Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Overview
Generally, when people think of weight loss surgery, they think of the drastic weight loss associated with it, as well as the cosmetic benefits – shrinking waistlines, fitting into skinny jeans, and so on. However, it’s the fundamental health benefits attributed to weight loss surgery, if you qualify for it, that make it a compelling option for many. You should only consider weight loss surgery if your efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise have been unsuccessful, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35+, or if you have a weight-related health issue like sleep apnea, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes. If you do meet the criteria, here are some reasons for bariatric surgery that you can look forward to once you start shedding those pounds.
Reasons for Bariatric Surgery
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity is the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes. A study in the American Journal of Medicine revealed that not only did 82 percent of patients who underwent bariatric surgery reverse their type 2 diabetes diagnosis, but 62 percent also stayed diabetes-free for the two years after they kept the weight off, a major health benefit.
Improving Fertility
Although higher-weight women are not necessarily infertile, the excess weight tends to impact ovulatory functions. Losing weight improves a woman’s bodily functions and pregnancy rates frequently improve after weight loss.
Hypertension Improvement
In the United States alone, 75 million people suffer from hypertension, with more fatalities resulting from the illness than from any other cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is an abnormally high level of blood pressure, usually brought on by stress, physical activity, or other health-related factors. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve or eliminate hypertension. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that hypertension was eliminated in 61.7 percent of surgery patients and significantly improved in 78.5 percent of patients.
Joint Pain Improvement
Every pound of excess weight equals 4 pounds of extra pressure on the knees. Additionally, weight gain adds extra pressure on joints. This pressure increases significantly with excessive weight gain. The result is a higher risk of osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder caused by joint wear and tear. Inflammatory factors associated with weight gain also contribute to joint pain. However, weight loss surgery offers significant relief from joint pain by reducing pressure on the knees, ankles, and hips.
Complementary Reasons for Bariatric Surgery
Breaking Free from the Chains of Co-Morbidities
Bariatric surgery serves as a powerful intervention for various co-morbidities from diabetes to sleep apnea. Breaking the chains of these health complications with a renewed sense of vitality.
Quality of Life Upgrade
Patients report enhanced mobility, increased energy levels, and a newfound ability to engage in activities that were once hindered by excess weight.
Psychological Wellness
Weight loss isn’t just a physical journey. It’s a psychological one too. Providing individuals with a supportive foundation to overcome mental health challenges.
Other Reasons for Bariatric Surgery
You Live Longer and Healthier Life
Studies in the Netherlands concluded that obesity can shave off 20 years of a person’s life. Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss. Additionally, when combined with a proper diet and exercise routine, it promotes a healthier lifestyle and increases the patient’s lifespan.
So whether you are considering weight loss surgery for health reasons, cosmetic reasons, or both. The potential benefits are endless. Call us or schedule a teleconsultation to find out what bariatric surgery option is right for you. Additionally, you can also try our Pre-Qualification Bariatic Quiz.
