Benefits of Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a major surgery and should not be undertaken for cosmetic purposes. The impact the weight loss might bring to your overall health should be foremost in your decision to undergo the surgery and its associated risks and complications.

After surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly until 18 to 24 months. Patients might lose 30 to 50 percent of their excess weight in the first six months and 77 percent of excess weight as early as one year after surgery. Diet and activity level after surgery have an effect on how much weight is lost and the long-term success of the weight loss.

The surgery has been found to be effective in improving and controlling many health conditions related to obesity. A study of 500 patients showed that 96 percent of health conditions studied were improved or resolved (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes and depression) as a result of the surgery.

Emotional and social changes are often associated with extreme weight loss. Many patients report that their mood, self-confidence and quality of life improve significantly after surgery. Some personal relationships might improve, while others might deteriorate as friends, coworkers, or even family members react with resentment or jealousy. It is important for patients to continue to work with their primary physician, surgeon, nutrition specialist and, sometimes, their clinical psychologist to help cope with these changes.