5 Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Besides Helping You Lose Weight

Bariatric surgery is typically regarded as a procedure to promote fast, efficient weight loss in people who are obese but struggle to lose weight on their own. While it’s true that bariatric surgery is beneficial for weight loss, the procedure can also support your long-term health in ways you may not realize.

Sierra Pacific Surgical specializes in minimally invasive bariatric surgery for adults facing health risks related to obesity.

Our skilled surgeons determine which type of bariatric surgery is appropriate for you based on your current health, weight loss goals, and other factors.

A quick overview of bariatric surgery

There are different bariatric techniques used during surgery to support safe weight loss in adults, including:

Sleeve gastrectomy

A sleeve gastrectomy is a procedure to remove about 80% of the stomach. The remaining stomach is formed into a banana-shaped pouch that holds less food, so you feel full faster and consume less calories.

Intragastric balloon

An intragastric balloon is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon to fill up space inside the stomach. Once inflated, the balloon reduces the amount of space in the stomach to reduce how much food you can eat in support of weight loss.

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery involves the creation of a smaller stomach pouch that connects directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach to limit the amount of food you can eat.

Our bariatric surgeons use minimally invasive techniques which minimize your risk for postsurgical pain, bleeding, and other complications.

5 benefits of bariatric surgery beyond weight loss

Different types of bariatric surgery work in different ways to improve your overall health and long-term wellness. Here are five benefits to consider if you’re thinking about moving forward with weight loss surgery:

1. Beneficial hormone changes

Some types of bariatric surgery change the way your body produces the hormones that control appetite and metabolism. For instance, gastric bypass procedures decrease levels of ghrelin, a hormone linked to hunger.

1.  Improvement of Type 2 diabetes

The efficient weight loss that bariatric surgery provides is beneficial to people with Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, some people with Type 2 diabetes can begin to see an improvement in their glucose levels within a few days of surgery before they lose weight.

1. Decrease in LDL cholesterol

Bariatric surgery supports a reduction in LDL, the bad cholesterol that contributes to heart disease and stroke. People who undergo a bariatric procedure can also benefit from an increase in their HDL levels, the good cholesterol that circulates through the blood collecting LDL cholesterol.

4. Enhanced fertility

Women who lose weight with bariatric surgery often see improvements in their fertility. For men, especially those who are morbidly obese, weight loss surgery has been shown to promote increased testosterone levels.

5. Better mental health

The boost in confidence and self-esteem people experience as the result of weight loss surgery can positively impact their long-term mental health. These benefits can also carry over into an individual’s personal life, strengthening relationships, boosting energy levels, and reducing risk factors for depression and anxiety.

Call Sierra Pacific Surgical in Roseville, Eldorado Hills/Folsome, or Sacramento, California, today to find out if you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery or book a consultation online today.