It’s obvious that weight loss reduces your number on the scale, but it also often leads to additional health improvements. The team at Sanford Health focuses on helping patients seize as many of these health benefits from weight loss (bariatric) surgery as possible.
Of Sanford Health’s bariatric surgery patients, 83 percent reduced one or more of their other health problems one-year post operation. Here is a list of health conditions that can improve with reduced weight.
Lose weight and keep it off: Weight loss surgery at Sanford Health
Sleep apnea
About 46 percent of Sanford Health patients with sleep apnea saw it clear up one year after their procedure. Being able to get a full night’s sleep also helps eliminate many troublesome symptoms. Among them are morning headaches, dry mouth, irritability, daytime sleepiness, snoring and insomnia.
Do you have sleep apnea? Take our online quiz
Reflux disease
Another medical benefit of weight loss surgery can be less irritation from reflux disease. Among patients with symptoms like heartburn and acid indigestion, 73 percent of Sanford Health patients had the symptoms clear up after surgery.
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
One year after surgery, 65 percent of Sanford Health weight loss patients with high blood pressure had lower pressure levels. High blood pressure can be damaging and lead to serious conditions like stroke and heart disease. Likewise, high cholesterol limits blood flow and can increase the risk for stroke and heart attack. Of the Sanford weight loss patients with high cholesterol, 66 percent had lower levels a year after surgery.
Diabetes
Diabetes is another condition that often affects patients who struggle with obesity. Type 2 diabetes affects the way a body processes sugar — leading to a constant need to monitor blood sugar levels. Nearly half — 44 percent — of Sanford Health weight loss patients with diabetes saw an improvement or resolution of their condition within a year after surgery.
What is weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a choice for some people who are obese and have not been able to lose weight with other methods. Therefore, your health care provider might discuss this type of surgery with you if you are morbidly obese, or if you are obese and have an obesity-related health problem.
There are several different surgery options. What works best for you will depend on your general health, your needs, and your own preference.
Related: Choosing a bariatric surgery procedure
Learn more
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- After weight loss surgery: ‘Half the man I once was’
- Couple achieves significant weight loss without surgery
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Posted In Health Information, Healthy Living, Heart, Weight Loss
