What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery?
Obesity is a serious health condition associated with a number of health complications. The most common ones are hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain types of cancer.
How can weight loss surgery improve comorbidities?
Studies have shown that even modest amounts of weight loss can improve conditions associated with obesity, or comorbidities. Here is how weight loss surgery can show improvements in:
• Hypertension
In a study of 5,145 patients, weight loss of 5 to 10 percent increased a patient’s odds of showing 5 mmHg reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• Type 2 Diabetes
Weight loss of even just 2.5 percent shows an improvement of glycemic control. Improved glycemic control means a reduction of risk of microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes and a reduction of cardiovascular risk overall.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
About 45 percent of obese adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. Weight loss of about 10 percent shows a significant improvement of the condition.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Weight loss is usually part of the treatment plan for obesity-associated GERD. To do that, patients have to aim for a weight loss of at least 10 percent.
• Cancer
There are about 13 types of cancer associated with excess weight. By losing weight, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing one.
How can bariatric surgery help you?
For obese individuals, losing weight is not as easy as tweaking a diet and exercise routine. Studies, including one published in the BMJ, suggest that weight loss surgery is more effective than non-surgical methods (e.g. behavioral therapy, dietary changes, increased physical activity, and use of weight-loss medications).
After a 2-year follow-up, obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery were shown to lose more body weight compared to those who used the non-surgical methods. They are also shown to have an improved quality of life and lower medication use compared to those in the non-surgical group.
Bariatric Surgery at New Life
Attending or watching a FREE info session is the first step in the bariatric surgery process at New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery in Knoxville, TN. Our free educational seminar aims to provide you with more information about the different procedures and answer any questions you have.
You can attend a seminar in-person or online. Our online seminar is a convenient option that you can do anytime, anywhere as long as you have a computer and a decent internet connection.
To register to attend or watch our Bariatric seminar, visit this link or call the New Life Center Bariatric Surgery office at (865) 694-9676.
We look forward to meeting you!
New Life Center for Bariatric Surgery is part of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, Tennessee. New Life is affiliated with the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery, part of Covenant Health Bariatric Services.