What Is the Success Rate of Gastric Bypass Surgery?

During gastric bypass surgery, surgeons staple the stomach to create a small pouch and bypass part of the small intestine. As a result, the patient cannot eat as much and some of the fat and calories that are consumed are not absorbed.

How is Success Defined?

• Various studies on gastric bypass define success differently. One study published in the April 2000 issue of “Annals of Surgery” defined success as reaching and maintaining a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) for at least 5.5 years.

Success Rate for Morbidly Obese Patients

• Morbid obesity definitions range the BMI index from 30 to 49. The study in the “Annals of Surgery” found a success rate of 93 percent for morbidly obese patients.

Success Rate for Super Obese Patients

• Doctors define super obesity as BMI of 50 or above. The study in the “Annals of Surgery” found a success rate of 57 percent for super obese patients.

Factors Influencing Success Rates

• A patient’s starting BMI influences his success. The above-mentioned study suggests that genetics presents another factor. The patient’s compliance with post-operative diet recommendations also affects his success.

Success Rate of Reversing Co-morbidities

• Co-morbidities include weight-related illnesses like diabetes and sleep apnea. On October 30, 2009, CNN reported that more than 70 percent of diabetics who have gastric bypass surgery experience remission. A study published in the October 2003 issue of “Chest” found significant improvement in gastric bypass patients with sleep apnea.