Success Stories: Life After Bariatric Surgery
Can bariatric surgery help you to lose weight and keep it off? What is the success rate for bariatric surgery? Do people ever regret getting bariatric surgery?
Let’s walk through these questions together.
Is Bariatric Surgery Effective For Losing Weight?
Bariatric surgery can be extremely effecting at helping patients to lose weight and keep it off. Many of our patients lose 60-100% of their excess weight within 1-2 years, and keep it off. That could mean losing 100-150 pounds or even more. Imagine how that would feel.
What Is the Success Rate of Bariatric Surgery?
The success rate for bariatric surgery is very high. According to one study, only 11-22% of patients experience suboptimal weight loss. A study of duodenal switch patients found that patients lost an average of over 80% of their excess body weight and kept it off even many years later.
Ultimately, though, your bariatric surgery results come down to your decisions. Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool to level the playing field in your battle against obesity, but it is not a magical cure. After surgery, you will need to be diligent about following your dietary and exercise plan in order to maximize your weight loss. Almost all of our patients who do this find that they are very satisfied with their weight loss even many years later. In our patient group that makes this commitment our long-term bariatric surgery success rate is close to 100%.
How Often Do People Regret Getting Bariatric Surgery?
Some patients are nervous or do worry before getting surgery that they will regret their decision. This is understandable, but the truth is that very few people regret getting bariatric surgery; bariatric surgery results tend to be very good. One study found that only 8% of patients experienced overall regret over their decision to get surgery. Another study found that 85% of patients experienced no regret or only mild regret after surgery.
The truth is that the very few patients who do regret getting surgery generally experience regret because they saw insufficient weight loss (didn’t receive adequate education or didn’t follow guidelines) or because they feel that their bariatric surgery clinic didn’t adequately communicate expectations with them. At the Bariatric and Metabolic Center of Colorado, we work very hard to be upfront and transparent with you about what to expect both before and after weight loss surgery. We also proactively work with you every step of the way to educate, encourage habit formation, and support the maintenance of your dietary and exercise plan after surgery that will help you to maximize your weight loss. As a result, our patient satisfaction is very high; almost none of our patients experience regret over their decision.
Most of our patients say that getting bariatric surgery was the best decision they ever made.
(Want to learn more about weight loss surgery? Check out our Bariatric Surgery Information page)
Bariatric Surgery Success Stories
“I would recommend Dr. Long to family, friends, and strangers. The best decision I have ever made was to have this surgery. Not only did I improve my health, I have my life back again with my family. I am very proud to say I’m no longer a diabetic and since surgery no more insulin injections. It’s a very emotional experience and I just wish I would have done this sooner.”—Georgette Camacho, duodenal switch patient.
“I met with my team at the Bariatric and Metabolic Center of Rockies-Parker Adventist Hospital, on March 18, 2015, I could not have been more impressed. After meeting with the dietitian, psychologist and nurse, I could not wait to meet Dr. Long. I was not disappointed. Dr. Long was sincere, genuine and took his time to listen about me and my weight and health issues. We went over each surgical option and I made the decision to have the (loop) duodenal switch. I was on my way!
“I had my surgery September 1, 2015. Twenty two days later my mother died and I went through a very trying time. Dr. Long called me at home and asked how I was doing and what could he or the ‘team’ do to help. In January, my father had a stroke and again Dr. Long called to lend his support and guidance through another of life’s trials. Time and again, Dr. Long or one of his team members has reached out and gone beyond the ‘usual’ doctor/nurse/patient relationship to ensure my success but more than that to inquire and lend assistance for my well being, whether mentally or physically. I cannot say enough about my team. They get 10 stars out of 5 for being the best!”—Johnetta Hebrlee, duodenal switch patient.
“I chose to go with BMCC for several reasons. The biggest reason was the fact that I never ever felt judged and always felt like my life mattered to all of the staff members on my team. The sense of community and support at BMCC couldn’t be bigger and I would never have been as successful without their support and education.”—Rochelle Goforth, gastric bypass patient.
“As I embarked on my journey to pursue bariatric surgery again, Dr. Long renewed my motivation and my respect for bariatric medicine. From the moment I met him and his staff, I was impressed at the professionalism, the high standards, the exceptional coordinated team effort and the level of care I received. Dr. Long took the time to listen to my situation and he allowed me to voice my fears and concerns as well as ask several questions. He treated me like a valuable human being.
“I was highly touched by his compassion as he laid out the plan of action for my treatment. During the first appointment, I cried tears of mixed emotion as I realized how much he really cared and as I witnessed his tremendous passion for his profession.”—Martha Lugo, gastric bypass patient.
“Fast forward, May 2016, 4 months post-op… we clearly see that this is the BEST decision we could have ever made; life is changed, and for the better. We exercise daily, eat what is required, and are enjoying the benefits thereof…. This means, endless piles of clothing that no longer fit, the positive reinforcement of peoples compliments, and being able to journey together to the happiness we enjoy. So far, combined, we have lost 125lbs, heading to 170 lbs or so when this is all said and done… the habits that we have learned and adopted have become a part of daily life.
“We cannot imagine another Doctor or Practice with whom this process could have been so wonderfully orchestrated…. Dr. Long and his staff are the kindest, most loving, and supportive group of individuals we have ever could have met. Each person has contributed to our success, each and every one.
“We have tremendous gratitude for this gift which we have been given… we are thankful on a daily basis for this and offer our testimony to anyone looking to solve a weight challenge.”—Chris and Keri Sexton, gastric sleeve patients.
(Want to read more bariatric surgery success stories? Check out our testimonials page)
If you’re suffering, don’t wait. Contact our Denver office today.
