Health Care

7 Life-Changing Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

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Why do people want to get bariatric surgery? In one study, researchers asked 40 women who were about to have a bariatric procedure. “Weight loss” was the most common response before the surgery.

A year after the surgery, however, things had changed. The women had indeed lost weight, but when they were asked about the most satisfying aspects of getting bariatric surgery, the top answer was “improved self-esteem.”

What this study showed — and what our surgeons and former patients know — is that bariatric surgery has numerous benefits. While some aren’t as obvious as substantial weight loss, they’re no less significant.

“I see many profound changes in my patients after surgery,” says distinguished bariatric surgeon Naga Thatimatla, MD, FACS, FASMBS. “They show more mental and physical energy, improved heart health and overall improved quality of life. Their renewed outlook inspires me.”

If you’re considering bariatric surgery and are researching your options, Dr. Thatimatla wants you to know about these seven benefits that could change your life, so you can feel confident starting your transformation journey.

1. Helpful Hormonal Changes

Overall, bariatric surgery is more likely to lead to lasting weight loss than dieting. Hormonal changes after surgery usually have a neutral or positive impact on how the body burns calories. Dieting, in contrast, may have a negative effect.

2. Improved Blood Sugar Levels

Type 2 diabetes typically improves or goes away after bariatric surgery — and it may not take long to see results. In some cases, people who have diabetes and get a gastric bypass sometimes leave the hospital with normal blood sugar levels.

“In patients who undergo duodenal switch, diabetes is resolved or at least improved in around 95% of them and with gastric bypass, sometimes they leave the hospital with normal blood sugar levels,” says Dr. Thatimatla. “With sleeve gastrectomy, blood sugar improvement for some patients starts around the time they go home.”

3. Better Cardiovascular Health

LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels often go down after bariatric surgery. HDL (or “good”) cholesterol levels often go up. The surgery may also lower or eliminate high blood pressure, improving your heart health.

4. Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Conditions

Other obesity-related conditions that frequently improve after bariatric surgery include:

  • Fatty liver disease
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea

5. More Physical Energy

Losing excess weight makes it easier to be physically active and get into an exercise routine that works for you. In turn, the combination of increased physical activity and weight loss improves the body’s ability to burn fat.

6. Enhanced Mental Well-Being

A more active lifestyle, coupled with successful weight loss, can also brighten your overall outlook. Bariatric surgery has been linked to decreased levels of depression and anxiety, too.

7. Better Quality of Life

All in all, people report a better quality of life after bariatric surgery. In some cases, they’re more likely to be employed, and they have more meaningful social interactions.

“Bariatric surgery helps your physical health, but the benefits can influence everything from your mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being,” says Dr. Thatimatla. “If you’re considering taking this step, our team is here to help you. We’ll be with you on this path to your new life.”

Get Started with Personalized Bariatric Care

At AdventHealth Dade City, we know that diet and exercise alone often aren’t enough to get you where you want to be. That’s why our weight-loss solutions go beyond what’s on your plate and how you work out to help you build a healthier body, mind and spirit.

When you’re ready to make a change, our team is ready to help you get started. To learn more or to request an appointment, call Call800-270-3043, or click here.

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