Weight loss surgery does more than just help individuals shed pounds; it can significantly enhance overall health, improving conditions ranging from sleep apnea to high blood pressure. According to a recent study from Sanford Health, a remarkable 83% of patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported a reduction in one or more comorbid health conditions just one year after their procedure.
Beyond the Mirror: Real Health Benefits
While weight loss is the primary goal of bariatric surgery, the health benefits that follow are just as transformative. Sanford Health’s bariatric specialists are dedicated to maximizing these positive outcomes, emphasizing that the procedure isn’t just about achieving a lower number on the scale, but also about reducing the risk of chronic health issues that often accompany obesity.
Dr. David Faugno-Fusci, a general and bariatric surgeon at Sanford Health in Bemidji, Minnesota, explains, “Weight loss surgery and medication can help our patients lose weight, but ultimately, the goal is to lower the risk for conditions like sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes, which significantly affect quality of life.”
Tackling Chronic Health Issues with Surgery
Among the many conditions bariatric surgery helps improve, sleep apnea is one of the most notable. Approximately 46% of patients suffering from this condition saw complete resolution of symptoms within a year after their procedure. The result: improved sleep quality and a decrease in daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and other common side effects of sleep apnea.
Reflux disease, often characterized by acid indigestion and heartburn, is another common condition that sees significant improvement following weight loss surgery. According to Sanford Health data, 73% of patients with reflux disease experienced a complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms post-surgery.
For those living with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the benefits are also clear. One year after surgery, 65% of patients with hypertension reported reduced blood pressure levels, while 66% of patients with high cholesterol saw a decline in their cholesterol levels. This is particularly important as both high blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Perhaps most significantly, weight loss surgery offers hope for those struggling with type 2 diabetes, a condition closely linked to obesity. At Sanford Health, 44% of patients with diabetes experienced a reduction or complete resolution of their condition within one year of surgery.
Understanding Weight Loss Surgery Options
Bariatric surgery is a viable option for individuals who have been unable to achieve substantial weight loss through diet and exercise alone, particularly those with obesity or weight-related health conditions. For some patients, weight loss surgery becomes a necessary intervention to address serious health risks associated with excess weight.
For those considering bariatric surgery, Sanford Health provides a range of both surgical and nonsurgical weight loss options. The hospital’s Bemidji clinic recently made it easier for patients to access care by eliminating the need for a referral from a primary care provider to schedule a consultation for weight loss surgery.
“We want to be a resource for our community,” says Dr. Faugno-Fusci. “If someone has been struggling with weight loss, we’re here to help them understand their options and support them through the process.”
Nonsurgical Alternatives: Medication Options
For patients who fall into a body mass index (BMI) range between 30 and 35, weight loss medications have become an increasingly popular option. These medications are ideal for individuals who have made substantial efforts with diet and exercise but still struggle to lose weight.
“Medications are effective for those in this BMI range who need help pushing past a weight loss plateau,” says Dr. Michael Joannides, a specialist in bariatric surgery at Sanford Health. “However, those with a BMI of 35 or higher may find surgery to be a more effective and sustainable option.”
Surgical Solutions for Severe Obesity
For patients with a BMI over 35, weight loss medications may not suffice in achieving long-term weight loss goals. In such cases, bariatric surgery can provide a more reliable solution. Dr. Joannides stresses, “Surgery is the most effective way to achieve significant weight loss, and it has lasting benefits that go beyond just losing weight.”
Sanford Health’s team of experts helps guide patients through the weight loss journey, offering personalized care to improve both health outcomes and quality of life.
A Life-Changing Transformation
The impact of bariatric surgery goes far beyond physical appearance. For many patients, it represents a new lease on life. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” says Dr. Joannides. “Seeing someone lose 100 to 150 pounds, get off their medications, and live a longer, healthier life—it’s incredibly rewarding. It’s life-changing for them, and it’s life-changing for their families too.”
As the number of people turning to weight loss surgery grows, the long-term health benefits—especially the improvement of chronic conditions—are becoming clearer. For those struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery offers a path not only to weight loss, but to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Related Topics:
