Benefits of Surgery

The benefits of Bariatric surgery extend far beyond just weight loss.

• Most of the comorbidities associated with obesity, and particularly Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep apnea, Asthma and painful joints will be either completely resolved or significantly improved with weight loss.
• High Blood Pressure can often be alleviated or eliminated by weight loss surgery
• High Blood Cholesterol in 80% of patients can be alleviated or eliminated and in as little as 2-3 months post-operatively.
• Heart Disease in obese individuals is certainly more likely to be experienced when compared to persons who are of average weight and adhere to a strict diet and exercise regimen.There is no hard and fast statistical data to definitively prove that weight loss surgery reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, however, common sense would dictate that if we can significantly reduce many of the co-morbidities that we experienced as someone who is obese, our health may be much improved if not totally restored.
• Diabetes Mellituscan usually be controlled of its complications, and it is likely that the problems associated with diabetes will be arrested in their progression when blood sugar is maintained at normal values.
• In many cases the need for Joint replacement surgery can be avoided or forestalled.
• Low Back Pain and Degenerative Disk Disease, and Degenerative Joint Disease can be considerably relieved with weight loss, and greater comfort may be experienced even after as few as 25 lost pounds.
• Patients on CPAP machines are usually able to discontinue their CPAP within 3-6 months of surgery
• Sleep Apnea Syndromesufferers may experience dramatic effects, with many experiencing complete relief from their symptoms within a year or so of surgery.
• Asthmasufferers may find that they have fewer and less severe attacks, or sometimes none at all. When asthma is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, it is particularly benefited by gastric bypass.
• Fertility and Libido is also significantly improved after weight loss.Something to think about in the first few months after surgery – we would recommend not getting pregnant within the first 6 months after surgery.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can be greatly relieved of all symptoms within as little as a few days of surgery.
• Gallbladder Disease can be surgically handled at the time of the weight loss surgery if your doctor has cause to believe that gallstones are present.
• Stress Urinary Incontinence responds dramatically to weight loss, usually by becoming completely controlled. A person who is still troubled by incontinence can choose to have specific corrective surgery later, with much greater chance of a successful outcome, with a reduced body weight.
• Most patients also experience an improvement in their feeling of self-worth and confidence as well as improved energy particularly as their sleep apnea resolves.
• There is also now strong evidence that Obesity surgery extends life compared to best conservative management and improves the quality of life.
• The key however is early intervention because, the longer a comorbidity has been damaging your health, the harder it may be to reverse.

Weight loss surgery is a highly personal decision; it is also a medical decision. Your doctor should discuss the risks and help you measure the probability of benefits so that you can make an informed decision.