I've heard/seen several people post that only 5% of obese people lose their weight and keep it off for 5 years. Where does this come from? I'm not questioning the reality of it, it makes sense to me I was just wondering where the info came from. 

Also does anyone know the percentage of people that lose their 60-80% EWL after surgery and keep it off? Just curious. 

Thanks!

I don't have the citation handy, but the 5 % was for morbidly obese losing 100 pounds and keeping it off, without surgery.

I would love to see some studies for those who had surgery.

My nutritionist said that the post-op, five year follow-up studies for VSG were that 50% had kept the weight off.

Ask your doctor if he has stats, either all- encompassing or just for his patients.  I know mine tracks patients for five years, and encourages patients to continue to check in after that.  I'm sure the data must be used in someone's studies.

When I had the band surgery the first time I signed to be part of a 3 year study but never heard from them after the first 3 years.  

http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/?page_id=95

How Successful Are U.S. Citizens at Maintaining Long-Term Weight Loss?

Most people have successfully lost weight at some point in their lives.  However, people’s success at maintaining that weight loss is another story.  When you look at clinical trials of long-term weight loss maintenance, the numbers don’t look so good.  Approximately 10-20% of subjects are able to maintain a weight loss of at least 5% after 5 years.  The results of other research also look grim; five years after completing structured weight loss programs, people only maintain a 3% weight loss.

Thanks, the one study was pretty interesting, siting on 2% retention. This just makes so much sense - no wonder we all struggled SO much before surgery on our weight loss plans.