What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
Reviewed by Karla Tafra,
Nutritionist, US
(Source: JAMA 2012.)
Weight loss surgery can be life-changing for people who want to lose weight. But did you know that bariatric surgery offers more health benefits than just weight loss?
Some of the advantages of bariatric surgery are:
Weight Loss
Bariatric surgeries can provide weight loss success in the long run.
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) says that over 90% of severely obese bariatric patients can keep off more than half the weight lost, successfully.[1]American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. “Benefits of Bariatric Surgery.”
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The amount of weight loss depends on your type of surgery. Moreover, weight loss surgery is not a shortcut to weight loss. It is a lifestyle change that requires a constant commitment to better health and fitness. One needs to stay focused and get through all the weight loss stalls.
The pros of gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgeries go beyond just losing weight:
Better Health and Resolution of Co-morbidities
If the patient follows the right post-op lifestyle, it can help in the elimination of related co-morbidities.
Some of the health conditions which can get resolved through bariatric surgery are:
- Hypertension or High Blood Pressure (HBP)
- Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)
- Abnormal Cholesterol Levels
- Sleep Apnea
- Asthma
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Stress Incontinence
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Arthritis
Studies, as well as the experiences of our clients, have shown that bariatric surgery helps in getting off medication.
“My BMI was 31, but I had many comorbidity factors which showed that a low BMI patient could benefit greatly from bariatric surgery. This is why I chose to do it. My health is GREAT now!” – Melonie F. (A Mexico Bariatric Services Client)
Beneficial to Diabetic Patients
Bariatric surgery can make a big difference for people with type 2 diabetes. ASBMS explains the benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetes. It states that the surgery
- Improves type 2 diabetes in nearly 90% of patients
- Causes type 2 diabetes to go into remission in 78% of people
Increased Longevity
People choosing weight loss surgery are less likely to die in the next 10 years than those not getting the operation.[2]NCBI
Association between bariatric surgery and long-term survival
” …Surgical patients (n = 2500)…Matched control patients (n = 7462)…At the end of the 14-year study period, there were a total of 263 deaths in the surgical group…and 1277 deaths in the matched control group… “
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Resolution of the co-morbidities of obesity results in a reduction in mortality rates.[3]Courcoulas, Anita P. et al. “Long-Term Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery: A National Institutes of Health Symposium.” JAMA surgery 149.12 (2014): 1323–1329. PMC. Web. 2 July 2018.
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A study by Christou et al.[4]Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Cleveland Clinic
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Improved Quality of Life
Post-bariatric patients experience decreased depression and better emotional health. They report higher energy levels and lead a more active life.
A 2017 study talks about the “Circle of Discontent” which indicates that there is a negative connotation with weight gain, which leads to emotional eating, and this results in uncontrollable weight gain.[5]Christou NV, Sampalis JS, Liberman M, et al. Surgery decreases long-term mortality, morbidity, and health care use in morbidly obese patients. Ann Surg 2004; 240:416–423; discussion 423–424
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When bariatric patients start losing weight, their self-confidence gets a significant boost, and this improves their mental health.[6]Jumbe, Sandra, Claire Hamlet, and Jane Meyrick. “Psychological Aspects of Bariatric Surgery as a Treatment for Obesity.” Current Obesity Reports 6.1 (2017): 71–78.
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Helps with PCOS and Improves Fertility
Weight loss surgery can be an effective PCOS treatment, and increase the odds you conceive.
Save Money on Medicines and Food
A higher BMI has been linked to severe health issues. A study by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health says that weight loss leads to financial savings as it considerably lowers medical costs.[7]Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health “Weight Loss for Adults at Any Age Leads to Cost Savings, Study Suggests. Even going from obese to overweight leads to lower medical costs, productivity savings”
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The research indicates that a 20-year-old adult who goes from being obese to slightly overweight would save an average of $17,655 in direct medical costs and productivity losses over their lifetime.
While weight-loss surgery can offer many benefits, all types of bariatric surgery are major procedures that can pose serious risks and side effects. Also, to ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery, you must make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise.
Congratulations if you’ve decided to get the surgery done. Here’s how to mentally prepare for this procedure.
This Post Addresses
- What is the success rate of weight loss surgery?
- How bariatric surgery benefits diabetic patients?
- How bariatric surgery is related to life span?
- What health conditions can resolve or improve after bariatric surgery?
References:
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. “Benefits of Bariatric Surgery.”
- David E Arterburn, Maren K Olsen et al. Association between bariatric surgery and long-term survival. JAMA. 2015 Jan 6;313(1):62-70.
- Courcoulas, Anita P. et al. “Long-Term Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery: A National Institutes of Health Symposium.” JAMA surgery 149.12 (2014): 1323–1329. PMC. Web. 2 July 2018.
- Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. Cleveland Clinic
- Christou NV, Sampalis JS, Liberman M, et al. Surgery decreases long-term mortality, morbidity, and health care use in morbidly obese patients. Ann Surg 2004; 240:416–423; discussion 423–424
- Jumbe, Sandra, Claire Hamlet, and Jane Meyrick. “Psychological Aspects of Bariatric Surgery as a Treatment for Obesity.” Current Obesity Reports 6.1 (2017): 71–78.
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health “Weight Loss for Adults at Any Age Leads to Cost Savings, Study Suggests. Even going from obese to overweight leads to lower medical costs, productivity savings“
All you need is a strong resolve to lose weight and regain good health!
