When Is the Right Time to Have Weight Loss Surgery?
Recent studies show that the sooner you have weight loss surgery, the more benefits you’ll experience from the procedure.
When it comes to weight loss, the best time to take action is now. Diet and exercise changes are important, but weight loss surgery in particular can drastically improve cardiovascular health, reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors, and get you on the right path toward a healthier lifestyle. Plus, it can even improve your skin, memory, and sleep
Recent studies from The Journal of the American Medical Association and Children’s Hospital Colorado are changing the perception of weight loss surgery from a “last resort” to a safe and effective solution. This exciting new research shows that undergoing bariatric surgery earlier in life improves the likelihood that you’ll keep the weight off in the long-term.
Timing is Important When Planning Bariatric Surgery
JAMA researchers decided to find out how many patients achieve a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30, the cutoff for obesity, within the first year after bariatric surgery. The study used data from over 27,000 patients in the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative’s clinical registry and discovered some important insights. For instance, researchers found that the odds of reaching a BMI below 30 were significantly greater for patients who had a BMI of 40 before surgery compared to those who had a BMI of 50.
This shows that in general, the earlier you have the procedure, the more likely it is to work for you. Some people may put off getting weight loss surgery until their obesity is more severe, but at this point they are less likely to maintain a healthy BMI for years to come. As weight loss surgery is most effective for those with a lower BMI, delaying surgery can make the treatment less effective in the long run.
The Health and Psychological Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Studies have found that adolescents who undergo bariatric surgery are 27 percent more likely to experience remission of diabetes than adults and 51 percent more likely to do the same for high blood pressure. Columbia University has found that the overwhelming majority of teenagers who undergo weight loss surgery go on to live long, healthy lives. In fact, 60 to 70 percent lose their excess weight within the first few years after the procedure.
Bariatric surgery also offers many mental health benefits. According to the Journal of Obesity, obesity is associated with challenges like low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. In many cases, these psychological conditions either lesson or disappear after weight loss surgery.
For instance, with the help of Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors, Heather S. lost over 100 pounds and feels like a brand new person! “My life was forever changed and I received a second chance,” she says. “I felt younger, stronger and healthier. I was the best me I have ever been!”
Is now the right time to start your weight loss journey? Schedule a consultation with Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors today, and we’ll help you determine which treatment is right for you. Our experienced surgeons and care staff will walk you through each weight loss option and provide support and guidance every step of the way.