Researchers Show that Gastric Sleeve Surgery Improves Good Cholesterol Levels

There are numerous weight-related health issues that coincide with obesity.  Many of these can improve or completely resolve with significant weight loss.  This is why many weight loss experts recommend bariatric surgery. Risks of the surgery are negligible, especially when compared to those of remaining obese.  Some weight loss surgery procedures seem to specifically improve certain comorbidities, too.  For example, gastric bypass surgery influences hormones to help improve type 2 diabetes.  A new study shows that gastric sleeve surgery helps improve good cholesterol levels. This is good news for obese patients with high cholesterol hoping to restore their health. Experts like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding consider comorbidities in addition to overall health in planning treatments.

Improving Good Cholesterol Levels Lowers Health Risks

One of the best ways to achieve and sustain significant weight loss is bariatric surgery. Risks exist for any surgical procedure, but the benefits outweigh those of remaining obese. Obesity coincides with many health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.  If left untreated, each of these health issues can lead to further health problems.  Those with untreated sleep apnea have a 30% higher rate of heart attack, for example.

Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, also coincides with obesity. Diet, exercise, genetics, and other factors contribute to cholesterol levels.  Weight also influences the balance of cholesterol types in the body, however.  Those with excess weight tend to have higher total cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Good cholesterol tends to be lower than desired.

Good cholesterol serves to help reduce overall blood cholesterol levels. When levels of bad (and total) cholesterol are high, the good cholesterol cannot compensate for this.  One can ultimately increase good cholesterol enough to be protective against heart disease. This is yet another way that gastric sleeve surgery may improve a patient’s health outcomes.

Schedule a Meeting with Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Are you interested in bariatric surgery?  Risks and advantages vary from procedure to procedure, so let an expert guide you.  Please contact Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and colleagues at the NYU Weight Management Program.