In 2002-2003, an estimated 146,301 weight loss surguries were performed world-wide according to a new paper.

Gastric bypass causes an average weight loss of 33 percent of body weight after two years and 25 percent after eight years according to a review paper.

Approximately 1 in 50 patients (1.9 percent) undergoing gastric bypass die within one month, however this is related to a surgeon’s inexperience.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery prevents type 2 diabetes in 99-100 percent of patients with impaired glucose tolerance, and 80-90 percent of patients with early type 2 diabetes according to a new paper.

Two years after weight loss surgery, those having gastic banding had lost 21 percent of their bodyweight compared to 23 percent for those having vertical banded gastroplasty, and 33 percent for those having gastric bypass.

Large doses of zinc reversed hair loss in patients who lost their hair following the weight loss surgery called vertical gastroplasty according to a recent study published in the journal Obestiy Surgery.

Laproscopic gastric bypass causes more weight loss than laproscopic vertical banded gastroplasty, but also has more complications according to a paper from Taiwan.

Adjustable gastric banding is currently the most common weight loss surgery. It gained notice a few years ago after singer Carnie Wilson lost a large amount of weight after having the procedure done. Patients lose an average of 36 percent of the excess weight after one year, 38 percent after two years, and finally stabilize some time later having lost 30 percent of their excess weight.

EIGHTY MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS lost an average of 75.7 pounds after having their stomach’s banded with an adjustable silicone gastric band.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty weight loss surgery seems to be more effective than Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding according to a recent study. Patients who underwent Vertical Banded Gastroplasty lost 87 percent of their excess weight after six months compared to 50 percent in patients given Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding.

Weight loss surgery is the most effective form of obesity treatment. Following laparoscopic placement of a Lap-Band adjustable gastric band patients lost an average of 51 percent of their excess weight loss after one year, 58 percent after two years, 62 percent after three years and 68 percent after four years.