Benefits
Being significantly overweight may contribute to many health problems including diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and osteoarthritis.
Losing extra weight can improve your health in immeasurable ways. In fact, weight loss can even save your life by reducing the risks associated with these diseases.
What You Gain When You Lose
When you have bariatric surgery and adopt lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and daily physical activity, it can be life changing. You may:
- Be able to stop taking or take less medication for diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Experience positive emotional changes, such as improved self-esteem or a greater sense of well-being.
- Have an easier time with daily activities such as climbing stairs, caring for young children and even running errands.
According to data presented by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center at the 29th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery:
- Sixty-seven percent of people who had gastric bypass were in complete remission for type 2 diabetes after 12 months.
- Ninety-six percent of those not already on insulin and who didn’t have lower pancreatic function went into remission from type 2 diabetes after weight-loss surgery within 12 months.
The decision to have bariatric surgery is a serious one. Every surgery has risks, and weight-loss success depends on your readiness and commitment. The Bariatric Surgery Program at El Camino Health offers you support from an experienced team before, during and after surgery to help you succeed.
