Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Severe obesity can lead to a shorter life and many potentially life-threatening health problems, often referred to medically as comorbidities. Scientists have shown that those struggling with severe obesity are twice as likely to die an early death as someone who is non-obese. Conversely, with treatments that effectively fight obesity, patients have a greatly increased chance of enjoying good health and a longer life.

Obesity-Related Health Conditions

If have a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or over and you find yourself struggling with one or more obesity-related health conditions, weight loss surgery may be right for you. A list of some of the more common obesity-related health conditions follows. (Your doctor can provide more complete information.)

Type 2 Diabetes

This common condition related to excessive blood sugar has been associated with an increased risk of numerous serious health problems, including but not limited to: heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and many other life-threatening issues. Read More

Heart Disease

Excess body weight keeps the heart from working properly. The result can be high blood pressure (hypertension), which can cause strokes and can cause heart and kidney damage. Read More

High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)

Excessive levels of damaging cholesterols and other harmful lipids, often related to weight issues and poor diet, can increase the risk of numerous conditions, including heart attacks and strokes. Read More

Bone and Joint Pain

The excess strain placed on the joints associated with severe obesity can greatly worsen or increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Fortunately, reducing the weight on joints can quickly lessen or eliminate this type of pain. Read More

Depression

People with severe obesity must deal with a number of factors – physical, social, and psychological – which can increase their risk of developing a mood disorder. Read More

Sleep Apnea

This is a common ailment where improper breathing causes often imperceptible sleep interruptions, resulting in fatigue and increasing the likelihood of numerous serious health matters. Read More

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Known commonly as heartburn, GERD is not only uncomfortable, it is a risk factor for a number of serious illnesses including esophageal cancer and is often associated with obesity. Read More

Urinary Incontinence

Involuntary urination is a frequent issue affecting obese women because excess weight can weaken pelvic muscles. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery can help to reverse the issue in the large majority of cases. Read More

Reproductive Health Issues

Severe obesity can cause women to experience a number of problems that may interfere with the menstrual cycle, and cause infertility, discomfort, and other distressing symptoms. Many women experience a reversal in these issues following a weight loss procedure. Read More

Cancer Prevention and Bariatric Surgery

Obesity has been linked to as many as 13 different types of cancer and is generally the second most common cancer risk factor, right after smoking. In fact, as tobacco smoking in the United States continues to decline, obesity may soon become the most common cause of cancer. Read More

Studies show that bariatric surgery can successfully improve and resolve many weight-related health conditions. A review of more than 22,000 bariatric surgery patients showed improvement in or complete resolution of conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

If you have a BMI of 35 or over and suffer from any of these comorbidities, you may qualify for a bariatric procedure. If your BMI is 40 or over, you also may qualify before these issues develop. To find out more about the very latest in weight loss medicine, please contact Dr. Feiz & Associates at the phone numbers on this page. You can also reach out to us via e-mail through our contact page.