Could a Bariatric Procedure Be Your New Beginning?

Though no surgery is entirely risk-free, the risks associated with laparoscopic bariatric surgery are comparable to or even less than some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S., including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and hip replacement. Plus, weight-loss surgery is a proven, effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity, helping thousands of patients who haven't been able to lose weight long-term through diet and exercise alone.

Weight-loss surgery has benefits beyond weight loss. It can lower the risk of conditions considered far more dangerous than surgery, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Studies also find that it can decrease depression symptoms, reverse sleep apnea, provide joint pain relief and increase fertility.

Yes, it could! In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery is a proven, effective treatment for reversing obesity-related conditions, like diabetes. Though patient outcomes can vary, studies show up to 83% of people attain long-term Type 2 diabetes remission with surgery. By the 24-month mark, 85% of patients no longer need diabetes medication. If you have obesity and Type 2 diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider about how bariatric surgery could help, or contact our program for more information.

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery's guidelines, which were revised in October 2022, a weight-loss procedure may be a good option for you if:

• Your BMI is 35 or greater.
• You have Type 2 Diabetes, AND your BMI is 30 or greater.
• Your BMI is between 30 and 34.9, AND you cannot achieve substantial or long-lasting weight loss or reverse obesity-related conditions through non-surgical methods.
• You are of Asian descent, have a BMI equal to or greater than 27.5 and have type 2 diabetes or certain cardiovascular conditions. (People of Asian descent often have weight-related health problems starting at a lower BMI.)

In addition to your BMI, your physician also may consider another measurement: your waist circumference. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there's a higher risk of developing obesity-related conditions if you are:

• A man whose waist circumference is more than 40 inches.
• A non-pregnant woman whose waist measure circumference is more than 35 inches.

Surgery, combined with a healthy lifestyle and social support, can facilitate significant, long-term weight loss, but there are many other benefits beyond weight loss. Here are just a few you could experience:

• Reversal of Type 2 diabetes
• Improved cholesterol and blood pressure, which helps reduce heart disease and stroke risk
• Reduction in joint pain, stiffness and swelling
• Decreased depression symptoms
• Reversal of sleep apnea - say goodbye to that CPAP!
• Improved fertility - for men and women
• A longer life

Picture what your life could be after bariatric surgery. Are you ready to take the next step?

Because every patient is unique, the answer to this question will vary depending on your specific health history and other factors. However, weight-loss surgery combined with exercise, healthy eating and social support, allows patients to lose significant weight and maintain those results. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that around 90% of patients lose at least 50% of their excess body weight and keep it off long-term.