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Seven Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Despite countless diet programs and fitness regiments extolled by nutritionists, dietitians and the media, obesity continues to be a national health problem in the United States.   

While some people are enjoying success with a healthy weight maintenance plan, others are only joining the weight gain cycle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health reports over 72 million adults in the U.S. are obese, a startling number that continues to rise with failed diet programs, poor eating habits and drugs that cause weight gain – perhaps the major culprits fueling the epidemic.   

It’s well known that extra weight can lead to several health complications and may even trigger diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and heart disease. For many obesity sufferers, bariatric surgery is the last hope for tackling the weight problem effectively and presents other advantages.

In addition to weight loss, here are just seven benefits of gastric bypass surgery and bariatric procedures:    

1. Reduced chances of sleep apnea. The Department of Surgery at Monash University-Alfred Hospital in Australia published a study in 2002 that indicates obesity-related sleep disorders are dramatically improved with substantial weight loss.   Sleep disturbances as a result of breathing problems and general discomfort can reduce the quality of life, and may be the cause of fatigue, anxiety and stress during the day.  

2. Lowered risk of diabetes. According to the Obesity Surgery Specialists, a division of Renaissance Healthcare Systems, blood sugar levels of patients with diabetes who underwent obesity surgery returned to normal after the procedure. Blood sugar imbalances are a common problem for those who are overweight or obese, and can be difficult to manage without weight loss.  

3. Improved joint function. A healthy weight can keep the body strong and limber; excess weight can create extra stress on the joints and increases the risks of joint and bone damage.   

4. Reduced risk of hypertension. According to the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians, severe obesity is associated with hypertension but gastric bypass surgery can have a positive affect on this condition and may provide a dramatic reduction in symptoms (Source: aafp.org).  

5. Increased lifespan. Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire presented results of a study in 2002, reporting that men and women who lost extra weight with gastric bypass surgery could increase their lifespan by up to three years. (Source:  dhmc.org) 

6. Ongoing weight loss. While most bariatric surgery patients experience a dramatic weight loss immediately after surgery, gastric bypass and gastric band procedures can help maintain weight loss for the long-term.  

7. Boost of self-esteem. Losing the extra weight can improve body image and create a positive state of well-being. This may then lead to positive lifestyle changes that include a consistent exercise program and eating a healthy diet.  

Gastric bypass procedures continue to be a valuable solution for treating obesity, and may reduce several health complications associated with being overweight.  While the surgery does present some health risks, a successful procedure can mean an increased lifespan, a healthier body and effective weight management for the long-term.   

Learn more about gastric bypass surgery and other bariatric procedures in our information guide, or consult with a bariatric surgeon in your area to find out if you qualify for the surgery. Whether you want to lower your risk of diabetes, improve the health of your joints or just enjoy a good night’s sleep, gastric bypass surgery may be a valuable way to achieve a state of good health for the long-term.  

Lapband (Laparoscopic Gastric Banding) Surgery Information Guide

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