Losing a lot of weight in a short time is one of the main benefits of bariatric surgery. It’s why so many people struggling with obesity choose to have the surgery.
But weight loss is only one of the benefits of bariatric surgery.
AZ Weight Loss Clinic in Phoenix, Glendale, and Tucson, Arizona, is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery. Our team of skilled surgeons and our registered dietitian have helped many people reach their weight goals from bariatric surgery and see all the benefits.
In this month’s blog, we want to share the benefits of bariatric surgery besides helping you lose weight.
Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease. The heart has to work harder when you have excess body weight, increasing the risk of injury to the muscle that leads to heart failure. Obesity is also a risk factor for other chronic diseases that affect heart health like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Research shows that weight loss following bariatric surgery benefits the heart by improving heart-related risk factors — lowering blood pressure and cholesterol — as well as heart structure and function.
Obesity can make it harder to get a good night’s rest. Not getting enough quality sleep affects hormones that control appetite, making you hungrier during the day.
Obesity also increases the risk of sleep conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. The majority of people with OSA are obese.
Losing weight can improve the quality of your sleep, helping with appetite control. If you have OSA, weight loss after bariatric surgery may improve breathing and eliminate the need for treatments like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
One of the most notable benefits of bariatric surgery is the potential for improving the management of Type 2 diabetes and disease remission. Many patients have blood sugar levels that return to normal after surgery, so they no longer need diabetes medication.
The benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetes are immediate because of how the surgery changes eating habits. We offer dietary counseling before and after surgery to help you with these changes.
Improving blood sugar significantly decreases the risk of diabetes-related complications like kidney disease, neuropathy, and heart disease.
Excess body weight also affects sexual health. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that makes it hard for women to maintain a healthy weight and get pregnant. Bariatric surgery may improve fertility in women with PCOS and their chances of conception.
Obesity is also linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Weight loss following bariatric surgery may alleviate ED, improving men’s sexual health.
Excess weight places undue stress on weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, and back. The weight and stress accelerates joint degeneration and the onset of osteoarthritis, resulting in chronic pain and inflammation.
Significant weight loss from bariatric surgery relieves pressure on the joints, reducing pain and inflammation. Weight loss also boosts energy. Less pain and more energy may lead to more physical activity, which also helps reduce pain.
The psychological benefits of bariatric surgery are profound. People living with obesity may experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Chronic pain and other physical ailments associated with excess weight often compound these issues.
Most of our patients report improved mood and increased self-confidence after weight loss.
One of the most significant benefits of bariatric surgery beyond weight loss is the potential for a better quality of life.
With decreased risks of life-threatening conditions, individuals who reach and maintain a healthy weight may live a long, active, and healthier life.
Are you considering bariatric surgery? Schedule a consultation by phone or online today with our team at the office nearest you. We can discuss your weight loss options and all the benefits that come with it.