Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is the most effective option for the resolution of obesity and the diseases (called co-morbidities) that arise with it.
To those who live with morbid obesity, it is obvious that this disease, which has now become an epidemic in the United States, presents more than just the obvious detrimental effects. Obesity is a primary contributing factor to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, acid reflux and cancer to name a few. Further, routine tasks and travel become more of a burden including tying shoes, climbing stairs, finding clothes that fit and fitting into an airplane or stadium seat. There is no doubt that obesity has a severely negative effect on everyday life. Indeed, because of morbid obesity, many choose not to participate in certain activities and may feel that you have limited career choices.
Bariatric surgery provides significantly more than just weight loss. It is a pathway to a healthier life. It can help or completely resolve many of the common precursors to major disease.
We recommended bariatric surgery as a treatment option for patients who have tried diet and exercise, but have had no improvement in their obesity and co-morbid conditions. We suggest that every individual considering bariatric surgery research the risks of surgery versus the risks of not having surgery. For many patients the results of this research can be both eye-opening and astounding and many find that bariatric surgery today may eliminate the need for much more drastic surgery later.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2004 shows how bariatric surgery can improve the following co-morbidities:
- Type 2 diabetes was improved significantly in 86%
of patients and resolved in 76% of patients. - High Blood Pressure was improved in 78% of patients and resolved in 61%
- High cholesterol levels were reduced in over 70% of patients
- Sleep apnea was eliminated 85% of patients
