physical activity, and a total commitment to changing old habits.
The main procedures performed worldwide are gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, with their variations. Both procedures provide significant weight loss within the first 12 to 18 months. Depending on which procedure is carried out, the total excess weight loss can be 60-85% and, in some cases, patients reach their ideal weight. It is important to take into account that this is only an average, there are patients who lose less weight and others much more, but if the patient follows the postoperative instructions and changes certain habits, they will experience a substantial weight loss.
Patients must continually transition to a healthier diet and lifestyle for the surgery to work as desired. Otherwise, they will not lose the expected weight or will easily regain it. Patients who understand that results are not experienced overnight are likely to be successful on their weight loss journey and not discouraged in the process.
In addition to weight loss expectations, it is important to address that patients may face certain challenges when carrying out surgery due to the major life transformation they undergo. These challenges can include dietary restrictions, weight regain, unhealthy relationships with food, excess skin, and changes in your social interactions and interpersonal relationships. Although the majority of them do not experience great difficulty in overcoming the challenges described, their bariatric surgeon, medical team and loved ones should be a support to successfully navigate all these changes.
It should be understood that undergoing bariatric surgery is a personal decision and the value it brings outweighs the challenges that can arise from it. Tolerance and patience are key to stay connected and supported on this journey.