Weight loss is key to resolving many health conditions. For some, it is possible to lose weight through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, but for others, it is a constant battle to achieve weight loss with these methods. Research from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) found that weight loss surgery results in long-term weight loss for approximately 90% of patients.
However, deciding to have bariatric surgery is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Instead, it is a choice to be made after carefully considering all weight loss options.
Long-term success and sustained weight loss following weight reduction surgery also depend on your ability to make permanent changes in your diet and mindset and build regular exercise into your life. If you have struggled with your weight, studies show there are multiple benefits for your overall health and wellness if you choose to undergo bariatric surgery.
Whether you select Be Slim Bariatrics (BSB) or another company to arrange weight loss surgery, we want you to be fully informed and make educated decisions. In this post, we cover the pros and cons of weight loss surgery to enable you to make an enlightened choice with realistic expectations.
Seven Common Health Benefits of Safe Weight Loss Surgery
Safe weight loss surgery in Mexico offers an alternative way to attain sustainable weight loss and feel happier and healthier. In addition to an overall improvement in your general health and increasing your mobility, weight loss surgery can also help with feelings of depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, many patients find they no longer require medications they were once prescribed for these conditions after weight reduction surgery. Here are seven common health conditions that research has shown to improve or resolve following weight reduction surgery:
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- Type 2 Diabetes — Astonishingly, research indicates a total remission of type 2 diabetes within a year of bariatric surgery in up to 90% of patients.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea — Several studies confirm the relationship between obesity and sleep apnea. One Swedish study discovered that approximately 42% of participants experienced sleep apnea remission after gastric bypass surgery in the two-year follow-up period.
- High Blood Pressure — This condition, linked to obesity, has been the subject of various bariatric surgery studies. In one such study, 41 out of 49 patients could reduce their medication by 30% following weight loss surgery.
- Joint and Mobility Issues — Research has indicated that weight reduction surgery can lead to a significant improvement in osteoarthritis, wear-and-tear arthritis that affects joints.
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) — Undergoing weight loss surgery can lead to significant positive changes in the indicators of liver disease. Research suggests it may be time to revise existing clinical guidelines and actively endorse weight loss surgery as a treatment option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Cardiovascular Disease — A 2018 presentation at the American Society for Metabolic Surgery highlighted those weight loss surgery patients experienced a significant reduction in their risk for coronary artery disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. The study showed a 40% decrease in coronary artery disease after weight loss surgery.
- Infertility — Several studies found that bariatric surgery significantly improved sperm count in men and fertility in females. However, it is strongly recommended that female patients not become pregnant for at least 12 to 18 months following surgery due to potential concerns for both mother and child.
Another benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked is the correlation between a longer life following bariatric surgery. In 2018, The American Medical Association (AMA) published a study revealing a connection between weight loss surgery and extended life expectancy.
Those who underwent weight loss surgery were found to live longer than obese individuals with comparable factors such as age, gender, BMI, and obesity-related health complications.
Weight Reduction Surgery Risks and Complications
Following weight reduction surgery, you may experience certain side effects and need to commit to some long-term changes in your diet. However — despite advancements in bariatric surgery and the numerous health benefits — safe weight loss surgery does carry potential risks and complications:
Five Risks Associated with Surgery and General Anesthetic
- Wound infection
- Hematomas
- Seromas
- Blood clots
- Respiratory depression.
Additional Risks Associated with Bariatric Surgery
- Anastomotic leak — normally treated with antibiotics and occasionally requiring additional surgery.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — can generally be controlled through diet. If acid reflux occurs following a gastric sleeve or mini gastric bypass, converting to a full gastric bypass often alleviates the symptoms).
- Gallstones — normally effectively treated with medication.
- Abdominal hernias — may require surgery to remove.
- Scarring, stricture, and narrowing of the anastomosis (the connection between the intestine and the gastric pouch). This may require surgery to resolve.
- Pneumonia — this is very rare and generally effectively treated with antibiotics.
Risks Associated with Medical Conditions and Psychological Concerns
Medical conditions you may already have, such as blood clots, liver disease, heart disease, and kidney stones, can potentially worsen after weight reduction surgery. Additionally, you may be at increased risk of certain physical and mental health conditions in the months following bariatric surgery, including:
- Depression, especially in people who experienced depression before surgery.
- Altered alcohol metabolism, which may mean you need to abstain from alcohol.
- Hair loss. Sticking to protein requirements as per your post-bariatric surgery diet can help to reduce hair loss and it tends to resolve within three to six months.
- Excess skin as a result of weight loss.
Long-Term Changes after Weight Loss Surgery
After weight reduction surgery, you will absorb fewer nutrients from food and may suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. However, this is relatively easy to combat with daily supplements. You will also need to be committed to eating a well-balanced diet with smaller meals and adopting an active lifestyle.
If you previously used food to alleviate stress or for comfort, you may need support to find healthier ways to cope and achieve both physical and mental wellness. Consequently, at BSB we provide lifetime support and access to a board-certified nutritionist, and we are always here to help you manage any concerns as they arise.
Weight reduction surgery is not a magic wand; it will take hard work to adjust to a new lifestyle and eating habits. But, the weight loss typically achieved following bariatric surgery results in a significant reduction in weight-related health issues, a marked improvement in energy levels, and a longer, more joyful life.
Safe Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico
Finding a responsible company like BSB is critical to minimize the potential risks and complications of weight loss surgery, and our team is devoted to supporting your entire weight loss journey.
Our primary goal is to make your medical journey as stress-free and secure as possible. We take care of everything from the moment you land at San Diego International Airport. We’ll arrange top-notch accommodation at a luxurious hotel in a well-protected business district with a strong police presence — and ensure that board-certified surgeons at state-of-the-art hospitals carry out your weight loss surgery. Rest assured, the quality of care you’ll receive here matches — if not surpasses — the standards you’d find back home in the United States.
