Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure that shrinks the stomach size to help an individual lose weight.

It is one of the most widely recognized and effective weight loss methods available today, but its long-term effectiveness is still a matter of debate. In this article, we will assess whether bariatric surgery is truly effective for long-term weight loss or not.

Bariatric Surgery and Short-Term Weight Loss

Before we dive into the long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery, it’s important to understand its short-term effectiveness.

Studies have shown that patients who undergo bariatric surgery typically lose a significant amount of weight in the first year. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Surgery in 2019 found that patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery lost an average of 31.5% of their initial weight within the first year of surgery.

Long-Term Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery

While bariatric surgery is undoubtedly an effective way to lose weight in the short-term, the long-term results are less clear.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2018 found that the average weight loss 5 years after bariatric surgery was 25-30% of the patient’s initial weight. Another study published in Obesity Surgery in 2017 found that the average weight loss 10 years after bariatric surgery was 21.8% of the patient’s initial weight.

These studies suggest that bariatric surgery can indeed lead to long-term weight loss, but the amount of weight loss varies depending on the patient, their lifestyle changes after surgery, and other factors such as the type of surgery performed.

Factors Affecting Long-Term Success after Bariatric Surgery

Several factors can affect the long-term success of bariatric surgery, including:.

1. Type of Bariatric Surgery

There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.

Each type of surgery has its unique benefits and drawbacks, and the amount of weight loss achieved can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. For example, gastric bypass surgery is generally considered to be more effective than sleeve gastrectomy in terms of weight loss.

2. Patient’s Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Bariatric surgery is not a magic bullet, and patients still need to make significant lifestyle changes to maintain their weight loss in the long-term.

This includes following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, as well as addressing any underlying psychological or emotional issues related to food and weight. Patients who are willing to make significant lifestyle changes after surgery are more likely to succeed in the long-term.

3. Patient’s Initial Weight

The amount of weight a patient has to lose initially can also affect their long-term success after bariatric surgery. Generally, patients who are more overweight initially tend to lose more weight in the long-term than patients who are less overweight.

Potential Risks and Complications

While bariatric surgery can be effective for long-term weight loss, it is not without risks and potential complications. Some of the most common risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery include:.

1. Infection

Any surgery carries a risk of infection, and bariatric surgery is no exception. Infections can occur in the surgical incision or in other parts of the body. If left untreated, infections can be life-threatening.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Bariatric surgery can alter the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to potential nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiencies.

3. Dumping Syndrome

After bariatric surgery, some patients may experience dumping syndrome, which is a condition that causes food to move too quickly through the stomach and small intestine. Symptoms of dumping syndrome include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery can be an effective method for long-term weight loss, but its success depends on several factors such as the type of surgery performed, the patient’s diet and lifestyle changes, and their initial weight.

While the long-term results of bariatric surgery are not always predictable, studies suggest that patients can expect to achieve a significant amount of weight loss in the years following surgery. However, patients should also be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery and discuss these with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.