If you tired of dealing with excess fat, you have probably considered bariatric surgery. This can be a lifechanging event for patients with obesity. But did you know that there are benefits of bariatric surgery besides fat loss? Let’s take a look.
Bariatric Surgery
There are several different kinds of bariatric surgery. These procedures produce sustainable weight loss for patients with obesity who have not achieved success with other weight loss attempts. Typically, bariatric surgery reduces the stomach’s capacity to limit food intake and help you feel fuller.
Bariatric surgery offers significant and sustained weight loss but there are more benefits. Patients with a BMI of 35 or more can develop serious health issues due to the excess fat. Furthermore, almost all patients with a BMI of 40 or more are candidates for bariatric surgery.
Long Term Remission for Type 2 Diabetes
Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can help patients achieve long-term remission for type 2 diabetes. This study shows that the procedure is highly effective for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Nearly all patients remained free of insulin and other related medications for at least three years after surgery.
Depression Relief
Many patients with obesity feel depressed due to social stigmas or poor body image. Even younger patients can find it difficult to participate in activities, leading to social isolation and depression. Losing the excess fat can improve emotional health in many patients. In fact, one study found a 32.7% decrease in depression at the time of surgery and 16.5% decrease six to twelve months after surgery.
Improved Cardiovascular Health 
Bariatric surgery can decrease a person’s risk of stroke, peripheral heart disease and coronary heart disease. Additionally, one study reported that weight loss can prevent the risk of death associated with stroke, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. This is because after bariatric surgery, blood pressure and cholesterol levels can return to normal or near normal which reduces these risks and improves the patient’s overall well-being.
Joint Pain Relief
When the body carries excess weight, the joints are under a lot of stress. This can cause chronic pain and joint damage. However, significant, and sustained weight loss can relieve stress on joints. This means patients can stop using pain medications and enjoy greater mobility.
Eliminate Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Achieving and sustaining fat loss can allow people with sleep apnea to stop using a CPAP machine. Between 80-85% of patients experienced remission of their sleep apnea one year after bariatric surgery.
Improve Fertility
Bariatric surgery can improve fertility for women in their childbearing years. Additionally, some studies report that the risk of miscarriage can decline after bariatric surgery. Fat loss can also improve menstrual cycles for women who don’t ovulate.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Besides Fat Loss
These are just a few of the benefits you can experience after bariatric surgery. If you are ready to learn more about your options for bariatric surgery, please contact Maryland Bariatrics.
