Obesity has become one of the major health problems globally. It is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Obesity can cause various health complications such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease, and stroke.

It can also lower life expectancy and reduce the overall quality of life.

The traditional approach to weight loss involves diet and exercise. However, for individuals who are severely obese or have failed to lose weight through traditional methods, bariatric surgery may be an option.

The question is, can bariatric surgery turn back the clock?.

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a weight loss surgery that helps individuals lose weight by making changes to their digestive system. There are different types of bariatric surgery, including:.

Gastric bypass surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery
Gastric banding surgery
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

During bariatric surgery, the stomach is either reduced in size or rerouted to the small intestine, which limits the amount of food that can be consumed and/or absorbed. This results in significant weight loss over time.

How effective is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be very effective in helping individuals lose weight. Studies have shown that patients can lose on average between 50% to 70% of their excess weight within the first two years after surgery.

In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery can also improve or resolve several health problems related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Can bariatric surgery turn back the clock?

While bariatric surgery cannot technically turn back the clock, it can reverse some of the damage that obesity has caused to the body.

For example, bariatric surgery can help to lower blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. These are all risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems associated with aging. By reducing these risk factors, bariatric surgery can help individuals live longer, healthier lives.

In addition, weight loss can also improve joint pain and mobility, which are often a problem for older individuals with obesity.

Losing weight can also reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer, and can even improve memory and cognitive function.

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

While bariatric surgery can have many benefits, it is not without risks. The surgery is considered major surgery and comes with all the risks of any surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and blood clots.

Additionally, bariatric surgery can cause some nutritional deficiencies if the body is unable to absorb all the nutrients it needs from food. This can lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and other health problems if left untreated.

It is important for individuals considering bariatric surgery to fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and to closely follow the post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare team.

Is bariatric surgery right for me?

Whether bariatric surgery is right for you depends on your individual health needs and goals.

It is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider who can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure and determine if it is the right choice for you.

In general, bariatric surgery may be recommended for individuals who:.

Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
Have a BMI of 35 or higher and one or more health problems related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea
Have tried and failed to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise

The bottom line

Bariatric surgery can be a life-changing procedure for individuals struggling with obesity. While it cannot technically turn back the clock, it can reverse some of the damage that obesity has caused to the body and improve overall health.

However, it is important to fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure and to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is the right choice for you.