Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Posted: Jul 28 in Weight Loss Surgery by Staff

One in five Americans are obese. Obesity is associated with a number of health problems, including type-2 diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and others. Many of these maladies can be cured simply by losing the excess weight, but for many people that is a difficult task. About 95% of those who lose weight on a diet gain the weight back again. For this reason, many people who suffer from obesity and obesity-related conditions explore the possibility of weight loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery constricts the stomach, reducing the volume of food that it can hold at one time. It is a highly effective weight loss procedure, with about 80% of weight loss surgery patients getting down to a healthy weight. It is possible to lose as much as 50% of your excess body weight with these procedures.

What’s even more stunning is bariatric surgery’s success in treating obesity-related illnesses:

• Diabetes can be cured in 60-90% of weight loss surgery patients, depending on which procedure they opt for.
• Ninety-nine percent of GERD sufferers have relief from frequent heartburn after surgery.
• Seventy-five percent of those suffering from sleep apnea are cured after bariatric surgery.
• Studies show that the risk of cancer drops by as much as 50% after surgery.

The surgery alone, of course, does not provide a cure. After the procedure patients must change their eating and exercise habits for life. Because of the reduced stomach volume, foods must be chosen carefully for nutritional content. Physical activity is also necessary in order to help your body burn off the excess fat.

Although it is a major commitment, the effects of weight loss surgery can be life-changing and very beneficial. Talk to a surgeon in the Ft. Myers area to find out if weight loss surgery is appropriate for you.