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Bariatric surgery can bring about dramatic weight loss in patients who have been unsuccessful with other strategies. This significant weight loss carries a host of benefits, both physical and psychological.
Primary Treatment for Medical Conditions
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery claims bariatric surgery may be the most effective primary treatment for a number of conditions affecting the severely obese, including diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Surgery often significantly improves or even eliminates these problems.
Other Improved Conditions
Other conditions that appear to improve with bariatric surgery include asthma, infertility and joint problems.
Life Expectancy
According to Beaumont Hospitals, patients who have weight loss surgery have a better life expectancy than those who just use diet and exercise.
Quality of Life
Severe obesity impacts all areas of an individual's life in addition to health. For instance, losing the excess weight improves mobility and benefits emotional well-being.
Considerations
While bariatric surgery can literally save the life of an obese person who has tried every other means of weight loss, it cannot protect that individual gaining weight again.
Source:
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Bariatric Surgery
Beaumont Hospitals: Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Medpage Today: Bariatric Surgery---Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
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