Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is an effective method to manage weight. The surgery can be highly successful in treating obese people who have not been able to lose weight through traditional weight-loss methods, such as diet, exercise, medicines, and more. Depending on your overall condition and other factors, the doctor may suggest bariatric surgery to improve your quality of life.
Excess Weight Gain and General Well-Being
Too much weight is not just about physical appearance, it may take a toll on your general well-being, affecting your quality of life physically, mentally, as well as psychologically. Excess weight puts strain on various organs of your body, thus weakening them before time.
Obese individuals are afflicted with many chronic conditions which become difficult to treat at some point in time. Having too much weight also affects your immunity on certain levels. You become prone to catching infections and other conditions more frequently than an otherwise healthy person.
Too much weight on your body can have a negative weight on your mental health. Obese individuals become the butt of all jokes in their friend circles, which affects their self-confidence and self-esteem on many levels. They start questioning their existence and often fall prey to mental conditions like frustration and depression. Some people also experience suicidal thoughts, anxiety, frequent breakdowns, etc.
The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery comes as a ray of hope for individuals who have been struggling to lose weight, look their best, and feel healthy. Here are the benefits of this surgery.
- The success rate of bariatric surgery is very high.
- Weight loss surgery has many types. Depending on your overall health and other factors, the surgeon may recommend the best type for you.
- Weight loss surgery improves your quality of life. You start taking care of your body on many levels.
- Weight loss surgery makes you physically active.
- You get rid of mental health issues associated with weight gain, such as binge eating, depression, insomnia, and more.
- In addition to helping you lose weight, weight loss surgery treats many other health conditions.
Common Obesity-Related Health Conditions Addressed by Weight Loss Surgery
Good news! Opting for weight loss surgery will not only help you get rid of the excessive weight gain or your physical appearance. This surgery addresses many other obesity-related health conditions that may otherwise take a toll on your healthy well-being.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the major life-altering conditions related to obesity. People who are obese usually have type 2 diabetes. Due to extra weight, you may become resistant to insulin, making your body regulate blood sugar properly. At some point, this condition may become life-threatening.
Opting for bariatric surgery will improve or resolve your diabetes by enabling the body to require less medication. It will also improve your general health. Many people have reported improved sugar levels after undergoing weight loss surgery. The doctor recommends a gastric bypass for people who have type 2 diabetes.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people obese people. This condition blocks the airway during sleep, usually due to excess neck fat. As a result, your breathing may be paused along with lower levels of oxygen. Both these occurrences may affect your sleep quality and overall being.
Weight loss surgery helps relieve sleep apnea because of the reduction of weight, enabling you to breathe more easily and to sleep better. You will barely experience disturbed sleep after this procedure.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a common condition in obese people, and opting for weight loss surgery can fix the same. Being overweight also puts a lot of stress on the heart, resulting in high blood pressure.
During the surgical treatment of obesity, high amounts of weight loss result in lower blood pressure that eventually reduces your risk of cardiovascular condition. You can also cut down on your hypertension medication after the surgery. Eventually, there is a lower risk of complications like heart attack or stroke.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis or joint pain is another common condition that many people with obesity experience. It puts additional stress on the knee and hip joints which further exposes these areas to regular wear and tear and pain, thereby reducing movement and mobility.
Weight loss surgery can help you lose excess weight, and as a result, the strain on your joints will be reduced. You will also experience decreased pain and inflammation in these areas. Weight loss surgery improves your ability to move and engage in physical activity more often so you can go back to your active lifestyle.
Takeaway
Weight loss surgery can be a life-changing event in many ways. Each of these conditions is greatly improved when you opt for surgery. Get in touch with your surgeon, discuss your health history, and they will suggest the best type of weight loss surgery. All the best.