I would like to know if anyone knows what % actually reach goal weight?

What % maintain that goal and how long it took to get there?:shades_smile:

i think a really good percentage here who have been banded for awhile are at or are very close to goal. there is a sub forum, Life At (or Near) Goal Weight - Lap Band Talk Forum - The largest forum for Lap Band Surgery Discussion and Lap Band Surgery Support

poke around there.. i know a few off hand that have reached goal (Chickie, JulieNYC *she may be 2-3 pounds from goal*, Jachut... and several more)

good luck

First we have to determine what "goal" weight is. Each person has a different idea for what their goal weight is. Some might set a goal weight that might be very hard to acheive. I mean if we've been overweight for a very long time, we have issues with food, so weighing the same thing I did in High school when I was 40 years younger, might be unrealistic.

And averages are just that, average. Meaning some people acheive better results and some lesser result. How hard you are willing to work at achieving your goal should really be factored into this statistic.

There are many on the forum that are willing to do a lot of exercise ( like Losingjusme above) or others that don;t work as hard at that part (like me).

There are some people that keep their bands very tight to reach or stay at goal and others that are happy to have a looser band and acheive a weight slightly more than their ideal. There is a certain amount of individual factors that don't show in stats.

The band manufacturers do have some stats online that you might find doing a search.

Do check the "Life at or near goal" forum.

Perhaps more important than "how many make it" is "what reasons do people not make it."

I'm trudging alonng. Started the year with roughly 60 lbs left to lose, currently around 45.

There are some people that keep their bands very tight to reach or stay at goal and others that are happy to have a looser band and acheive a weight slightly more than their ideal.

And there are people who have empty bands, no restriction and stay at goal :shades_smile:

Not everyone who is at goal has a super tight band Shortgal.

Chickie, Did you miss the part of my post that mentioned there are people who are willing to exercise harder than others to acheive goal?

I was simply pointing out that "averages" are averages, some will have bad results, some good results, some great results and there are varying reasons for the average results.

One I forgot to mention is age. You've had great results and have worked hard to achieve them, but you are 20 years younger than the person asking the question.

Again, just factors that make up "percentages" which was the question.

Sorry, if you were offended.

Not offended, just amused :shades_smile:

There was some show on this morning that said very few people that undergo weight loss surgery ever actually hit a "normal" weight. I found that surprising. I wonder what the actual data is.

There was some show on this morning that said very few people that undergo weight loss surgery ever actually hit a "normal" weight. I found that surprising. I wonder what the actual data is.

Results & Statistics

there's one study with average results. So many factors, why were these patients and Dr's chosen for the study?

Some studies are broken down by super obese starting weight and morbidly obese starting weight.

All in all, it looks like the average weight loss is about 50 to 60% of excess weight.

Yeah, it depends what you mean by goal. You can set any goal you like, and some goals are, if not actually " easier", well, more likely to be met than others.

If you mean truly "normal" weight, like a BMI of under 25, then I'd say not a huge percentage, which doesnt by any means indicate the lapband doesnt work. I'll guarantee you than 99.9% of people who exercise vigorously with dedication can do it, and will be more successful at staying there too.

Probably more younger people than older manage it, and I think it has a lot to do with actually changing your body composition positively, not just losing "weight".

I agree - the term "goal" is thrown around a lot and has different meanings for different people.

My Drs goal for me was 187 pounds - going on the 50-60% weight loss averages, he put me at the higher end because he saw the determination in me and said from the beginning he though I'd be one of his sucess stories.

The top of a "normal" BMI for my height is 145 pounds.

My goal (readjusted down just this morning in fact) is 132. I may adjust it lower again when I get there, we'll see. People keep telling me I'll be too thin. I don't care. I'll be a normal BMI.

As of today I'm around 150 pounds and have lost about 85% of my excess weight.

As you can see, thats a range of numbers to choose from, satisfying different people along the way.

My Mum also has a band and is 59 years old (30 years older than I). She has lost about 90% of her excess weight in a year and continues to lose steadily. She has had quicker sucess that I for a myriad of reasons. Age may in some cases means an easier/quicker journey, in others not.

It just doens't make sense to compare to others, I know its SO hard not to because we want a guide or an indicator of how well we could/might do, but this journey is unique for each and every one of us. Each person should work as hard as they can with their band and not get caught up in other peoples numbers. This is your life you are saving/extending by losing this weight after all....why should other people's numbers matter?

Do you remember Stats?

Not worrying about the term "GOAL" if there are a group of people who get the same procedure they are going to fall into the bell curve somewhere.

Having met some lapbanders I find it perfectly resonable based on their behavior, not following sound advice, that they will be in the majority and only lose 50-60% of their weight.

I decided when I was told that was the average that I was going to be not one but two standard diveations from the norm and see my goal weight. I'm not there yet, but to date, I'm doing pretty well. When I see badly behaving bandsters I figure someone needs to pad the numbers, so I don't lecture.

So the question is, are you going to be average or above average? You've are capable of putting all excuses aside and seeing your goal weight. You've just got to decide that's what you are going to do. Yes, it's that simple.

And for a refresher. Here's a bell curve:

I've often wondered about that 50-60% of excess weight statistic. Does that mean 50% of the weight over normal BMI, or over what the dr's goal for them was, or did they set their own goal, or what. And, did these people all get regular fills, or are the people that get the band and never get a single fill included in that statistic as well?

I think we need a more comprehensive study.

So the question is, are you going to be average or above average? You've are capable of putting all excuses aside and seeing your goal weight. You've just got to decide that's what you are going to do. Yes, it's that simple.

THANK YOU!

I've often wondered about that 50-60% of excess weight statistic. Does that mean 50% of the weight over normal BMI, or over what the dr's goal for them was, or did they set their own goal, or what. And, did these people all get regular fills, or are the people that get the band and never get a single fill included in that statistic as well?

I think we need a more comprehensive study.

Oh I love data, and would like to see a comprehensive study. But really, when it comes to crunch time it's the individual and their committment to doing what they want to do.

Some people are pleased be less fat than they were without the band. Some people perfer never to have to exercise and are willing give up thoughts of losing those last 20 pounds. Some want to be curvy or whatever...

It's what you want.

I would like to know if anyone knows what % actually reach goal weight?

What % maintain that goal and how long it took to get there?:tongue_smilie:

There are no statistics on those who reach goal (which by I'm assuming you mean a normal BMI... so around 25 or less.) Success in weight loss surgery terms is losing at least 50% of Excess Weight and keeping it off 5 years. The weight loss surgery procedure with the highest percent excess weight loss maintained the longest is the Duodenal Switch. Then comes the Roux-en-Y. Followed by the Lap-Band and VSG. However, with the DS and RNY you have to be much more strict regarding Vitamins and regular blood work.

The reasons people do not meet "goal" are wide and varied. Some people cannot tolerate significant fills in their Bands without experiencing a lot of reflux. Others find that their food choices are so limited with significant restriction that they cannot consume a healthful diet. Assuming that it's because "they don't want it enough" is a bit naive.

As for long-term Lap-Band success, here's an eleven year study. No doubt some will say... but wait...they weren't doing this or that. I can tell you seven years ago the surgical technique was the same. The dietary advice was the same.

Obes Surg. 2008 Mar;18(3):251-5. Epub 2008 Jan 24.

11-year experience with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity-what happened to the first 123 patients?

Tolonen P, Victorzon M, Mäkelä J.

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Vasa Central Hospital, Hietalahdenkatu 2-4, 65280, Vaasa, Finland.

BACKGROUND: Few long-term studies regarding the outcome of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity have so far been published. We report our 11-year experience with the technique by looking closely at the first 123 patients that have at least 5 years (mean 86 months) of follow-up. METHODS: Data have been collected prospectively among 280 patients operated since March 1996. Until March 2002 (minimum 5-year follow-up), 123 patients have been operated laparoscopically with the Swedish band. We report major late complications, reoperations, excess weight losses (EWL) and failure rates among these patients, with a mean (range) follow-up time of 86 months (60-132). EWL < 25% or major reoperation was considered as a failure. EWL > 50% was considered a success. RESULTS: Mean (range) age of the patients (male/female ratio 31:92) was 43 years (21-44). Mean (range) preoperative weight was 130 kg (92-191). Mean (range) preoperative body mass index was 49.28 kg/m(2) (35.01-66.60). Patients lost to follow-up was nearly 20% at 5 years and 30% at 8 years. Major late complications (including band erosions 3.3%, slippage 6.5%, leakage 9.8%) leading to major reoperation occurred in 30 patients (24.4%). Nearly 40% of the reoperations was performed during the third year after the operation. The mean EWL at 7 years was 56% in patients with the band in place, but 46% in all patients. The failure rates increased from about 15% during years 1 to 3 to nearly 40% during years 8 and 9. The success rate declined from nearly 60% at 3 years to 35% at 8 and 9 years. CONCLUSIONS: Complications requiring reoperations are common during the third year after the operation, and almost 25% of the patients will need at least one reoperation. Mean EWL in all patients does not exceed 50% in 7 years or 40% in 9 years and failure rates increase with time, up to 40% at 9 years.

Here's a 10 year study...

Obes Surg. 2006 Jul;16(7):829-35.

A 10-year experience with laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity: high long-term complication and failure rates.

Suter M, Calmes JM, Paroz A, Giusti V.

Department of Surgery, Hôpital du Chablais, Aigle-Monthey, Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction about 10 years ago, and because of its encouraging early results regarding weight loss and morbidity, laparoscopic gastric banding (LGB) has been considered by many as the treatment of choice for morbid obesity. Few long-term studies have been published. We present our results after up to 8 years (mean 74 months) of follow-up. METHODS: Prospective data of patients who had LGB have been collected since 1995, with exclusion of the first 30 patients (learning curve). Major late complications are defined as those requiring band removal (major reoperation), with or without conversion to another procedure. Failure is defined as an excess weight loss (EWL) of <25%, or major reoperation. RESULTS: Between June 1997 and June 2003, LGB was performed in 317 patients, 43 men and 274 women. Mean age was 38 years (19-69), mean weight was 119 kg (79-179), and mean BMI was 43.5 kg/m(2) (34-78). 97.8% of the patients were available for follow-up after 3 years, 88.2% after 5 years, and 81.5% after 7 years. Overall, 105 (33.1%) of the patients developed late complications, including band erosion in 9.5%, pouch dilatation/slippage in 6.3%, and catheter- or port-related problems in 7.6%. Major reoperation was required in 21.7% of the patients. The mean EWL at 5 years was 58.5% in patients with the band still in place. The failure rate increased from 13.2% after 18 months to 23.8% at 3, 31.5% at 5, and 36.9% at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: LGB appeared promising during the first few years after its introduction, but results worsen over time, despite improvements in the operative technique and material. Only about 60% of the patients without major complication maintain an acceptable EWL in the long term. Each year adds 3-4% to the major complication rate, which contributes to the total failure rate. With a nearly 40% 5-year failure rate, and a 43% 7-year success rate (EWL >50%), LGB should no longer be considered as the procedure of choice for obesity. Until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are developed, other longer lasting procedures should be used.

PMID: 16839478 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

And here's Favretti's 12 year results...

Obes Surg. 2007 Feb;17(2):168-75.Click here to read Links

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in 1,791 consecutive obese patients: 12-year results.

Favretti F, Segato G, Ashton D, Busetto L, De Luca M, Mazza M, Ceoloni A, Banzato O, Calo E, Enzi G.

Department of Surgery, Regional Hospital - Vicenza, Italy. ffavret@tin.it

BACKGROUND: This study examines 1,791 consecutive laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures with up to 12 years follow-up. Long-term results of LAGB with a high follow-up rate are not common. METHODS: Between September 1993 and December 2005, 1,791 consecutive patients (75.1% women, mean age 38.7 years, mean weight 127.7 +/- 24 kg, mean BMI 46.2 +/- 7.7) underwent LAGB by the same surgical team. Perigastric dissection was used in 77.8% of the patients, while subsequently pars flaccida was used in 21.5% and a mixed approach in 0.8%. Data were analyzed according to co-morbidities, conversion, short- and long-term complications and weight loss. Fluoroscopy-guided band adjustments were performed and patients received intensive follow-up. The effects of LAGB on life expectancy were measured in a case/control study involving 821 surgically-treated patients versus 821 treated by medical therapy. RESULTS: Most common baseline co-morbidities (%) were hypertension (35.6), osteoarthritis (57.8), diabetes (22), dyslipidemia (27.1), sleep apnea syndrome (31.4), depression (21.2), sweet eating (22.5) and binge eating (18.5). Conversion to open was 1.7%: due to technical difficulties (1.2) and due to intraoperative complications (0.5). Together with the re-positioning of the band, additional surgery was performed in 11.9% of the patients: hiatal hernia repair (2.4), cholecystectomy (7.8) and other procedures (1.7). There was no mortality. Reoperation was required in 106 patients (5.9%): band removal 55 (3.7%), band repositioning 50 (2.7 %), and other 1 (0.05 %). Port-related complications occurred in 200 patients (11.2%). 41 patients (2.3%) underwent further surgery due to unsatisfactory results: removal of the band in 12 (0.7%), biliopancreatic diversion in 5 (0.27%) and a biliopancreatic diversion with gastric preservation ("bandinaro") in 24 (1.3%). Weight in kg was 103.7 +/- 21.6, 102.5 +/- 22.5, 105.0 +/- 23.6, 106.8 +/- 24.3, 103.3 +/- 26.2 and 101.4 +/- 27.1 at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 years after LAGB. BMI at the same intervals was 37.7 +/- 7.1, 37.2 +/- 7.2, 38.1 +/- 7.6, 38.5 +/- 7.9, 37.5 +/- 8.5 and 37.7 +/- 9.1. The case/control study found a statistically significant difference in survival in favor of the surgically-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: LAGB can achieve effective, safe and stable long-term weight loss. In experienced hands, the complication rate is low. Follow-up is paramount.