It’s no secret that many Americans struggle with obesity and weight loss, so it’s not surprising that the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reported that over 180,000 people opted for weight loss surgery in 2013. Medical evidence is stacking up in favor of bariatric surgery, too, as news headlines regularly report new studies and findings that support bariatric surgery as an effective tool for both weight loss and reducing obesity-related co-morbidities such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Learn some common benefits of weight loss surgery:

Reduction or reversal of diabetes. According to an article on WebMD, one long-term study of 400 bariatric patients with type 2 diabetes showed that 62% of these patients showed no signs of type 2 diabetes 6 years post surgery. Alternatively, only 6-8% of patients who took medication but did not have bariatric surgery showed a reversal in diabetes. While not proven, there are many studies that suggest bariatric surgery may help reduce or reverse diabetes.

Improved fertility. Obesity has been heavily linked to infertility. Weight loss associated with bariatric surgery has been found to improve levels in reproductive hormones. Additionally, women at healthier weight have a reduced risk of miscarriage.

Healthier liver. Typically, liver function improves with the reduction in abdominal fat achieved after weight loss surgery.

Sleep apnea reduced or eliminated. Researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that bariatric surgery reduces respiratory disturbances like sleep apnea, improves hypertension, and can decrease electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Lower cardiovascular events. Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, found that bariatric patients significantly reduced their risk of stroke and heart attack fairly rapidly after weight loss surgery.

Better life expectancy. Patients can experience a reduction in obesity-related co-morbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular events, and even cancer. These reductions can result in a longer, healthier life.

Enhanced quality of life. There’s no value that can be placed on better health and improved self-confidence. Patients who achieve their weight loss goals and improve their health often experience reduced depression, improved mobility, and better life expectancy.

Bariatric surgery can be an amazing tool for patients who have struggled to lose weight and improve their health using other traditional weight loss methods. If you are ready to learn more about weight loss surgery at our LA and MS weight loss surgery centers, please register for a free bariatric surgery seminar, request a consultation online, or call us at 877-691-3001. Whether your goal is to lose 15, 50 or 150 pounds the Surgical Specialists of LA & MS is dedicated to your success!