Weight Loss Surgery Benefits
If you're doctors tell you that you are qualified for weight loss surgery, it's likely that they believe you stand a very good chance of realizing multiple benefits from undergoing the bariatric surgery.
These benefits start with weight loss - the ostensible goal of the procedure - but they extend far beyond that, as studies indicate weight loss surgery "may be among the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and... (certain types of) liver disease," among other conditions, according to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. (1)
A study published by JAMA in 2004 documented marked improvement in obesity-related medical conditions for bariatric surgery patients:
"Diabetes was completely resolved in 76.8% of patients and resolved or improved in 86.0%. Hyperlipidemia improved in 70% or more of patients. Hypertension was resolved in 61.7% of patients and resolved or improved in 78.5%. Obstructive sleep apnea was resolved in 85.7% of patients and was resolved or improved in 83.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Effective weight loss was achieved in morbidly obese patients after undergoing bariatric surgery. A substantial majority of patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea experienced complete resolution or improvement." (2)
Treating obesity with weight loss surgery helps patients not only extend their lives (3) but it helps them improve the quality of their lives as well.
By losing weight, many patients feel that they are taking control over a malady that had once controlled them, reporting improved self esteem and a decrease in anxiety and depression. (4)
The benefits of weight loss surgery are tremendous for those who need it most. As more people realize these benefits and enjoy happier, healthier, longer lives, the benefits of weight loss surgery become more apparent.
(1) http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/resources/press_release_8202007.pdf accessed 3/1/2010
(2) Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, Jensen MD, Pories W, Fahrbach K, Schoelles K., "Bariatric Surgery. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" JAMA 2004;292(14):1724-37.
(3) Nicolas V. Christou, MD, PhD, John S. Sampalis, PhD, Moishe Liberman, MD, Didier Look, MD, Stephane Auger, BSc, Alexander P.H. McLean, MD, and Lloyd D. MacLean, MD, PhD "Surgery Decreases Long-term Mortality, Morbidity, and Health Care Use in Morbidly Obese Patients" Annals of Surgery 2004;240(3):416-24.
(4) T. Wadden, D. Sarwer, A. Fabricatore, L. Jones, R. Stack, N. Williams "Psychosocial and behavioral status of patients undergoing bariatric surgery: what to expect before and after surgery" The Medical Clinics of North America, 2007 May;91(3):451-69