Bariatric Surgery is an umbrella term used for weight loss surgeries. This surgery is conducted to enhance weight loss in obese people and help them tackle other weight-related issues at the same time. Extreme obesity has been deemed to be life-threatening. It can lead to heart-related conditions, diabetes type 2, and sleep apnea.
People with a BMI over 35 are considered as obese. BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to calculate the body fat percentage. Weight loss surgery helps you lose weight by changing the shape and function of your digestive system. This can either limit the food you consume or put a cap on the absorption of nutrients by your body.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
- Relief from Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition and the most common form of arthritis. It results in the damage of joint cartilage, which is aggravated in case of obesity. Anyone suffering from obesity exerts more weight on their joints and continuous strain can affect your knees and hips. This kind of exertion can also lead to the wear and tear of your lower spine. With less weight, less pressure, and strain is placed on joints. Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and alleviate the strain on your joints.
- Respite from Diabetes Type 2
Diabetes Type 2 is a chronic disorder in which the body resists insulin. Obese people are more prone to Diabetes type 2. If your body resists insulin, it is not able to use sugar. Studies conducted by Cleveland Clinic have shown that bariatric surgery has proven to be highly effective for diabetes patients. Many people have shown little or no need for continuing medication for diabetes 2 after undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
- Improved Reproductive Health
Weight loss surgery can improve the fertility and reproductive health of the person. Weight gain has caused hormonal imbalance which has resulted in menstrual irregularities, PCOS, PCOD, and even infertility. Bariatric Surgery has proven to improve the condition by alleviating PCOS and hormonal imbalance. Women have also been able to improve their reproductive health during their child bearing years.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health
Excess body weight can cause high cholesterol levels and lead to blockages in the blood vessels. This can detrimental to your heart health. It has also resulted in high blood pressure, which can put a person at a higher risk of stroke. By reducing excess weight through bariatric surgery, you can assuage the excess strain on your heart. It has also proven to alleviate hypertension.
- Helps dealing with Depression
A lot of obese people have body image issues, and this can trigger mental health problems. Many also suffer from eating disorders like binge eating or bulimia. There is also a social stigma attached to obesity which makes it harder for people with excess body weight to cope. In some cases, it has also resulted in social isolation and alienation. Losing excess body weight can help with body image and self-esteem. This, in turn, can keep mental health issues at bay.
- Relief from Sleep Apnea
Morbid obesity can cause respiratory issues and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which sleep frequently stops and starts. It tends to be more severe in people with excess body weight. If you are able to sustain a healthy weight after bariatric surgery, you can resolve sleep apnea to a substantial degree.
Takeaway
Bariatric Surgery is an option that should be taken when your exercise regime and meal plan is not working effectively. It can certainly help you deal with obesity and help you into becoming a healthier person. It has also been proven to have improved the quality of life of the patients. You should discuss your options with a doctor. Also, do your own research and consider the benefits as well as risks.
One should remember that Bariatric Surgery is not an isolated treatment. In fact, it is a part of an overall treatment plan which includes guidelines for nutrition intake, mental health care, and exercise regime. You will have to stick to this plan to achieve your weight loss goals and holistic health.
