Bariatric surgery is well known for helping patients lose a large amount of weight and keep it off for a long period of time. Did you know there are a number of other long-term bariatric surgery benefits that can have a significant impact on your longevity, as well as your quality of life?
Enhanced diabetes control
Many studies have shown that bariatric surgery helps people with diabetes to better control their disease, sometimes to the point of remission. In one study,the majority of individuals with diabetes went into remission after their surgery.
Improved cholesterol levels
Post-surgery patients have higher levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the long term, along with lower levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol can lead to arterial buildup, making it harder for blood to flow through your body and putting you at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Good cholesterol, on the other hand, takes excess cholesterol from your cells and tissues and returns it to the liver to be re-purposed.
Lower levels of triglycerides
Bariatric surgery helps reduce patients’ levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood that can increase risk of heart disease.
Improved obesity-related breathing disorders
Asthma and sleep apnea, the latter of which is a serious sleep disorder associated with repeated pauses in breathing, are often improved or even resolved for patients who have bariatric surgery.
Better quality of life
Your overall quality of life is likely to improve after bariatric surgery. Your self-esteem will probably get a boost, as will your social interactions and sexual function. Depression and anxiety are often reduced, and you’re less likely to be unemployed. You’ll also be more likely to engage in physical activity, which, combined with weight loss, may increase your body’s ability to burn fat.
Improved longevity
Along with all of these other positive changes comes one of the most important bariatric surgery benefits – improved longevity. One study found that people who underwent the surgery had up to an 89 percent greater reduction in mortality throughout a five-year observation period. And since bariatric surgery lowers your risk of developing many serious, obesity-related health issues and can improve or eliminate ones you already have, the impact on your longevity maybe significant.
Bariatric surgery benefits are wide-ranging and can last for many years after the procedure. To find out if bariatric surgery may be appropriate for you, contact BMI of Texas for more information.