Bariatric Surgery – Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery may often be seen as the final step for those seeking to lose weight but it is also transformative for so many grappling with the chronic disease of obesity. Its well-known capacity for inducing very significant weight loss is just the tip of the iceberg. The benefits of bariatric surgery cause a cascade of health and well-being benefits, thus positioning it as not merely as a weight management solution but rather a pivotal healthcare intervention. Delving deeper into bariatric surgery, we find it encompasses a variety of procedures such as roux-en-y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, SADI-S and OAGB/mini-gastric bypass and others. These operations work by altering the digestive system to limit food intake, reduce nutrient absorption and induce metabolic changes conducive to weight loss. Surgical treatment of obesity can markedly improve health and uplift overall life quality.The range of bariatric surgery’s health benefits is broad and impactful:

A standout benefit of bariatric surgery is its ability to bring about remission in Type 2 Diabetes sufferers. Significant blood glucose level improvements post-surgery, allow many patients with diabetes to cut down or completely stop their diabetic medication. This rapid control of glucose levels, occurring even before major weight loss, hints at factors other than weight loss at work, possibly including hormonal and metabolic shifts that boost insulin sensitivity.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery markedly diminishes the risk of heart-related diseases, including coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. The ensuing weight loss after surgery significantly improves  hypertension, cholesterol levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors, paving the way for a longer, healthier life.

Ease from Sleep Apnoea

The link between obstructive sleep apnoea and obesity is well-documented. Post-surgery, many patients report a decrease in the severity of sleep apnoea and many may even experience complete resolution of their sleep apnoea. This leads to improved sleep quality and lessens risk of related health complications.

Excess weight is a significant load and burden for joints, often resulting in chronic pain and mobility issues. Significant weight loss following bariatric surgery alleviates this pressure, especially on the knees, hips, and back, enhancing mobility and usually dramatically reducing dependency on pain relief or and delaying the need for joint replacement.

Fertility and Hormonal Health Improvements

Obesity can impair reproductive health. Post-surgery weight loss has shown to enhance fertility, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and can lead to the normalization of menstrual cycles, positively affecting fertility and the likelihood of pregnancy.

Mental Health Enhancements

The surgery’s impact on mental health is profound, with many experiencing uplifts in mood, reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boost in self-esteem. These improvements are largely attributed to the positive shifts in physical health, appearance, and life quality.

Lowered Cancer Risk

Obesity significantly increases cancer risk. Bariatric surgery and the significant weight reduction may reduce the risk of certain cancers associated with obesity, such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.

 

Deciding to pursue bariatric surgery is a profound choice that requires careful consideration and consultation with healthcare experts. At Blackrock WeightCare, we recommend visiting the “Do I Qualify” section on our website to determine your eligibility. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section will also allow you to gather further information before scheduling a consultation with a surgeon. It is crucial to realise that committing to surgery also means committing to enduring lifestyle changes to maintain the benefits of the health improvements achieved after surgery.

In conclusion, bariatric surgery is more than a procedure for weight loss—it’s a gateway to a healthier, more fulfilling life for those dealing with the complex challenges of obesity. The spectrum of health benefits which accrue after bariatric surgery affirms its critical role for those patients who live with the complex disease of obesity and who are eligible for surgical treatment.