Medical Matters

By Jason M. Balette, MD

Is Weight-Loss Surgery Worth It?

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery), understanding whether it’s right for you is an important step in the research process.

Perhaps you’ve already determined you’re a candidate, but now you’re wrestling with whether the procedure is worth it. Are you sure you want to take that step?

“What I don’t think many people realize is that more than 80% of obese people also have at least one weight-related chronic health condition,” said Dr. Jason Balette, medical director of the Bariatric Program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands. “Weight loss on its own is an obvious benefit. But minimizing the impact that increased weight has on a person’s risk of developing many illnesses and diseases is even more important.”

What are the benefits of weight-loss surgery?

Diseases and health issues associated with excessive weight include:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Sleep apnea

• Depression

• Heart disease

• Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Stress urinary incontinence

• Arthritis

• Fatty liver disease

• Migraines

One of the costliest health conditions affecting Americans (currently rising at an alarming rate) is diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates about 21 million people have diabetes, with another 54 million people diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

Weight-loss surgery is shown to resolve type 2 diabetes in up to 83% of people who had the condition prior to undergoing the procedure. Weight-loss surgery can also help with GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and all of the other listed weight-related health conditions.

“Evidence suggests that bariatric surgery may be among the most effective treatments for diseases and conditions including obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Balette said. “Clearly, by moving toward a healthier weight and lifestyle, many serious diseases can be prevented and even eliminated.”

Who can benefit from weight-loss surgery?

Those who can benefit from weight-loss surgery include people who have a BMI of 35 or higher and one or more of the medical conditions mentioned. Additionally, those who have a BMI of 40 or higher can also benefit — since excessive weight puts them at risk.

Weight-loss surgery is only a tool, and long-term weight loss and resolution of weight-related health conditions isn’t a guarantee.

“After the procedure, you’ll have to focus on using this tool effectively,” Dr. Balette said. “Nutritional and physiological teams are available to guide patients to a successful and lasting recovery process. The post-op and follow up process is a vital part to each patient’s success. Managing each patient’s recovery personally ensures the best possible results.”

In other words, those who benefit most from weight-loss surgery are people who are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes, including eating healthy and exercising frequently.