Clinical researchers are discovering how weight loss surgery can reverse obesity-related health conditions. The positive benefits can lead to reducing or stopping some medications. This is especially positive if your medication is producing unwanted side-effects that make life harder. Before making any changes to your medication your will need confirmation from your doctor that it is safe for you to reduce a dosage or stop with the mediciation completely.
Weight loss surgery can have a significant impact on the following obesity-related health conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Sleep apnea (chronic obstructive sleep apnea)
- Asthma and shortness of breath
- Osteoarthritis and other forms of joint pain
The benefits of weight loss surgery to quality of life
Increasing energy and wellbeing are valuable ways that weight loss surgery can improve quality of life. By tackling obesity and related health conditions you can be more active and take part in life-enriching activities with friends and family. Improved health means you can be more productive and reduce the number of days spent away from work and commitments.
Weight loss surgery is for individuals who are unable to reach their weight loss goals through dieting and exercise.
However, to maintain weight loss after surgery it is necessary to follow a strict dietary plan based on portion control. Improving health through weight loss surgery requires a long-term commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle.
The aim of a dietary plan is to transform eating habits and relationships with food. By adopting a healthy diet and controlling your portions you are set to gain improvements for life-threatening conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is important to know that weight loss surgery isn’t a quick-fix solution for obseity. It will take a year or more to achieve your weight loss potential, so you need to be prepared to make lasting changes to your diet and lifestyle.
How much weight you can expect to lose after surgery
Through dieting alone, people can lose about 22 pounds in the first year. Dieting with exercise leads to a loss of about 29 pounds. Weight loss surgery can help you lose 40 to 60 per cent of your Expected Weight Loss within a year. You can keep off the weight for several years to a lifetime if you stop overeating and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Your Expected Weight Loss in the first year after surgery depends in part on the type of procedure you have. For instance, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has the fastest initial weight loss, while the Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band) has steadier weight loss and the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is between the two. You will need to research surgery types and consult your doctor to find out which weight loss surgery is right for you.
Please seek and follow the specific guidelines from your bariatric team. Guidelines vary for individual patient needs and surgeries.