Can Weight Loss Surgery Lower Your Risk of Death from Diabetes?

It’s fairly common knowledge that obesity is associated with a higher risk of chronic health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. For obese individuals, losing weight can help reduce the risk of developing these diseases—and that is a major motivation for our Rancho Cucamonga weight loss surgery patients to undergo a bariatric procedure.

New research suggests that weight loss surgery can lower a patient’s risk of death and serious complications from type 2 diabetes by 40% 

Following their procedures, these patients experience fewer symptoms, their metabolic markers improve, and they simply feel better. Many say they feel as though they have a new lease on life. Turns out, they may be right! 

New research, presented at the European Cardiology Society Congress, suggests that weight loss surgery can lower an obese patient’s risk of death and other serious complications from type 2 diabetes by 40%! You can read all about the study in this report on Medical News Today.

The benefits of weight loss surgery are far-reaching

To conduct the study, a team of researchers followed the cases of 2,287 patients who underwent bariatric surgery (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, or duodenal switch). Prior to surgery, these patients were categorically obese, with over 75% having a BMI above 40, and all had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. 

Over the course of 8 years after their surgery, these patients were 40% less likely to experience a serious complication from diabetes and were 41% less likely to die.  

As if these findings weren’t amazing enough on their own, these bariatric patients experienced additional benefits: 

• They lost about 15% more weight than patients who relied on diet and exercise alone and did not undergo surgery.
• Bariatric surgery patients had an average of 15% lower blood sugar levels than non-surgery patients.

While the study did not examine any changes in the patients’ quality of life, we can infer based on our patients’ transformations after weight loss surgery that the gains in their physical health extended to their emotional and mental health. It’s very common for weight loss patients to experience improvements in their relationships with family and friends as well as a boost in self-confidence. 

Are you considering weight loss surgery to help improve your health?

The first step is to meet with an experienced weight loss surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and to discuss your options. If you are in the Inland Empire, we invite you to contact us or call 909-579-3111 to set up a free consultation with our surgical team at Surgical Arts. Our surgeons are trained in advanced, laparoscopic weight loss surgery techniques and offer compassionate, patient-centered care. We look forward to helping you reach your goals!