Could Weight Loss Surgery Save Your Life?
We all know that undergoing weight loss surgery for morbid obesity can drastically improve one’s general health and self-esteem, but the surgery can also provide a solution for more serious health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Obesity has long been known to be a major contributor toward developing these ailments. Specifically, much research has been published on the correlation between bariatric surgery and the lessening of symptoms and evidence of disease resulting from type 2 diabetes.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes affects about 26 million people and can contribute to the onset of heart attack and stroke. Research in recent years has focused largely on the positive effects that gastric bypass, a specific type of weight loss procedure, can have on reducing the negative effects of type 2 diabetes.
Gastric bypass surgery can actually improve the symptoms of type 2 diabetes even before weight-loss occurs. Many things happen in the small intestine after surgery, including hormonal changes, insulin resistance, even the normally occurring bacteria that aids in food digestion.
Yet, research alone can only show so much. A countless number of weight loss surgery patients are living proof that bariatric surgery not only helps you look and feel better – but may also help you live longer.
Tami B. is one such example. Tami had gastric bypass surgery with Barix Clinics in 2007 and has never regretted that decision. Prior to surgery, her weight and complications from diabetes had lowered her quality of life.
“My life before surgery was not as I would like it. I was tired all the time. I was taking insulin injections and pills, cholesterol meds, water pills, and high blood pressure pills,” she explains.
Tami began to worry that her weight and health could have detrimental effects on her future – and the future of her children. “The doctor informed me that if I did not lose weight, my lifespan would be considerably less,” she says. “He said I’d live maybe 10 more years at the rate I was going. I was only 41, and my youngest was 12. I wanted to live long enough for grandkids and to see my baby grow into an adult.”
How has her life and health improved since receiving the surgery?
“My self-esteem is 100% better, and my health is very good. I am no longer taking insulin shots, cholesterol pills or blood pressure pills. I am very active and can do more things with my boys. My family is amazed at the transformation. …I love life… my life.”
However, it is important to stress that the surgery itself is a tool in your weight loss journey. Special attention should be paid to the team who will be performing your surgery, and where they will take care of you. Make sure there is adequate follow up care and experienced, professional bariatric surgeons handling your surgery. Your relationship with your bariatric surgery provider is of the utmost importance.
She adds, “I think all the care at Barix Clinics was exceptional. I have never received that kind of care in a general hospital. They still call to make sure all is going well, and to give new information on support groups and such.”
A number of patients with other health problems have seen their symptoms disappear after bariatric surgery, which can also be a way to prevent future problems from occurring.
At only 23 years old, Jamie D. had high blood pressure and back problems. Just three years after receiving a gastric bypass, she says her life – and health – has largely improved.
“I’m so much healthier now,” she says. “And I know that by choosing to have bariatric surgery, I’ve prevented even more health problems from showing up in the future.”
If you struggle with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes or other serious health concerns caused by excess weight, weight loss surgery with the experts at Barix Clinics may be the answer for you. Visit Barix Clinics’ website today at www.barixclinics.com.
This is a paid partnership between Barix Clinics and Philadelphia Magazine
