University of California, San Diego Medical Center – Center for the Treatment of Obesity

Results

What Can You Expect After Surgery?

The gastric band procedure is an effective method to treat morbid obesity. It helps limit food intake, reduce appetite and slow digestion.

However, your success depends on personal motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and healthy eating habits.

Weight Loss

Within the first year, our patients lose about 50% of their excess weight, which amounts to more than 100 pounds on average. Most patients see a weight loss of 5 to 10 pounds a month, depending on their diet and exercise regimens.

Some patients experience a weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a week but 1 to 2 pounds a week is more likely. Twelve to eighteen months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less.

Although during the first year after surgery, weight loss with the gastric bypass is greater than with the LAP-BAND® System or the REALIZE Band, surgeons report at 5 years many gastric band and gastric bypass patients achieve comparable weight loss (55% for LAP-BAND® and 59% for gastric bypass).

Associated Medical Problems Improve

A lot of patients find their associated medical problems with obesity improve or disappear after receiving the gastric band, including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Arthropathy

Potential results, weight loss expectations and beneficial side effects can be discussed in further detail during your initial surgical consultation.