How Much Weight Can You Lose with Bariatric Procedures?

At The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles, we understand that deciding to undergo weight loss surgery is a major step towards improving your health and quality of life. One of the most common questions we receive is, “How much weight can I lose with weight loss surgery?” The answer depends on various factors, including the type of bariatric procedure you choose, your starting weight, and your commitment to lifestyle changes after surgery. Here, we explore the average weight loss expectations for some of the most popular bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, Lap-Band surgery, gastric balloons, and gastric plication.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. During this surgery, about 75-80% of the stomach is removed, reducing the stomach’s capacity and helping patients feel full faster. The procedure also affects the hormones that regulate hunger, which can reduce appetite and cravings.

On average, patients can expect to lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within the first 12-18 months after sleeve gastrectomy. Excess weight is typically defined as the amount of weight above a person’s ideal body weight based on height and age. For example, if a patient has 100 pounds of excess weight, they can expect to lose around 60-70 pounds. However, individual results may vary based on how well patients adhere to dietary guidelines and physical activity after surgery.

Lap-Band Surgery

The Lap-Band (or adjustable gastric band) surgery is a less invasive procedure that involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. This creates a small pouch, limiting food intake and promoting a feeling of fullness after eating smaller amounts. The band can be tightened or loosened over time to control the rate of weight loss.

Weight loss with Lap-Band surgery tends to be slower compared to other bariatric procedures. On average, patients lose about 40-50% of their excess body weight within the first two to three years following the procedure. While Lap-Band surgery is effective, it requires a high level of commitment to lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up visits to adjust the band are necessary to maintain weight loss.

Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss procedure in which one or more deflated balloons are placed inside the stomach through an endoscopic procedure. Once inside, the balloons are inflated to take up space in the stomach, helping patients feel fuller faster and consume less food.

The gastric balloon is a temporary solution, typically removed after six months. During this time, patients can expect to lose between 10-15% of their total body weight. For someone who weighs 250 pounds, this would equate to a weight loss of around 25-37 pounds. However, long-term success depends heavily on maintaining healthy eating habits and regular exercise after the balloon is removed.

Gastric Plication

Gastric plication is a newer, minimally invasive bariatric procedure that involves folding the stomach in on itself and stitching it to create a smaller stomach pouch. This restricts food intake without removing any part of the stomach, making it a less invasive option compared to other surgeries.

On average, patients who undergo gastric plication can expect to lose 50-60% of their excess body weight within the first year after surgery. Like other weight loss surgeries, the long-term success of gastric plication depends on the patient’s ability to follow post-operative guidelines, including adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.

The amount of weight you can lose with weight loss surgery varies based on the type of procedure, your starting weight, and your dedication to lifestyle changes post-surgery. Procedures like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric plication tend to result in higher percentages of weight loss, while non-surgical options like the gastric balloon offer more moderate results. At The Weight Loss Surgery Center of Los Angeles, we are committed to helping you achieve your weight loss goals with personalized care and comprehensive support. Contact us today to learn more about which weight loss surgery option is right for you and how much weight you can expect to lose.