8 Advantages of Bariatric Surgery Beyond Shedding Pounds

When it comes to the benefits of bariatric surgery, there’s more than meets the eye! We asked Dr. John Mason, bariatric surgeon at St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital, to share the most common benefits his patients experience after a weight loss procedure. Here's what he had to say: 

1. Bariatric procedures can improve type 2 diabetes. 
2. Weight loss surgery can boost your cardiovascular health.
3. Bariatric surgery can reduce joint pain. 
4. Losing excess weight can lower your risk of cancer. 
5. Bariatric surgery can reduce the severity of COVID-19. 
6. Weight loss surgery can improve a variety of medical conditions. 

Keep reading to learn about the facts behind each benefit. 

1. Bariatric procedures can improve type 2 diabetes

Obesity and inactive lifestyle are responsible for 90-95% of type 2 diabetes cases in the U.S. Bariatric surgery results in 45-95% remission in diabetes.

2. Weight loss surgery can boost your cardiovascular health.

Bariatric surgery tends to improve hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Less body mass to pump blood to decreases stress on heart and blood vessels.

3. Bariatric surgery can reduce joint pain.

By decreasing weight-bearing on joints, pain and arthritis are improved, often reducing the need for joint surgery.

4. Losing excess weight can lower your risk of cancer.

Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Bariatric surgery decreases the risk of these by 60%.

5. Bariatric surgery can reduce the severity of COVID-19.

About 77% of COVID-19 patients requiring hospital stay are obese. Obese patients are more likely to suffer from other diseases, like diabetes and heart disease. Heavier chest tissue makes breathing more difficult with respiratory illness.

6. Weight loss surgery can improve a variety of medical conditions.

Bariatric surgery decreases the risk of early death by 40%. After surgery, fertility and mental health can improve. Gastric bypass can treat acid reflux. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is also common with obesity. If left untreated, it may lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. NASH improves after weight loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery is known as the most effective yet underused tool for treating severe obesity. Approximately 24 million Americans are eligible, but less than 1% take advantage of it. Watch our online Weight Loss Seminar to discover lasting benefits.