I read something sobering today on the another bariatric website that this forum won't let me link to. These were a series of articles from a WLS doctor explaining various factors that cause unsuccessful outcomes in bariatric surgeries.

Studies show that the average ‘dieter’ is hoping to lose around 50% of their weight – the same is probably even more true for patients seeking surgery.

In reality, however, the ‘average’ medium-to-long-term weight loss with bariatric surgery is only a rather sobering 20-30% of initial weight.

Please reread this last sentence very carefully!

The term “average’, means that about half of all patients will actually lose LESS than 20-30% of their initial weight (the other half of course will lose more).

Imagine the disappointment of the ‘average’ 300 lb patient, who, after experiencing the ‘average’ success (25% weight loss), still weighs 225 lbs! Never mind that her health has dramatically improved, she is off all their medications, and she feels better and healthier than ever before – she is still 225 lbs! From a medical and health perspective a spectacular success story – psychologically nothing but disappointment and failure.

What do long-term WLS patients think about these statements? What's been your experience--both personal and that of others you know who have had WLS? I'm pre-pre-op (still waiting for my date). They're talking long-term weight loss (essentially maintenance). I know many do regain some of (and sometimes all) the weight, but I am determined not to be one of them--or at least catch myself in time to correct matters if I do start to creep up that slope.

The thought of spending all this money and losing overall less weight than I would with regular dieting is disheartening. If the statements are true, I might not make it below the 200 mark. Naturally, these statements worry me!

Nah. I reread what I wrote. It was all in "professional voice" because at 2AM I could barely manage words. That does come off snippy on the reread! (Once you get to know me, it'll be blatantly obvious if I ever decide to let loose!) Anyway, I am all for butt kicking--especially when it's this extra weight I'm carrying around's butt!

I feel bad that I misread the original article and frightened some people. I didn't think I had any real fears/worries about my upcoming surgery, but it only took one misunderstood article to send me running here wringing my hands and asking for reassurance.

Don't run for the hills! You got this!

Everything will be great and you will succeed with flying colours.

You can take that docs article back to him and prove him wrong

We all are trying to do just that!

Good luck in your upcoming surgery (whichever one) and keep us updated please!

When is it anyways?

Edited December 7, 201510 yr by heather5565

I am a few months shy of 2 years post sleeve surgery and I haven't been on the boards for awhile. It's interesting to read posts pre-surgery and remember how much anxiety and fear I had about the process. Would I succeed? Was I losing the weight fast enough? Would I gain it back?

I was a Slooow loser throughout the whole process, but had no problem reaching my surgeon's goal of 160 by 14 months and have recently dropped down to 140. The process for me has been pretty effortless. I came into this journey will pretty good eating habits, but my portions needed adjusting. At two years out, I'm never hungry. I mean never. It's actually becoming an issue as I can go the whole day without hunger pangs. It makes me think that many people who gain weight back are emotional eaters who continued to binge post surgery. I'm still not sure how it's possible as I still am full after eating a few bites! Honestly, this process was a lot easier than I expected. But then again, I didn't have any complications. I eat whatever I want, but limit my portions. Don't let the statistics scare you. Make a choice to be one of successful ones.

@@Bluesea71, thank you for your kind words of reassurance. I didn't think I was nervous at all. I'm ready for this surgery! But it only took a misread of one article to send me high-tailing it here so people would tell me it was wrong!

Your comment resonates with me. Strong and steady wins the race. Stay the course. It'll happen when it happens. Thank you.

WLS Statistics need to be taken with a grain of salt. Your personal chance of success has absolutely nothing to do with anyone else's success or failure. Unlike car crash statistics or cancer rates or even postop complication rates, your ultimate weight loss success rate is within your control. You can choose to lose all of your excess weight and keep it off by making appropriate food choices and lifestyle changes. Or you can choose to stray off plan and either not lose what you want or gain it all back in a few years.

I lost 113% of my excess weight in 10 months and have kept it off for 14 months. No one besides me is responsible for this. Somebody else who only lost 50% or gained back all their weight after 5 years has no influence on my personal stats. Just as they have no influence over yours.

I just hit my 4 years post sleeve...maintaining a very nearly 100 percent excess weight loss. Reason it isn't 100percent is because the number they use to calculate excess weight is too thin for me - how do I know? Well, because I got under it at one point.

I share this because many people on this site have achieved lasting success.. and I found knowing that inspired me.

Just look into non surgical diet success rates and anything that beats their 2%..... well it has got to be better

WLS has great stats comparatively and again. ::: All are different. Compliance.... Exercise.....

Water.... That is what I re-read in the success stories.

I'm just thankful for an alternative that REALLY works.????

Oh man, I wish I hadn't read this. I've lost almost exactly 25% since surgery and I've been stalled for weeks.... and I'm still 320 pounds. I don't really think I'm done losing but there's a tiny little part of me that's panicking. >.>

You just had surgery.. You are still doing well.

I lost 100%...and it has nothing to do with weight, BMI's, ...it is all about Body Fat%

At one point my body fat % was so high, it clogged my arteries, hindered my circulation, and was my primary cause of my Heart Problems including one heart attack.....also Diabetes was out of control.

Today, my body fat % in down in the "Athletic" range....it cannot possibly get any lower, I cannot lose any additional weight, being right where I should be....which means I am 100% successful.

I never heard about what % one is expected to lose, or what is average.....I did hear about what % there was with failure...maybe that was the same thing.