Understanding The Relationship Between Bariatric Surgery and Health Conditions
Obesity affects not only body weight, but practically every organ system. Being overweight can result in a variety of major health issues, including joint discomfort, heart strain, and hormonal imbalance. That is why bariatric surgery is more than just a weight-loss procedure; it can help you regain your health and even reverse some obesity-related diseases.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how bariatric surgery and health disorders are linked, and how this life-changing procedure can help with joint pain, cardiovascular issues, sleep apnea, and PCOS.
1. Bariatric Surgery for Joint Pain Relief
Extra weight puts significant strain on joints, particularly the knees, hips, and lower back. Over time, this causes persistent pain, inflammation, and reduced movement.
Bariatric surgery can help with joint pain. Patients often report the following after significant weight loss:
- Reduced discomfort and stiffness throughout the day.
- Increased flexibility and ease of movement.
- Reduced need for painkillers
- Increased ability to exercise and be active
- Delaying the need for joint replacement surgery*
Multiple studies have shown that weight loss surgery can delay or prevent the need for joint replacement surgery (by up to 2 years) by reducing joint stress and inflammation in the body.
2. Bariatric Surgery and Cardiovascular Benefits
Patients experience life-changing outcomes in a variety of areas, but heart health is one of the most essential.
Bariatric surgery has several cardiovascular benefits, including:
- Lower blood pressure.
- Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels (in approximately 84% of the patients)
- Improved blood glucose regulation (in approximately 88% of the cases)
- Lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Improve cardiac function (especially in the setting of heart failure)
We conducted research that revealed that bariatric surgery may considerably reduce the risk of severe cardiovascular events, particularly in those who are obese and have obstructive sleep apnea. In summary, decreasing excess weight relieves a lot of stress on the heart.
3. Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss Surgery.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common among obese people. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the airway, which interferes with appropriate breathing when sleeping.
Following sleep apnea and weight loss surgery, patients frequently experience:
- Improved breathing patterns lead to more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
- Increased energy during the day and less need for CPAP equipment.
Over 90% of patients improve or resolve their sleep apnea after bariatric surgery when obtaining adequate weight loss.
4. PCOS & Bariatric Surgery
Many overweight women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It can induce irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and insulin resistance.
Studies on PCOS and bariatric surgery have indicated that decreasing a significant amount of weight can help balance hormones, restart ovulation, and make it easier to conceive. Many ladies say this:
- More regular menstrual cycles. (about 50% improvement)
- Increased insulin sensitivity
- Reduced acne and hair growth. (40% of women see significant improvement)
- Increased odds of conceiving naturally (approximately half of all patients can get pregnant after bariatric surgery when adequate weight loss is obtained)
Bariatric surgery not only treats PCOS but also improves long-term reproductive and emotional health.
5. Obesity-Related Diseases Improvement Following Bariatric Surgery
Aside from these specific disorders, one of the most beneficial aspects of weight loss surgery is its ability to treat obesity-related ailments. Many long-term health conditions improve dramatically following surgery, including:
- Diabetes Type 2 (surgery dependent)
- 50-65% with sleeve or gastric bypass if using insulin
- Up to 80% is not on insulin (for sleeve or gastric bypass)
- 99% improvement or remission during the first 2 years after duodenal switch
- Blood pressure is elevated.
- 88% of the cases
- Liver disease with fat
- Over 90% of the cases
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
- Varies with the type of surgery, but overall results are positive
- Mental health
- At least 60% can have an improvement in depression
These benefits are frequently noticeable within months as the body adjusts to a healthier weight and metabolism.
6. Overall Weight Loss Surgery Benefits
Weight loss surgery offers numerous advantages that extend beyond simply losing weight.
- An improved quality of life and increased self-assurance
- Increased energy and improved movement
- Fewer doctor visits and prescriptions.
- A longer, healthier life.
Patients frequently report that the surgery provided them a second shot at life, not only physically but also emotionally and socially.
Final Thoughts: Improving Health with Bariatric Surgery
The evidence is obvious when it comes to bariatric surgery and health issues. Weight loss surgery alters not only your appearance, but also the way your body functions. The benefits extend far beyond the scale. They include reduced joint discomfort, improvement in heart health, sleep apnea, PCOS, and so much more!.
If you’re battling with obesity and other health conditions, bariatric surgery could be the key to changing your life—and regaining control of your health, one day at a time.
About the Author
Dr. Medrano
Weight loss surgery, Obesity medicine, General surgery
Dr. Medrano, inspired by his surgeon uncles, graduated from Tec de Monterrey in 2014 and trained at Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Methodist Hospital. The only foreign graduate among 200+ applicants to earn a U.S. surgery residency in 2016, he later completed a bariatric fellowship at Abington-Jefferson Health. Now based in San Antonio, he specializes in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery.
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