10 Illnesses That See Dramatic Improvement After Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery has become a popular option for those struggling to shed excess pounds. While many people focus on the aesthetic benefits of weight loss, this article takes a look at the lesser known impact it can have on various illnesses and conditions. Read on to discover 10 illnesses that see dramatic improvement after weight loss surgery!

Introduction

Weight loss surgery can be a life-changing procedure for people suffering from obesity. It can dramatically improve or even cure many obesity-related illnesses, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Joint pain
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon to learn more about which procedure may be right for you and what kind of results you can expect.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to a host of health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While weight loss surgery is not a cure for diabetes, it can be an effective tool for managing the condition.

There are two main types of weight loss surgery: gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Both procedures work by helping patients to lose weight, which can in turn help to improve their diabetes. In some cases, patients may even be able to achieve remission from their diabetes after surgery.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to speak with your doctor about all of your options. Surgery is not right for everyone, and it is important to make sure that it is the right choice for you.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the United States has hypertension.

While there are many medications available to treat hypertension, weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment option for some people. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that weight loss surgery can lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure for people who are obese.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about whether it may be an option for you.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and obesity is a major risk factor for developing heart disease. Obesity increases the risk for heart disease by causing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Weight loss surgery can help to improve heart health by helping patients to lose weight and keep it off long-term. Studies have shown that weight loss surgery can improve or resolve many of the health conditions that contribute to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In addition, weight loss surgery can also help to decrease the size of the heart and improve its function.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints. It is a degenerative disease that causes the cartilage in the joints to break down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints.

Weight loss surgery can help improve osteoarthritis by reducing the amount of weight that is placed on the joints. This can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the condition. In some cases, weight loss surgery can also help improve joint function.

Sleep Apnea

If you’re one of the 18 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea, you know how much it can affect your life. Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing is interrupted during sleep, and it can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and other serious health problems.

Weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for sleep apnea. In fact, studies have shown that weight loss surgery can improve or even cure sleep apnea in up to 85% of patients.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about whether it could be an effective treatment for your sleep apnea.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that can cause heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms. GERD is caused by a malfunction in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When the LES relaxes, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing GERD symptoms.

Weight loss surgery can help to improve or resolve symptoms of GERD in many patients. One study found that 78% of patients who had weight loss surgery reported improvement in their GERD symptoms, while another study found that nearly 50% of patients who underwent weight loss surgery had complete resolution of their GERD symptoms.

If you are struggling with GERD and are considering weight loss surgery, be sure to discuss your options with your doctor to see if this type of surgery is right for you.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms. Asthma affects people of all ages, but is most common in children.

While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with medication. In some cases, weight loss surgery may be an option for those who are obese and have uncontrolled asthma. Studies have shown that obesity is a risk factor for asthma, and that weight loss can improve asthma control.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a serious lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It’s the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Weight loss surgery can help people with COPD lose weight and feel better. In one study, people who had weight loss surgery lost an average of 21 percent of their body weight. They also had less trouble breathing and felt more energetic.

If you have COPD, talk to your doctor about whether weight loss surgery is right for you.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. It is the most common form of liver disease in the Western world, and is estimated to affect up to one in three adults. NAFLD can lead to a build-up of scar tissue in the liver (cirrhosis), and can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

Weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for NAFLD, and can lead to significant improvements in liver function. In one study, patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery showed a marked improvement in their NAFLD symptoms after losing weight. Surgery may also help to reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)

The Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) is a condition that occurs when someone is obese and has difficulty breathing. This can be due to the extra weight putting pressure on the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to expand. It can also be caused by sleep apnea, which is when someone stops breathing for short periods of time during sleep. People with OHS often have a high body mass index (BMI) and are at risk for other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

OHS can be treated with weight loss surgery, which can help reduce the amount of pressure on the chest and improve breathing. In some cases, people may also need to use a CPAP machine to help them breathe at night. With treatment, people with OHS can often lead normal, healthy lives.

Conclusions

Weight loss surgery can dramatically improve the lives of those who suffer from obesity-related illnesses. In many cases, surgery can be a life-saving measure.

Weight loss surgery can help to improve or resolve a number of obesity-related health conditions, including:

• Sleep apnea
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Joint pain
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)