The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery: Beyond Just Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery that involves reducing the size of the stomach to help patients lose excess weight. It can dramatically reduce excess body fat and help with long-term health improvements. The most common types of bariatric surgeries are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch.

All three procedures involve reducing the size of the stomach making it difficult for people to eat large amounts, but they differ in how they affect digestion and nutrient absorption. Gastric bypass is one of the most popular bariatric surgeries because it quickly results in significant weight loss, but it also carries higher risks than other types of bariatric surgery.

Sleeve gastrectomy reduces both hunger hormones and acid reflux symptoms by removing about 80% of the stomach, resulting in fewer calories consumed overall. Finally, duodenal switch works by both shrinking the stomach and rerouting part of the small intestine so that fewer nutrients are absorbed from food into your bloodstream.

Bariatric surgeries have been shown to improve overall quality of life by helping reduce risk factors associated with obesity such as hypertension and diabetes while simultaneously promoting sustainable weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes like dieting or exercise regimens.

Changes to Metabolism

Metabolic changes occur after bariatric surgery, which can improve health in a number of ways. Metabolism is the body's ability to break down nutrients and convert them into energy. After bariatric surgery, individuals experience an improved metabolism as their bodies become more efficient at converting calories into energy.

This helps to reduce food cravings and overall appetite, since the body is better able to process what it needs for energy. In addition to helping with weight loss and reducing hunger, improved metabolism also has benefits for diabetes management. People who have undergone bariatric surgery are less likely to suffer from insulin resistance due to improved glucose control.

Additionally, research has found that metabolic rate increases post-surgery which helps burn calories faster and more efficiently over time. Finally, improved metabolism can lead to significant improvements in cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels while decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. These metabolic changes help promote good overall health long after the weight has been lost from bariatric surgery.

Improved Physical Health

Improved physical health is a major benefit of bariatric surgery. Patients can experience a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases associated with obesity. Bariatric surgery in Ottawa also offers relief from joint pain caused by excess weight on the hips and knees as well as from sleep apnea and other sleep problems that are common in obese individuals.

In addition, bariatric surgery has been shown to improve psychological health in patients who previously suffered from depression or anxiety related to their weight. Patients report feeling more confident after the procedure and having improved self-esteem due to their improved physical appearance.

Furthermore, increased energy levels are common among those who have had weight loss surgery, allowing them to take part in activities they once felt too tired or embarrassed to do. Finally, bariatric surgery can affect fertility positively because it can reduce polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms which may otherwise interfere with conception. All of these improvements mean that patients have improved quality of life after undergoing bariatric surgery beyond just the obvious changes in body weight and size.

Mental Health Benefits

Mental health is a critical factor in assessing the overall success of bariatric surgery. Weight-related struggles can seriously impact an individual's emotional wellbeing and mental state. Bariatric surgery offers various mental health benefits that go beyond just weight loss.

One of the most prevalent psychological benefits of bariatric surgery is improved self-esteem, body image, and confidence levels. As individuals lose weight, their perceptions of themselves can drastically improve— leading to more positive feelings about their bodies and overall quality of life. Additionally, successful weight loss often leads to fewer symptoms of depression— which can have a ripple effect on other areas of their lives such as relationships, job performance, and lifestyle habits.

Finally, bariatric surgery can also help reduce stress levels related to trying to lose weight and maintain it long term. Without extreme dieting or exercise plans needed for sustained results after the procedure has been completed, many patients report feeling less anxious or overwhelmed with having to maintain a certain level/amount of physical activity or food consumption patterns over time. In summary, these mental health benefits are just as valuable (if not more) than the physical ones associated with this type of surgical procedure.

Quality of Life Gains

Improvement in quality of life is one of the most compelling benefits of bariatric surgery. With the associated weight loss, usually comes an increase in physical activity and a decrease in lifestyle-related chronic illnesses. As these improvements take place, individuals may experience improved mobility, increased energy levels, and improved social interactions.

Psychological benefits are also reported by patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. After successful weight loss following surgery, many individuals report greater self-confidence and higher self-esteem due to their newfound ability to participate more fully in activities that they may have been unable or uncomfortable doing before. This often contributes to a greater sense of independence and control over their lives as well as improved mental health overall.

Finally, bariatric surgery has been associated with financial gains alongside improvements in quality of life. By reducing the risk for chronic illnesses related to obesity such as diabetes and heart disease, patients can expect lower medical costs over time due to fewer doctor visits and hospitalizations required for treatment or management.

Some employers offer discounted rates on insurance premiums for employees who have had successful bariatric surgeries indicating an overall reduction in healthcare expenses throughout the population at large.