Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

People choose bariatric or weight loss surgery to experience better health and a higher quality of life. There are a number of surgeons in Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas and many other cities across the country performing successful bariatric weight loss surgeries every year, but there are some drawbacks with such surgeries. Here are the pros and cons of weight loss surgery that you need to consider when considering weight loss surgery. 

What is Weight Loss Surgery?

As the name suggests, weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery is a surgery intended to help aid in the reduction of excess weight. When changes in diet and extensive workouts do not show desired weight loss in the morbidly obese, numerous health problems arise, necessitating weight loss surgery. There are many types of bariatric surgeries available like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and laparoscopic adjustable band surgery, to name a few.

Pros of Weight Loss Surgery

Apart from desired weight loss, bariatric surgery offers a number of benefits:

  • Remission of type 2 diabetes Weight loss surgery is beneficial for people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. Post-surgery, tight calorie restriction, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased insulin production work together to re-establish glycemic control. 
  • Improved Cardiovascular Health – A person’s risk of peripheral heart disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke is reduced after weight loss surgery. One study even claims that the weight loss brought on by the procedure can lower the risk of mortality from heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. 
  • High Self-esteem and Low Depression – People who are obese or overweight generally face low self-esteem issues due to societal pressures. Society shames and makes them feel uncomfortable about their weight and appearance. That further elevates the risk of anxiety and depression issues. Weight loss surgery provides a level of confidence and helps improve mental health too.  
  • Eliminate Sleep Apnea Although weight loss surgery is not performed to correct sleep apnea, nonetheless it helps in reducing the symptoms. Obese persons often experience sleep apnea. The excess fatty tissue around the throat may restrict airflow and exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms in some people. Overall weight reduction post bariatric surgery helps reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. 
  • Relief in Joint Pain – Excess weight puts excess pressure on the weight-bearing joints like knees and hips. That further leads to frequent joint pains and long-term joint damage. After a weight loss surgery, there is a significant reduction in weight that may help lower the pressure on painful joints.

Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

  • Malnutrition – After weight loss surgery, the body consumes fewer vitamins and minerals from the food hence there are chances that the body can become malnutrition. Some of the symptoms are Feeling tired Loss of energy  Pins and needles  Shortness of breath. A balanced diet and proper vitamins, minerals, and other supplements intake can help in preventing malnutrition. 
  • Surgery-related risks: A common side effect of gastric bypass surgery is bowel leakage, either from the newly formed link between the stomach and small intestine or between two sections of the intestine. It’s also possible for a sleeve gastrectomy staple line to burst and leak. Such leaks may result in a rapid heartbeat, back or abdominal pain, fever, and infection. Depending on the severity of the leak, treatment typically requires either antibiotic therapy or surgical repair.

In gastric band surgery it is possible that the band slips out of its place. When one wall or side of the stomach slips through the band’s opening, a larger than normal gastric pouch develops above the band. Symptoms of slipping band can be heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Treatment may include a surgery to either remove or put the band back in its original place. 

Blood clots, bleeding, infection, hair loss, and sagging skin are the other risks associated with weight loss surgery. Proper medical treatment and regular consultations with a doctor post surgery can help in reducing such issues to a great extent. 

  • Major lifestyle changes: A weight loss surgery not only brings in but also demands major lifestyle changes. Patients need to take care of their diet and engage in activities as advised by the doctors. Some surgeries are also irreversible, and so great caution is required by patients to choose wisely. 

Should you Opt for Weight Loss Surgery? 

Weight loss surgery can be risky but if you follow proper guidelines and doctor’s recommendations after surgery then you don’t need to be worried. When extensive workouts and diet plans are not helping you lose excess weight and it is impacting your health, then you can opt for weight loss surgery. Most importantly, consult a reputable surgeon to find out whether you are eligible for weight loss surgery or not. If you are living in and around Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, consult the best Dallas bariatric surgeon who is known for performing successful weight loss surgeries.

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About the Author: Amy F. Ritzman

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