Over 2.5 billion people worldwide were considered overweight in 2022. The silver lining about this situation is that about 47% of men and 55% of women admit to trying to lose weight. [1] [2]
There are many options to explore when going down this route. One of the extreme ones is weight loss surgery. Not only does it help with weight loss but also does a lot of good for your health and overall lifestyle. Curious to find out how? Read on to find out the different weight loss surgery benefits.
Improved Physical Health
Weight loss surgery isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s also about reclaiming your health and fixing medical conditions that often come with being overweight. For example, if you’ve been dealing with Type 2 diabetes, surgery can sometimes help you reduce or even stop needing insulin or other medications.
Another huge benefit? High blood pressure. Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on your heart. As a matter of fact, studies show that being obese accounts for about 78% of all primary hypertension cases in men and 65% in women. However, after surgery, many people find they no longer need blood pressure medications, or at least their doses are reduced. [3]
Joint pain, especially in your knees and hips, is also common when carrying excess body weight. Losing weight takes pressure off your joints, allowing you to move more freely and with less pain.
Long-term Weight Management
You’ve probably tried diets or exercise plans before, only to find the weight creeping back. It’s discouraging, right? Weight loss surgery offers a way to break that cycle.
Here’s how it works. After surgery, your stomach is smaller, so you feel full faster. But it doesn’t stop there. Most people also experience hormonal changes after surgery that help control hunger and cravings. So, you’re not constantly battling the urge to overeat.
If you’ve struggled with these patterns and want to understand more about the root causes, take a moment to learn more about obesity or other weight-related health conditions and why it’s so hard to lose weight through traditional methods. That said, a weight loss procedure like Gastric Bypass or Bariatric Surgery isn’t a free pass. You’ll still need to make lifestyle changes, like eating smaller portions and focusing on healthy foods.
Enhanced Mental Well-being
Obesity often comes with emotional struggles, like low self-esteem or even depression. You might avoid social gatherings, not because you don’t want to go, but because you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Weight loss surgery helps many people regain their confidence. This could be walking into a room and not worrying about what people think. Or finally wearing the clothes you’ve avoided for years because they didn’t fit or felt uncomfortable.
Also remember, physical health and mental health are connected. As your body heals, your mind follows. More energy, less pain, and better sleep all help improve your mood.
Increased Energy Levels
Carrying extra weight can drain your energy. Climbing stairs, playing with your kids, or even walking through the grocery store can leave you winded. After surgery, many people notice a huge boost in energy, and it happens faster than you might think.
As you lose weight, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to move. Your heart, lungs, and muscles can finally take a breather. Everyday tasks that once felt exhausting start to feel easy. You might even find yourself wanting to try new activities you hadn’t considered before—like jogging, biking, or taking a dance class.
And it’s not just about physical activity. More energy means you’re likely to be more productive at work, more engaged with your family, and even more creative.
Better Quality of Life
Weight loss surgery isn’t just about health numbers or clothing sizes. It’s about the freedom to do what you love without your weight holding you back.
Think about the small things that might have become big challenges. Like squeezing into an airplane seat, bending down to tie your shoes, or fitting comfortably in a booth at your favorite restaurant. After surgery, these moments feel different. You’re not constantly reminded of your weight, and you can just focus on enjoying the experience.
Beyond that, there’s the chance to reconnect with hobbies or try new ones. Yes. You can finally join that dance class you’ve been eyeing or signing up for a 5K run.
The changes extend to your relationships, too. When you feel better physically and emotionally, it’s easier to connect with the people around you. You might find you have more patience, more energy to play with your kids, or simply more confidence to meet new people.
Closing Thoughts
There are many weight loss surgery benefits that can convince you to take this route. This guide has highlighted some of these advantages. If you feel like it’s the right fit for you, consult your doctor. They’ll advise on eligibility and the right route to take to get your health and wellness back where it should be.
Sources
1. “Obesity and overweight”, Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
2. “Percentage of U.S. adults who wanted to lose weight from 1951 to 2023, by gender”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1305139/percentage-of-us-adults-who-wanted-to-lose-weight-by-gender/
3. “Obesity in Hypertension: The Role of the Expanding Waistline Over the Years and Insights Into the Future”, Source: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.21719