Medical Conditions Improved With Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery does not just treat the disease of obesity, but it treats other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and acid reflux. In addition, surgery greatly reduces the risk of death from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the conditions that often improve or resolve with bariatric surgery:

Conditions Improved or Resolved:

Type 2 Diabetes:
Bariatric surgery can lead to remission or significant improvement in blood sugar control, often reducing or eliminating the need for diabetes medications.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):
Weight loss achieved through surgery can lead to a reduction in blood pressure, and in some cases, patients may be able to reduce or discontinue their blood pressure medications.

Sleep Apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops or becomes shallow during sleep, is often linked to obesity and can be significantly improved or resolved after weight loss through bariatric surgery.

Heart Disease:
Bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, by improving cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and overall weight loss.

High Cholesterol:
Weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery can lead to improved cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Joint Pain:
Excess weight can put a strain on joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Weight loss through bariatric surgery can alleviate joint pain and improve mobility.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
NAFLD, a condition where fat builds up in the liver, is often associated with obesity and can be improved or resolved with bariatric surgery.

Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – GERD):
Weight loss can reduce symptoms of acid reflux, and in some cases, bariatric surgery can help resolve the condition.

Certain Cancers:
Some studies suggest that bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast, endometrial, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):
Bariatric surgery can improve outcomes for women with PCOS, including regularizing menstrual cycles and improving fertility.

Anxiety and Depression:
Weight loss can have a positive impact on mental health, with some studies showing improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms after bariatric surgery.

Urinary Incontinence:
Weight loss can reduce or eliminate urinary incontinence, a condition where people lose control of their bladder.

Diabetic Retinopathy:
Bariatric surgery can improve diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina.