Benefits and Risks of Weight Loss Surgery
"Weight Loss" (Ku)
Bariatric surgery provides numerous health and lifestyle benefits for
patients struggling with obesity. Research suggests that weight loss
surgery leads to long-term improvements in obesity-related conditions,
including:
-
Type 2 Diabetes – Many patients experience complete remission of diabetes within a year after surgery (Montgomery, 2016).
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Cardiovascular Health – Bariatric surgery has significantly lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (Montgomery, 2016).
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Improved Mobility and Quality of Life – Significant weight loss reduces joint pain, increases physical activity, and improves mental well-being (Montgomery, 2016).
Furthermore, Lager et al. (2017) found that
RYGB patients achieved more significant weight loss and metabolic
improvements.
Despite its many benefits, bariartic surgery could cause long term complications if not careful enough. Many patients struggle with nutritional deficiencies due to the alteration in the digestive systems. Other issues manifest through surgery complications, with patients needing multiple revesits to follow up with their surgery.
(“Diabetes Is a Common Risk of Weight Loss Surgery”)
Some of the most common risks include:
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Nutritional Deficiencies – Due to changes in nutrient absorption, patients may require lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements (Montgomery, 2016).
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Surgical Complications – These may include infection, bleeding, or leakage from the surgical site (Montgomery, 2016). "Despite the benefits, bariatric surgery carries risks such as surgical complications, including infection, bleeding, and leakage, especially in the early postoperative phase" (Lager et al., 2017).
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Dumping Syndrome – A condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, and dizziness (Montgomery, 2016).
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Long-Term Risks: "The long-term risks associated with bariatric surgery include the need for follow-up procedures, such as revisions, and the potential for long-term malnutrition, particularly in patients undergoing RYGB" (Lager et al., 2017).