Weight Loss ThinkingBariatric surgery can help extend livesResearch has proven that weight loss surgery is an effective treatment option for obesity and obesity-related health complications. However, certain characteristics that patients display before surgery may affect what type of success they can expect from bariatric procedures. Weight loss surgery can help morbidly obese people lose a significant amount of weight, but it can also improve their health. People who undergo bariatric surgery lose 50% or more of their excess weight. While the average excess weight loss is about 50%, younger patients are more likely to lose enough weight to reach a BMI that puts them within the range that's considered normal, which is between 18 and 25. In addition to helping shed excess pounds, weight loss surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures, has been proven to help resolve Type 2 diabetes, GERD, high blood pressure, and asthma. Compared to the health benefits of bariatric surgery, the risk of death or serious complication following surgery is relatively low. Age and pre-operative BMI seem to correlate with individual risk for complication; people who are younger and have a lower BMI before surgery are less likely to die or suffer from serious complications. As with any operation, there are inherent risks associated with weight loss surgery, including infection and death. The overall health of the patient before surgery can help physicians assess the overall risk and potential benefit. In general, the healthier a patient is, the less risk and more benefit they are likely to experience as a result of weight loss surgery. |
Are chicken eggs good or bad for my cholesterol? Stronger, leaner and healthier Bariatric surgery can help extend lives Abdominal Obesity and Heart Health Building A Stronger Support System After Weight Loss Surgery |