Here are eight benefits of weight loss surgery, an increasingly common and effective way of helping people with obesity to achieve lasting weight loss.
1. Significant weight loss
Many people who have obesity have lost some weight through diet and exercise. But dieting triggers biological changes that promote energy storage, along with strong hunger sensations. Furthermore, it can be difficult to exercise if you are above a healthy weight. These factors can make it difficult for people who are obese to lose a significant amount of weight through lifestyle changes alone.
The physical, hormonal and metabolic changes after weight loss surgery help to promote substantial weight loss. On average, most people can expect to lose approximately 70% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months after a sleeve gastrectomy or 80% after gastric bypass procedure.
It’s important to note that this can vary from one person to another. Many factors influence weight loss after bariatric surgery, including your age, gender, initial body mass index, genetics, and the type of surgery. Your surgeon can help you decide on an approach to best suit you.
2. Sustained weight loss
If you’ve tried dieting, you have probably experienced the yo-yo effect of weight loss followed by weight regain. One of the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery is the lasting results. Studies have shown that on average, most people who undergo weight loss surgery maintain good weight loss, even 10 years later.
Some people do regain weight after bariatric surgery, however, and you’ll need to make healthy lifestyle changes and support from your weight loss team to have the best chance of a successful long-term outcome.
3. Better health
Losing weight can have a positive impact on various weight-related health conditions, including:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- high cholesterol
- gallbladder disease
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- obstructive sleep apnoea
- fertility
Weight loss can also lower your risk of developing these conditions, as well as your risk of stroke and some types of cancer.
4. Enhanced fertility and sexual function
Obesity can contribute to fertility issues. In women of reproductive age who are obese, bariatric surgery can help to restore healthy hormone function and ovulation. It can also lead to lower risk of pregnancy and birth complications such as gestational diabetes, haemorrhage after birth and caesarean delivery rates. However, there can also be some complications with falling pregnant after bariatric surgery. It is advised that you delay pregnancy for at least 18 months after surgery. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you’re planning to become a parent.
In men who are obese, bariatric surgery can lead to improvements in erectile function, testosterone levels, orgasmic function and satisfaction with sex.
5. Improved mobility
Obesity puts additional strain on the weight-bearing joints, including your ankles, knees, hips and spine. As well as causing discomfort, this can contribute to the development of joint problems such as arthritis. Excess weight can also make it harder to do everyday things like climb stairs and get in and out of a car.
The significant and lasting weight loss that happens after bariatric surgery can reduce stress on joints and help you get more mobile.
6. More energy
Carrying excess weight can make you feel tired and sluggish. As with any surgery, it’s not unusual to experience some tiredness after weight loss surgery. Long-term, however, living in a lighter body can mean you have more energy. Plus, weight loss can make it easier for you to exercise, which can further enhance your energy levels. Weight loss can also improve obstructive sleep apnoea. If this has been a problem for you, better sleep after surgery can reduce daytime fatigue.
7. Better mood and mental wellbeing
Many people who have obesity experience issues with their mood, self-esteem and body image. They may also experience weight stigma. These issues can be very distressing and often lead people to seek weight loss surgery.
Weight loss typically leads to improvements in psychosocial wellbeing. These positive changes are often most significant in people who lose a large percentage of their weight, as often happens after bariatric surgery.
However, the connection between weight and mental health is complex, and some people can find it difficult to adjust to the changes after weight loss surgery. Many weight loss surgery experts work closely with psychologists to support people with their mental health both before weight loss surgery and throughout the recovery period.
8. Improved longevity
Obesity is associated with a higher risk of premature death. Weight loss surgery can significantly reduce this risk by addressing both obesity itself and the conditions that often come along with it (such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease). Research has shown that bariatric surgery can lead to a significant decrease in overall death rates.
Don’t wait to explore the health benefits of weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery is not only about shedding kilos – it’s about helping people achieve better health, function and quality of life. For many people living with obesity, the benefits of weight loss surgery far outweigh the potential risks.
If your weight loss journey has led you to consider surgery, our experienced surgeons can help. Why not arrange an appointment to discuss whether weight loss surgery is right for you? Just ask your GP for a referral. You can use our handy search function to find a specialist or doctor near you.
We’re a Centre of Excellence
Norwest Private Hospital was evaluated based on rigorous and proven standards set by SRC. Accreditation requirements encompass physicians’ surgical expertise and experience, the standardisation of clinical pathways, consultative services, equipment and instruments, and patient education.
This accomplishment demonstrates Norwest Private Hospital’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of care and excellence to our patients.
Find out more about bariatric & weight loss surgery at Norwest Private Hospital
*Whilst effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate and informative and it has been reviewed by a qualified medical practitioner, the information is general in nature, and it should not be used as a substitute for obtaining your own professional or medical advice. Any timeframes or quantitative data including but not limited to estimated timeframes for recovery following a procedure, time required for the procedure, timeframes for weight loss and/or estimated total weight loss are general in nature and your experience, outcomes and results may vary.
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