Bariatric surgery is a popular option that has helped many people lose the excess weight. Whether weight loss surgery is the right step or not is a decision that should be made after discussion with your family,  a primary care physician, a weight loss surgeon, a dietitian and a psychologist. This is a life-changing experience that requires thorough explanation and detailed information before and after surgery, from all parties that will be involved.

But putting your best foot forward may appear much harder than it really is when excessive weight gain poses numerous challenges. The quest to lose weight can seem like a daunting task when time, effort and money are spent on dietary programs and supplements that never work. The fear of failed efforts, rejection and scrutiny undoubtedly affects an individual’s social and emotional life.

However, it is good to keep in mind that there are numerous benefits from having a normal weight. Also, the number of health improvements that can be experienced after bariatric surgery are worth the effort!

Here are a few ways that Bariatric surgery can improve your life:

Lower blood cholesterol levels

Persons with high blood cholesterol are at an increased risk of heart disease. There is a greater chance of developing plaque in the walls of the artery that can harden over time and limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to body organs like the heart.  Because the blood has to flow through a narrow and plaque filled vessel, this can lead to high blood pressure.

When a plaque is cracked or ruptured, it can break off and travel to other parts of the body where blood vessels may become blocked.  This can lead to serious health problems including a stroke or heart attack. Over 80 percent of patients develop normal cholesterol levels soon after weight loss surgery.

Decrease symptoms of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes the breath to stop for brief periods during sleep. This frightening experience is strongly associated with obesity. After WLS and as the weight is gradually lost, the symptoms of sleep apnea decreases and the benefits of a more restful sleep can be experienced.

Improvement in Asthma or Respiratory insufficiency

Excess weight can make breathing difficult. People with asthma may experience changes in the number and frequency of attacks or have less severe attacks as their weight is gradually reduced. Improved exercise tolerance and the ability to participate in sports activities can also be reached.

Improvement in bladder control

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine caused by excess strain from the weight that is placed on the muscles of the pelvic floor. The condition is significantly improved after WLS and as the weight is normalized.

Cure from Gallbladder disease

Gallbladder disease is often associated with obesity. This small organ that helps with digestion may become blocked and inflamed resulting in the inability to perform its function. For those persons who have gallbladder disease, the bariatric surgeons may remove the gallbladder during WLS resulting in a cure for the disease.

Remission of Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Like other common illnesses associated with obesity, the condition can also lead to Type II Diabetes. An increasing waist circumference denotes greater health risks and an increased risk of diabetes. The effects of weight loss surgery on diabetes in persons who are overweight are often described as profound. Excellent results such as normal blood-sugar levels and normal hemoglobin A1C values can be experienced after weight loss surgery.

Relief from degenerative joint disease

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a chronic condition that mostly affects areas such as the knees, hips and lower back.  When excess weight is consistently placed on these joints the protective cartilage is lost.  The result is extreme pain and even disability.  Weight loss surgery can provide considerable relief, especially when there is no structural or nerve damage already present.