7 really is a lucky number when it comes to the benefits of Bariatric surgery, known as weight loss surgery to the non-scientific community, has many benefits well beyond the happiness of losing some inches off the waistline. 7 really is a lucky number when it comes to weight loss surgery. There are 7 well documented scientific benefits to this type of surgery that not everybody is aware of I am going to give you a brief overview today:
1 – Long term remission of diabetes – studies have shown that gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery can cause long term remission of type 2 diabetes, allowing most patients to remain free of insulin and other related medications for three years post-surgery.
2 – Relief of joint pain and improved results post orthopaedic surgery – studies have shown that bariatric surgery before joint reconstruction can improve the post-surgery outcomes due to reduced force bearing on the joints. Outside of surgery reduced weight on weight-bearing joints allows people to reduce medication and increase mobility.
3 – Improvements in fertility – a study showed there may be an improvement in fertility and reduced risk of miscarriage after weight loss surgery. Fertility clinics are now starting to refer obese patients for weight loss surgery prior to fertility treatment.
4 – Eliminate sleep conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea – studies have sown achieving a normal weight range through weight loss surgery can remove the need for a CPAP sleep-aiding machine at bedtime. Around 80 to 85% of patients may experience remission in sleep apnoea after surgery.
5 – Improved cardiovascular health – studies have shown that weight loss surgery reduces an individual’s risk of stroke, coronary heart disease and peripheral heart disease. Blood pressure and levels of cholesterol can return close to normal or normal levels reducing all these risks and wellbeing.
6 – Relief of depression – the public still do not necessarily see obesity as a disease, this adds to the social stigma and feeling of poor body image thus improving the wellbeing of many obese patients. Reduction in the ability to take part in activities and sports can lead to social isolation and depression. Social isolation has been shown to be as detrimental to health as smoking! Weight loss surgery has been shown to reduce depression by 32.7% at the time of surgery and 16.5% 12 months after surgery.
7 – Last but no means least reduction in cancer risk – studies have shown a lower incidence of cancer after weight loss surgery. These include endometrial, pancreatic, post-menopausal breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
This article is not health advice, please reach out to a GP or Weight loss surgeon if you are interested to know how weight loss surgery may affect your health.
