The success of your bypass surgery will depend on your individual situation, especially the condition of your health and the severity of your illness.

However, in most cases, you should expect that your heart's function will improve after this surgery. Most individuals recover quickly after surgery and rehabilitation, and they are much better than they were before the surgery. In fact, studies have shown that the vast majority of patients are improved, while only a few have no improvement.

It is important to realize that bypass grafts can close over time. Vein grafts last an average of ten years while artery grafts average about 15-20 years.

Graft closure is more frequent in those patients who continue to smoke, have untreated high cholesterol, or do not make dietary and/or lifestyle changes after the surgery. If the graft does close, symptoms will return. Unfortunately, a repeat bypass surgery is more difficult and often less successful than the initial surgery.

Because individual situations can vary, if you have any questions about your particular expected results, you and your doctor can discuss them. It is important that your expectations match your doctor's expectations.