Significant weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can have profound effects on overall health, positively impacting various aspects of physical and mental wellbeing. The specific health benefits can vary depending on the type of surgery (e.g. Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve or Gastric Band) and individual factors.
Here are some common ways in which significant weight loss surgery can affect overall health.
Significant weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can have profound effects on overall health, positively impacting various aspects of physical and mental wellbeing. The specific health benefits can vary depending on the type of surgery (e.g., Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Band) and individual factors.
Here are some common ways in which significant weight loss surgery can affect overall health.
Weight loss and obesity-related conditions
Bariatric surgery typically results in significant weight loss, helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthier body weight. Many obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain, often show improvement or resolution after weight loss surgery.
Metabolic health
Weight loss surgery can enhance insulin sensitivity, leading to better blood sugar control and, in some cases, remission of type 2 diabetes. Surgery may positively impact cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular health
Weight loss and improved metabolic health contribute to a lower risk of heart disease and related complications. Weight loss can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, strokes, and peripheral heart disease. This is due to blood pressure and cholesterol levels being reduced putting less pressure on the heart.
Respiratory function
Weight loss surgery can lead to a reduction or resolution of sleep apnea, improving respiratory function and sleep quality. Those who use CPAP machines before bed have reported a reduced need or have stopped using their CPAP machines after weight loss surgery and are sleeping more peacefully as a result. Having a good night’s sleep can also make it easier to control your appetite. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can have many negative affects on the way the human body works – including reduced brain function, a reduced metabolism and changes to the release of hunger hormones.
Joint health
Weight loss can alleviate stress on joints, reducing pain and improving mobility, especially in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Carrying excess weight puts a lot of stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, often causing chronic pain and can lead to joint damage. By losing the excess weight, this takes the pressure off of the joints, making it easier for them to move and recover, giving the individual their mobility back without pain or with a reduced use of painkillers.
Mental health
Weight loss and improvements in health can positively impact mental wellbeing, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Achieving weight loss goals may also boost self-esteem and body image. Before weight loss surgery, many will feel self-conscious about the way they look due to perceived views from society and may not feel they are able to do activities they feel they would enjoy, often leading to a depressive state. By having weight loss surgery, the weight loss you achieve will leave you feeling happier about the way you look and able to participate in activities of your choosing.
Gastrointestinal health
Some individuals may experience improvement or resolution of GERD symptoms after certain types of weight loss surgery.
Reproductive health
Weight loss can enhance fertility in individuals who struggled with infertility due to obesity.
Cancer risk reduction
Weight loss may lower the risk of obesity-related cancers, such as breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancers.
Long-term survival
Studies suggest that significant weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery is associated with increased life expectancy.
It’s important to note that while weight loss surgery has many potential health benefits, it is not without risks and complications. Additionally, the degree of success and the impact on overall health can vary among individuals. The decision to undergo weight loss surgery should be made in consultation with the healthcare professionals who can assess individual health status and provide appropriate guidance. Additionally, post-surgery, individuals need to commit to adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including dietary modifications and regular physical activity, to maximise the long-term benefits of the surgery.
We not only want to help you achieve your weight loss goals, but to also help to improve your health too, so that you can be the best version of you. Our patients tell us that weight loss is not the only positive effect they experience after their procedure. The transformation affects so many aspects of their lives and it is what makes our job so fulfilling. To start your journey to a healthier you, speak to one of our friendly professionals today.
To enquire with Streamline about the weight loss procedures we offer, please call 0333 016 3030 or fill in the online enquiry form below.