Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

In simple layman terms, bariatric surgery is weight loss surgery. Its main purpose is the reduction of the fat around the stomach in safe amounts. The weight loss is achieved by use of what is known as a gastric band, or removing a portion of the stomach. The removal of the stomach portion is also called a sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.

There is a bypass surgery where the small intestine is rerouted to a pocket or pouch, otherwise referred to as a (gastric bypass surgery). This procedure is known to be safe as the risks of anything going wrong are minimal. For those who are morbidly obese, safe procedures can be done but there are few cases in which bariatric surgery has been successful in reducing the weight of those who are severely obese to a healthy weight. 

Why you would need bariatric surgery

Obesity is the main reason for bariatric surgery and it has stages. Severe obesity is one of the worst stages, and at that point you may want to consider this type of surgery. If you are going through a demanding and totally tiring cycle of obesity and weight loss, it would be recommended that you undergo surgery to rectify the issue.

You may have tried exercising, dieting and other weight loss methods and they seem to not work. It is therefore imperative that you save yourself from the risks that come with being overweight. It is known and doctors have confirmed that when you have severe obesity it is almost impossible to lose weight by conventional dieting and exercise methods.

Sometimes the body just refuses to comply no matter what you do. This requires you to take the next step, and that is surgery. The surgery will allow for weight loss without the troubles, struggles and risks that come along with an obese person trying to lose weight through dieting and exercise. 

The overall benefit

Bariatric surgery is usually accompanied by a treatment plan to ensure that you will get optimum results. In order to achieve optimum results, your doctor will look to improve any case of diabetes, poor stamina and general ill health, along with reducing your weight.

Bariatric surgery can improve:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart diseases
• Long-term weight loss
• Life span
• Needs for medication
• Unhealthy cholesterol levels
• Sleep apnea
• Physical function 
• Mental and emotional states including mood
• Overall quality of life

Such health benefits are discussed below:

Type 2 diabetes

This is the kind of diabetes that causes your body's glucose (sugar) levels to rise above normal. It is also called hyperglycemia. It is the most common form of diabetes and requires insulin shots on a regular basis. People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their glucose levels extremely carefully in order to survive this disease. It is severe and deadly. 

Obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, therefore bariatric surgery can help in preventing one from developing the disease before it is too late. 

Heart diseases

Obesity and heart diseases are correlatives. In fact, in very many cases obesity is the cause of heart disease. As your weight increases, so does your blood pressure. As your body grows, your heart has to work extra hard to do its job, which causes increased pressure on the heart. This will in turn cause more problems including strokes, heart failure and numerous other heart complications.

Obesity also increases blood cholesterol, which is not a good thing at all. If you undergo surgical weight loss, your body’s blood will run better and the fluids are more easily circulated to keep you functioning.

Long-term weight loss

Bariatric surgeries result in long-term weight loss, success rates show this. The surgery makes for easier maintenance of healthy body weight and decreases the work that goes into fruitless weight loss endeavors.

Life longevity

In studies, individuals who were affected by severe obesity and had bariatric surgery had a lower risk of death than individuals who were severely obese but chose not to undergo the surgery. About a decade ago, the NIH (National Institute of Health) concluded that bariatric surgery was the way to go in combating obesity. Resistance to weight loss is high in obese people and this causes problems.

If you want to increase your lifespan, consider undergoing bariatric surgery. It is safe and recommended. In a nutshell, it’s the only viable and easy way to lose excessive weight that clings to you stubbornly.

Less need for medication

There are over 70 different types of medications that obese people can take. These medicines are aimed at reducing your weight. They are designed to alter normal bodily functions in ways that are not very appealing.

There are those that are approved for long-term use but these pills are only pills and they can only go so far. You may be allergic to them or they may be affecting you in ways that you do not desire. It’s not worth the risk to take all those medications only to have your body reject them and you end up having diabetes or something worse.

Reduction of unhealthy cholesterol levels

When cholesterol levels rise in the body, they lead to clogging of blood vessels. This leads to heart failure and other heart-related complications like peripheral artery disease, stroke and buildup of plaque in the walls of blood vessels. When the blood vessels narrow it causes severe complications you will not want to deal with.

Avoiding sleep apnea

Sleep apnea can become so severe that it becomes a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, in which breathing stops entirely. This is caused by excess weight on the neck, which pushes in the soft tissues obstructing the airways. If there is one thing you need to do apart from eat, it is breathe. Undergoing surgery to save your life is a clear choice, because obstructive sleep apnea could cause you to die in your sleep. 

Improved physical functions

We want to be able to run around with our kids, siblings and other friends and family members and enjoy the wonders of physical exertion and unbridled fun. Obesity holds people back from being able to do that. It is difficult. Bariatric surgery can lead to a better physical life and your body will function better when you are not dragging unneeded weight.

Better overall quality of life

In addition to its many health benefits, bariatric surgery can help improve a patient’s overall mood and psychological health.

Before undergoing these procedures, many patients have experienced feelings of depression and hopelessness. After the surgery, there is increased activity and more fun. A healthy body leads to a happy mind and hence a happy person.

 

Bottom line

Obesity can be a major drag, especially when it doesn’t want to go away. Don’t let it stop you from living your life. People who are obese can win their fight and become healthier and happier in the process. You can avoid many sicknesses and ill health that comes along with being obese.

Bariatric surgery is a good option which promises to reduce the risks of obesity.