At one time, obesity was thought to be the result of poor lifestyle choices. But these days, we know obesity is much more complex than that. It’s related to 40+ diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and even stroke.
Losing weight can help improve many of these conditions. As a Temple bariatric surgeon who has worked with thousands of patients on improving their health, I know that choosing the right program and embracing a network of support are very important.
Bariatric Surgery Is a Proven Method for Losing Significant Weight
Bariatric surgery is an option for many people who have health issues related to obesity. Significant weight loss from procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or gastric sleeve can improve or even reverse the effects of certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
So how do you decide if bariatric surgery is right for you? Start by talking to your doctor to learn all you can about the qualifications for surgery, the bariatric program, and the benefits and risks.
In the meantime, I want to share a comparison of benefits and risks for you to think about.
Jump to a topic:
- Consider the Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
- Take a Candid Look at the Risks
- Know the Risks of Roux-en-Y Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve
- Helpful Resources
Consider the Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Roux-en-Y bypass and gastric sleeve surgery are each part of an overall program to help you adopt new habits that support a healthy lifestyle. No matter the route you choose, you’ll also learn new ways of thinking about food and nutrition.
As you lose weight, you’ll begin to notice that the healthy way you feel inside will start to reflect on the outside.
Here are some other benefits of bariatric surgery:
Increased ability to move
When you’re carrying excess weight, your ability to move can be affected. Whether you’re stiff and sore from arthritis, or just don’t feel like moving much, exercise and getting around may become a daily challenge.
Losing a significant amount of weight relieves the burden on your joints so you can begin to move more. Moderate exercise, such as daily walks, helps you:
- Burn more fat and prevent fat storage
- Reduce your insulin levels
- Calm your stress hormones, which reduce depression and anxiety
When you feel good, it shows in everything you do. You may even feel you have a new lease on life.
Decreased reliance on medications
You may be currently on prescription medications for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or arthritis. After bariatric surgery, your health will be monitored with periodic labs and tests.
During this time, if your condition improves, your doctors may decide to reduce the amount of medicine you take, or tell you to stop taking your medication altogether in the case of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Reduced risk of life-threatening conditions
Obesity is linked to a number of cancers, including ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancer. It also increases your chance of developing diabetes, heart disease and breathing disorders.
Losing a significant amount of weight from bariatric surgery reduces your risk of developing these sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Better sleep, less pain and balanced hormones
As you lose weight, you may begin to notice improvements in the way you feel and in how you manage your health conditions.
In addition to significant improvement in diabetes and high blood pressure, you may also benefit from:
- Improvement in sleep apnea, allowing you to breathe and sleep easier
- Less pain from excess weight on your weight-bearing joints
- Balanced hormones, which can influence fertility and menstrual cycle
