Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
By lowering your BMI, you can significantly reduce blood pressure, along with your risk for heart disease. Excessive weight puts more stress on your heart and increases blood pressure because your heart must work harder to pump blood throughout your body. The lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Potential Cure for Diabetes
Many people who are obese or morbidly obese suffer from type II diabetes, which can have catastrophic effects on wellness over time. Studies indicate that weight loss surgery can minimize the side effects of diabetes, such as damage to nerves, kidneys, eyes and more. Some patients can successfully reduce or even stop taking diabetes medications following successful weight loss through metabolic surgery, while others experience a remission of the disease. This finding is notable because it was previously thought that type II diabetes was a progressive and incurable disease.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Excessive weight increases the risk of some cancers, including breast cancer in women past menopause, colorectal cancer and cancers of the endometrium, esophagus, kidney and pancreas. Thanks to the latest safe surgical weight loss techniques, you can reduce your risk of developing cancer later in life if you lose excess weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
Can Alleviate Certain Sleeping Problems
Sleep apnea and other sleep problems are often linked to obesity or morbid obesity, as heavier patients have more fatty tissue along their upper airways, thereby restricting airflow. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery report more restful sleep within three to five months after the procedure, with less snoring and other issues. Reducing surrounding fat allows the airway to open, correcting sleep disturbances. Getting a good night's sleep contributes to reducing many other health problems and goes a long way toward improving your overall quality of life.
Less Strain on the Lower Back and Joints
Some obese or morbidly obese patients develop arthritis and other serious joint problems because of excess weight. The most problematic areas are the knees, hips, and back. Bariatric surgery patients who successfully keep the weight off will see a gradual reduction in joint pain, which can slow or even halt joint damage and achieve better mobility later in life.
Improved Longevity
Extensive scientific studies show that for severely obese patients, massive weight loss through bariatric surgery can reduce risks of disease leading to death by over 40%. Many misconceptions still exist regarding the risks of weight loss surgery, yet the risk of death is about the same as gallbladder surgery. Weight loss surgery lowers the risk of death for many health problems, including heart disease (40% lower), diabetes (92% lower), and cancer (60% lower). Comparing the risks to the benefits makes the decision to undergo a weight loss procedure much easier.
Improvement of Other Diseases
Bariatric surgery leading to massive weight loss can improve or even cure a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even fertility problems, as some patients find when they lose extra weight, they can become pregnant more easily.
Other Quality of Life Changes
Many patients who undergo bariatric surgery find that life improves in various ways they didn't expect. They can move more comfortably, feel more motivated to stay physically active, have more energy, and often socialize more than before the surgery. Self-esteem also typically improves with weight loss, and patients see a reduction in depression and anxiety and an increase in sexual function.
Are You Ready to Make Permanent Changes?
If you are ready to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle through bariatric surgery and significant diet and exercise changes, we can help. For additional information on how bariatric surgery can benefit you, contact the Tijuana Bariatric Center today to start your weight loss journey.