Being overweight and obese conflicts with not only daily life activities, but also can cause serious medical problems. Living with obesity can present challenges, such as finding enjoyable ways to stay active, discovering clothing that makes you feel confident, and leading an overall happier, healthier life without limitations.
Bariatric surgery reduces your appetite and food consumption. Not only will you lose weight and change your life for the better, but there are additional benefits of weight loss surgery.
What Are the Dangers of Obesity?
The CDC estimates that 40% of adult Americans deal with obesity. Individuals with life-threatening obesity are at risk for various medical conditions, such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and arthritis, among others.
Many people try to lose weight by changing their diet and increasing their exercise. While this can help, additional methods may also be needed to achieve a weight loss goal, including weight loss surgery.
When patients follow guidelines set by their board-certified bariatric surgeon, surgery helps 90% of patients lose 50% of their excess weight with minimal risk of regaining the weight later.
Important Health Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
In addition to weight loss, there are numerous other benefits of bariatric surgery, including:
- Lowers the risk of heart disease, heart failure, heart attack and angina. Obesity is linked to heart disease, stroke and conditions that can lead to heart disease.
- Helps prevent high blood pressure, or hypertension. Being overweight increases blood pressure, while excess fat may damage your kidneys which help regulate blood pressure.
- Lowers the risk of certain kinds of cancer. Overweight men have a higher risk of developing colon, rectum, and prostate cancer, while women risk developing breast, uterine, and gallbladder cancer.
- Lowered risk of Type 2 Diabetes. 90% of people with diabetes are overweight. Over time diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, nerve damage and other health problems. One study confirmed that bariatric surgery helps with long-term remission of diabetes keeping patients free from insulin for at least 3 years after surgery.
- Decreases the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Carrying too much weight puts stress on the joints and cartilage causing inflammation.
- Reduces pregnancy problems and issues with fertility. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you are considering getting pregnant.
- Weight loss surgery will help boost your mental health. Problems like stress, low self-esteem, body image issues, depression, and eating disorders can improve.
- Reduces the risks of sexual function and erectile dysfunction, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas.
Schedule a Weight Loss Consultation in Arizona
If you are considering weight loss surgery, Dignity Health Medical Group is here to help. To set up a consultation to determine if you are a candidate, call us today at one of our two convenient locations:
Gilbert: (480) 728-6590
Chandler: (602) 582-5233
Or request an appointment through our secure online portal.
Sources: Weight-loss Surgery Benefits – NIDDK (nih.gov),
