Benefits and Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

Benefits of weight loss surgery

There are numerous benefits as a result of weight loss surgery.  They can be measured in terms of weight loss, resolution or improvement of the medical problems related to obesity and quality of life.  Studies have shown that it is currently the only effective method of long-term weight loss in the morbidly obese population.

More importantly, the operation can cure or control many of the serious diseases that accompany morbid obesity.  The following statistics demonstrate the affect gastric bypass surgery has for patients one year after surgery.

Percentage of co-morbidities resolved after 1 year

 

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus          82%

• Sleep Apnea                                74%

• Hypercholesterolemia                63%

• Hypertriglyceridemia                 57%

• Hypertension                              70%

• GERD                                         72%

• Urinary incontinence                  44%

 

Most patients experience significant improvements in quality of life after Bariatric surgery. Improved self-esteem and confidence help in fighting depression. Patients are able to socially interact with family, friends, and coworkers in ways that were not possible before surgery.

Risks and complications of weight loss surgery

While the benefits of weight loss surgery can be very dramatic, every surgical procedure carries risks and complications. It is important to understand these risks and complications in order to make an informed decision about weight loss surgery. Some risks and complications apply to any abdominal surgery, others are more specific to particular procedures. Unfortunately, being morbidly obese in itself places patients at higher risk for any surgical procedure. It is the act of having an operation, not the particular operation that is done that causes most of the risk.

General Surgical Risks/Complications

Bleeding
Heparin effect, Hemorrhage, and Transfusions.

Surgical problems

Possible injury to nearby structures, Perforation of stomach and/or intestine, Rejection of staple or suture material. Bowel obstruction

The Weight Loss Clinic
4315 Londonderry Road
Harrisburg, PA 17109

The Weight Loss Clinic
at Robinwood
1110 Professional Court
Suite 201
Hagerstown, MD 21740