Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery provides patients with a variety of benefits. Most people who need to lose 65 pounds or more have tried multiple times to lose the weight on their own. Weight loss surgery helps these patients gain control over their weight once and for all, lowering their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Additionally, weight loss surgery has been shown to provide patients an increased quality of life and greater feelings of self confidence.
On top of weight loss, surgery offers the following benefits:
1. Long Term Type 2 Diabetes Remission: One study in the National Library of Medicine reported that bariatric surgery successfully leads to long-term remission in patients with type 2 diabetes. Results showed that the procedure is highly effective for those who have obesity and type 2 diabetes, allowing almost all patients to remain free of insulin and other related medications for at least three years post surgery.
2. Relief from Depression: People who are obese may struggle with depression due to social stigma and poor body image. Those who are carrying excess weight may find participating in activities they enjoy difficult, leading to social isolation. Weight loss surgery can improve emotional and mental wellness in these patients.
3. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Bariatric surgery decreases a patient’s risk of heart disease and stroke. It also reduces hypertension and high cholesterol levels in patients almost immediately after surgery.
4. Joint Pain Relief: Extra weight adds additional stress to a patient’s joints, especially their hips, knees and ankles. This can lead to chronic pain and joint damage. The sustained weight loss from bariatric surgery relieves joint stress and often reduces a patient’s reliance on pain medication.
5. Improved Fertility: During childbearing years, weight loss surgery can improve fertility in patients seeking to start or to continue to build a family. Weight loss can also reduce the risk of miscarriage and improve menstrual cycles in people who ovulate.
6. Eliminated Sleep Apnea: Sustaining a healthy weight often allows patients who use a CPAP machine at night to stop needing it completely. Up to 85% of bariatric surgery patients achieve remission of their sleep apnea one year following surgery.
7. Alleviated Medical Conditions: On top of the benefits shared above, sustained weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery can also reduce pregnancy complications, relieve both metabolic syndrome and gallbladder disease, and more.
With obesity rates and their associated health risks on the rise, weight loss surgery remains a powerful tool in providing sustained relief for patients who are overweight. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, it’s important you choose a bariatric surgeon and weight loss clinic with extensive experience in the procedure and recovery. When performed by a knowledgeable and experienced staff, weight loss surgery is extremely safe. It poses no more risk than knee or gallbladder surgery, and provides numerous benefits for the patient for years to come.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Just for Patients With Severe Obesity?
While weight loss surgery offers significant benefits for patients who are severely obese, it can provide similar benefits to patients who are only 20-40 pounds overweight as well. Your bariatric surgery team includes a team of certified surgeons and a registered dietitian. Together the team creates a post surgery plan to give each patient the best chance for long-term success. Whether a patient needs to lose 20 pounds or 100 pounds, weight loss surgery can help arm them with the tools to lose the weight and keep it off for good. Meet your future doctors here.
Bariatric Surgery in Houston – Total Medical Weight Loss
At Total Medical, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Total Medical affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Weight Loss Programs and carries on through our weight loss clinics and Total Medical Solutions! To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, visit us at https://totalmedicalweightloss.com.