Bariatric surgery continues to benefit people struggling with morbid obesity and can save lives. Recent studies indicate that bariatric surgery patients are living longer lives than morbidly obese individuals. Although there are numerous benefits, this surgery is not without risks. It is important to consider these risks and weigh them against potential benefits with an SSM Weight-Loss Institute physician.
Bariatric surgery can reduce mortality rates and extend life expectancy. Compared to a person of normal weight, a 25-year-old obese man has a reduced life span, and can expect a loss of about 12 years of life. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve life span by reducing excess body weight. In a recent study, bariatric surgery reduced overall morbidity and the development of new health-related conditions in morbidly obese patients. Bariatric surgery reduced the relative risk of death by 89 percent with an absolute mortality reduction of 5.49 percent.
Bariatric surgery has been proven to impact obesity-related health conditions.
- Through gastric bypass surgery, patients have shown more than 83% resolution in type 2 diabetes.
- Patients experienced up to 88% resolution in obstructive sleep apnea, while another group noted 75% resolution in hypertension.
- More than 70% of patients experienced an improvement in their hyperlipidemia.
Additional obesity-related health conditions may be improved or resolved with bariatric surgery.
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure/heart disease
- Dyslipidemia (lipid metabolism abnormalities)
- Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints
- Depression
- Sleep apnea/respiratory problems
- Gastroesophageal reflux/heartburn
- Infertility
- Urinary stress incontinence
- Menstrual irregularities
- Asthma
- Skin breakdown
- Swollen legs/skin ulcers
- Extremity venous stasis
While each patient is different, the SSM Weight-Loss Institute’s specialized surgery program has produced a high degree of successful outcomes. The chart below demonstrates the long-term success rate of weight-loss program and treatments when pursued by extremely overweight individuals.
|
Condition |
% of those
showing improvement |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
95% |
|
High Cholesterol |
97% |
|
Gerd |
98% |
|
Stress Incontinence |
87% |
|
Cardiac function |
95% |
|
Osteoarthritis |
82% |
|
Sleep Apnea |
75% |
|
Hypertension |
92% |
The SSM Weight-Loss Institute provides ongoing support throughout the entire weight-loss surgery process. This helps to ensure the best possible outcome and helps our patients to permanently maintain their weight loss.