Bariatric surgery is not just an effective tool for losing weight; it can also help treat obesity-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia.
Type 2 diabetes
The idea that weight loss surgery may “cure” diabetes has been recognized for years now.
Studies have shown that those who experienced the most improvement in their diabetes were those with milder form and shorter duration of the disease.
Experts believe bariatric surgery can “cure” type 2 diabetes through its ability to limit nutrient absorption. This mechanism is believed to also cause less absorption of glucose and fats and improvement in beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent subtype of sleep-disordered breathing. In this condition, one’s breathing stops involuntarily for a brief period of time. This causes snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and gasping during sleep.
Studies have shown that this, too, can also be improved with weight loss surgery.
Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is strongly associated with obesity. This is characterized by elevated triglycerides, small low-density lipoproteins, and low high-density lipoproteins.
Bariatric surgery is believed to help improve dyslipidemia and other metabolic disorders through reducing adipocyte (a cell specialized for storing fat) size and improving its function.
Other co-morbidities weight loss surgery can improve
Weight loss surgery can also lead to improved fertility, improvement in polycystic ovary syndrome, and other obesity-related illnesses.
If you’re obese and struggling to lose weight even with medically-supervised weight loss strategies, then you may benefit from bariatric surgery.
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons in Knoxville offers a FREE info series to help you understand bariatric surgery and what you can expect from it – before, during, and after the procedure.
You may register for this FREE info series here.* Questions? Call our office at (865) 984-3413.
*As a COVID-19 safety precaution, our information sessions are currently being offered online. This is a convenient way to view and complete our seminar, anytime and anywhere.
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is a division of Premier Surgical Bariatrics in Knoxville, TN. The Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons office is affiliated with the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery, accredited as a comprehensive center under MBSAQIP.