Benefits of having Bariatric Surgery

Let's face it, sometimes trying to lose weight can be the most challenging thing you can do. Even if you are dieting or working out often, some weight can be too stubborn. 

But what if I tell you that there's an effective way to shed weight without going to the gym or dieting? 

Enter Bariatric surgery! 

Different studies have concluded that patients who undergo Bariatric surgery are more likely to lose about 30% to 50% weight in three to five months. How amazing?

Continue reading this article if you want to find out more about the benefits of Bariatric surgery.  

ALSO READ: Which Weight-Loss Surgery Is Best?

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a broad term used to refer to different surgical procedures that can help you lose weight. These surgeries can help you shed much excess unwanted weight by changing the patient's digestive system.

Some of the procedures that are covered by the term Bariatric surgery include a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric balloon. Here's a brief look at all these procedures: 

Gastric Sleeve: This is a surgery designed to reduce the size of the stomach by creating a banana-sized stomach or sleeve portion. That is done so that one can reduce the amount of food that they can consume. It is sometimes known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. 

Gastric Bypass:This procedure aims to shrink the stomach and make it small so that one. It's a complicated surgery that a qualified surgeon should only perform. 

Gastric Balloon: During this procedure, your surgeon places a medical device temporarily into your stomach. The idea behind the placement of the device or the balloon is to help you lose weight.

What are the benefits of a Bariatric Surgery?

1. Reduces risk of heart disease

Bariatric surgery is effective in reducing the risk of stroke, peripheral heart disease, and coronary heart disease. That's something that various studies have proved over the years. People who are obese have a high risk of death caused by myocardial infarction, hypertension, and stroke. Fortunately, Bariatric surgery can help reduce that risk and also enhance one's overall well-being. After going through surgery, patients' blood pressure and cholesterol levels usually return to normal (or get close to normal).  

1. Removes obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep apnea causes type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, asthma, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and daytime sleepiness. As you can tell, you don't want to have obstructive sleep apnea at any critical point in your life. So if you're going to avoid all of the above ailments, you have to figure out a way of eliminating sleep apnea. And guess what can help you do that? Yes, you're right...having Bariatric surgery. 

1. Combats depression

Poor social stigma and body image can lead to one having low-self esteem. Most obese people (young or old) find it challenging to partake in some of the activities they enjoy – and often leads to depression and social isolation. Having Bariatric surgery and losing this unwanted excess weight can help boost one's level of confidence. It can also help enhance emotional health in patients who were once obese. Studies show that patients who have had Bariatric surgery are more likely to experience a 32.7 percent decrease in their levels of depression during the surgery. The same study also found that in six to 12 months post-surgery, patients experience a 16.5 percent decrease in depression. 

1. Relieves joint pain

When you are obese or have excess weigh, your body tends to put a lot of stress or pressure on your weight-bearing joints. And this is something that often causes joint damage or even chronic around the joint area. Once you undergo a Bariatric surgery, stress on joints gets relieved, which might also mean that you won't have to take pain relief medication anymore. With Bariatric surgery, you are bound to enjoy your mobility again. 

1. Improves fertility 

Overweight females tend to have higher levels of leptin (a hormone produced in fatty tissue). Leptin can disrupt the hormone balance in their bodies and end up reducing fertility. So, having Bariatric surgery is one effective way of also getting rid of leptin and improving fertility. Studies also show that after having Bariatric surgery, the risk of miscarriage tends to decline significantly. 

1. Reduces obesity-associated cancer

Over the years, various studies have revealed that cancer of the colon, endometrium, gallbladder, pancreas, and breast can be conferred by obesity. In the US alone, 14 percent of all deaths caused by cancer are linked to overweight and obesity. Considering that Bariatric surgery can help combat obesity, on the other hand, it also shows that this surgery can help reduce the risk of having cancer. This content written and edited by FlyMedi Medical Editors in July 2021