Covenant Weight Management Center
Obesity FAQ

"If people are morbidly obese, there's something they can do about it."
- Dr. Stephen Boyce, Covenant Weight Management Center director

Obesity FAQ

What is the youngest age for which weight loss surgery is recommended?

Generally accepted guidelines from the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the National Institutes of Health indicate surgery only for those 18 years of age and older. Surgery has been performed on patients 16 and younger. There is a real concern that young patients may not have reached full developmental or emotional maturity to make this type of decision. It is important that young weight loss surgery patients have a full understanding of the lifelong commitment to the altered eating and lifestyle changes necessary for success.

What is the oldest patient for whom weight loss surgery is recommended?

Patients over 65 require very strong indications for surgery and must also meet stringent Medicare criteria. The risk of surgery in this age group is increased, and the benefits, in terms of reduced risk of mortality, are reduced.

Can Weight Loss Surgery prolong my life?

There is good evidence from scientific research that if you have Type 2 diabetes (or other serious obesity-related health conditions), are at least 100 lbs. over ideal body weight, and are able to comply with lifestyle changes (daily exercise and low-fat diet), then weight loss surgery may significantly prolong your life.

Can weight loss surgery help other physical conditions?

According to current research, weight loss surgery can improve or resolve associated health conditions.

Condition	% found in Pre-op individuals	% cured 2 years after surgery
Diabetes or insulin resistance	34%	85%
High blood pressure	26%	85%
High triglycerides	40%	66%
Sleep apnea	22% in males 1% in females	40%

What can I expect after surgery?

The method of weight loss is the restriction of oral intake because the stomach becomes full with small amounts of food. Additionally, in patients having the gastric bypass procedure, weight loss also occurs through mal absorption of nutrients as a portion of the small intestine is bypassed and no longer used.

Most gastric bypass patients experience fairly rapid weight loss in the first 3 to 6 months after surgery. Weight loss slows, but generally continues up to 12 to 18 months after surgery, averaging 65 to 75 percent of excess body weight. After 18 months it is critical to adhere to the low-fat, low sugar diet and exercise program and the fitness training as directed by our staff.

With the LAP-BAND ® weight loss is generally slower and more gradual compared to the gastric bypass. Weight loss may continue for up to two years.

In order to successfully lose weight and maintain a lower weight, the patient must adhere to a lifelong low-fat, low-calorie diet. The success with this surgery is approximately 65-70 percent of excess body weight loss over 12 to 18 months. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of patients lose less than a desired amount of weight. The successful patient is one who is able to maintain a low-fat, low-calorie diet and maintain some degree of regular exercise. Our dietitian is available for all post-operative patients to assist patients with dietary selection.

Weight-reduction surgery has been reported to improve conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Many patients report an improvement in mood and other aspects of psychosocial functioning after surgery.