You probably know that weight loss surgery is a highly effective weight loss tool for people struggling with severe obesity. But did you know that weight loss procedures have benefits in addition to helping drop pounds? There is emerging evidence highlighting the potential health benefits gastric bypass surgery in treating patients with the dangerous combination of obesity and type 2 diabetes. A study from Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston showed that the procedure can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is surgery that helps you lose weight by changing how your stomach and small intestine handle the food you eat. During the procedure, the top portion of the stomach is stapled off from the natural stomach creating a small stomach pouch. Portions of the small intestine are re-rerouted in a “Y” shape.  The procedure results in an earlier feeling of fullness and reduced absorption of food, thus patients take in fewer calories and lose weight. The procedure, along with others such as the gastric sleeve and Lap-Band, has been shown to be exceptionally effective at improving type 2 diabetes, but this is among the first studies to focus on the associated improvements in heart risks.

In the past, lifestyle advice and medications have been the standard therapy for people with obesity and diabetes. But, despite recent improvements in medications, many patients still do not achieve targeted heart health goals with standard therapy. To examine whether there is a better option to reduce heart risks in these patients, the Joslin Diabetes Center study compared participants who received bariatric surgery with those receiving the typical treatment. The results showed that while patients in both groups lost weight and kept it off for 2 years, the group that had gastric bypass had better weight loss and better improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure and cholesterol levels–all of which helped them reduce their risk of heart disease.

You can learn more about the potential health benefits of weight loss surgery by attending one of our free educational seminars. Register by calling 212-263-3166.