How Bariatric Surgery Improves Your Quality of Life and Health

Many people struggling with obesity and related medical conditions want a better quality of life and hope to achieve their weight loss and health goals with bariatric surgery. Improving quality of life after bariatric surgery is essential for long-term success. Researchers have assessed the long-term benefits of these procedures on quality of life and found people with medical concerns and limitations due to their body size see a boost in their quality of life and freedom to enjoy physical activities after bariatric surgery. 

Dr V. Kuzinkovas is a certified bariatric surgeon in Sydney. He has helped more than 5,000 patients increase their quality of life through weight loss surgery and lifestyle changes. 

What the Research Shows for Quality of Life After Bariatric Surgery

Quality of life may improve as early as three months after bariatric surgery, but analyzing these metrics is difficult because comparison studies use different reporting methods with patients. The available comparisons between sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass found that both procedures significantly improved quality of life. 

A 10-year study published in Obesity Surgery in 2020 evaluated patients undergoing bariatric surgery from June 2009 to May 2010 in a single academic center. These patients received laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (31 patients) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (34 patients). They completed quality-of-life assessments before weight loss surgery and one year and 10 years afterward, with 72% of patients filling out the 10-year survey. These patients reported meaningful increases in their total quality of life from before the operation to 10 years later, especially with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. 

Bariatric Surgery Can Improve Some Medical Conditions 

Weight loss surgery doesn’t just address obesity. The burden of obesity-related conditions can impact your quality of life, and reducing symptoms or going into disease remission can significantly improve your well-being. Seventy-two percent of patients with type 2 diabetes achieve diabetes remission within two years of bariatric surgery. 

Bariatric surgery can reduce the impact of heart disease, arthritis, acid reflux, and high blood pressure. These procedures can also improve symptoms of hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Weight loss surgery can lower the risk of premature death from diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and other causes. 

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Your Health and Lifestyle 

Losing a massive amount of weight can improve your health and lead to positive lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgery patients are less likely to die prematurely, with extensive scientific studies showing the risk of early death drops by over 40% after significant weight loss. People with bariatric surgery are more likely to keep the weight off long-term, and about 90% of patients shed 50% of their excess body weight. 

Other benefits of bariatric surgery on your quality of life include: 

• More energy
• Reduced chronic pain 
• Freedom to enjoy physical activities
• Balancing of hormones
• Easier exercise for ongoing and stable weight loss 

If you struggle with lifestyle limitations caused by obesity and comorbid conditions, bariatric surgery may improve your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with our certified bariatric surgeon to see if weight loss surgery is right for you. Contact Advanced Surgicare in Sydney at 1300 551 533.