When we hear the term “weight loss surgery” or “bariatric surgery” we associate this with a person undergoing surgery in order to help them lose weight, a procedure not only changing/prolonging their life but quite often saving their life.
What not discussed as often are the additional positive physical/medical “side effects” of having weight loss surgery. Whatever weight loss surgery procedure your consultant decides is the best option for you, the initial aim is to change the way the body processes food and to change the relationship with food. As patients lose the excess weight over time, they often find they also “lose” other medical issues that may have originated from being overweight. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.
Weight loss surgery vs intensive medical therapy for type 2 diabetes
The New England Journal of Medicine conducted a study of participants (with a BMI between 27 – 43) whose outcomes were assessed over a 5 year period. They were split into two groups; one group was given intensive medical therapy for their type 2 diabetes, the other was provided intensive medical therapy as well as a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
The findings of the study indicated that using a combination of intensive medical therapy as well as bariatric surgery was more effective in decreasing, and in some cases resolving type 2 diabetes. This has been our experience here at Upper GI Surgery. Patients previously suffering with type 2 diabetes have found themselves no longer suffering from this as a result of weight loss surgery and a healthier body/lifestyle.
Weight loss surgery and the effects on knee problems and knee osteoarthritis
One of the most significant risk factors for osteoarthritis is obesity, with the increased weight placing strain on the knee joint. The effects of both non-operative and operative weight loss measures have been shown to improve knee pain, function and biomechanics.
Weight loss surgery and sleep apnoea
One of the most common causes of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults is excess weight and obesity. Unfortunately this condition can also become an excuse for being overweight, with an in-balance of hormones due to poor sleep conditions and food cravings due to fatigue. Following weight loss surgery and weight loss, patients have seen significant improvements and are even cured of long-term sleep apnoea. They find themselves sleeping much more comfortably and longer at night than before they lost the weight.
The above are just a few of the common medical problems associated with being overweight, there are many more that can be treated by both natural weight loss and weight loss following bariatric surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight has many lifelong benefits.
If you are suffering from medical problems that you believe are a result of your weight, then you should consult your doctor who will be able to advise you of the steps to take towards a healthier lifestyle.
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