In the United States, obesity is rising and affects more than 40 percent of the population. Unfortunately, this disease can lead to deadly conditions like stroke, diabetes, and heart problems.
When conventional methods fail, physicians may recommend surgery to patients with significant weight to lose. As with any medical procedure, the advantages of weight loss surgery come with risks.
This brief article will evaluate both the pros and cons of weight loss surgery. So keep reading if you would like to understand this procedure better.
1. Pro: Quick and Long-Term Weight Loss
Long-term studies of weight loss surgery patients reveal that it is an effective way to shed pounds.
After gastric bypass surgery, patients lose an average of 28.4 percent of their body weight. Meanwhile, the average weight loss for laparoscopic gastric band surgery patients is 14.9 percent of their body weight.
Best of all, most people maintain their new weight and only gain back 1.4-3.9 percent of their body weight over time.
2. Con: Possible Complications and Side Effects
Compared to those who rely on traditional weight loss solutions, a bariatric patient is at risk for more complications.
While it is generally a safe procedure, you should consider the possible short and long-term side effects or risks. These vary depending on the type of weight-loss procedure but may include:
- Bowel obstruction
- Blood clots
- Dumping syndrome
- Infection
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or hernia
If you are uncomfortable with these risks, ask your doctor for more information and how you can mitigate side effects.
3: Pro: Improve Cardiovascular Health
After weight loss surgery, many individuals experience improved heart health. Their blood pressure and cholesterol return to normal levels, and their risk of stroke and heart diseases decrease.
Other weight loss options can also improve your heart health, so ask your doctor if weight-loss surgery is necessary.
4. Con: Increased Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies
Some weight-loss surgeries affect the way your body absorbs food. This causes malabsorption, meaning that your body receives fewer nutrients from your food.
Many patients need to take supplements for the rest of their life to prevent deficiencies or anemia.
5. Pro: Alleviate Other Health Conditions
Losing weight is one of the best ways to enhance your overall well-being! Here are just some of the health benefits of weight loss through surgery.
- Relieve stress on joints and improve mobility
- Treat sleep apnea caused by obesity
- Remission for type 2 diabetes patients
- Improve fertility while reducing the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications
In addition, your weight loss can improve your body image and relieve depression.
6. Con: Changing Eating Habits Is Necessary
Some people believe that weight loss surgery is an easy way to lose weight, but this is far from the truth. Patients need to change their eating habits, keep a food journal, and measure all the food they consume.
Overeating or eating certain types of food can make the patient ill or cause complications.
7. Pro: Minimally Invasive Options Available
Some weight-loss procedures, such as the lap band, take less than an hour to perform and have speedy recovery times.
You may not lose as much weight with minimally invasive surgeries. Still, they can help you get within the healthy BMI range.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery
If you are considering weight loss surgery, it’s best to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the benefits and risks of specific procedures and choose the best one for your needs.
Would you like more tips for healthy living? If so, browse through more of our content!
