The benefits of bariatric surgery begin shortly after the procedure. In most cases, these certain health problems can be greatly improved, or will entirely resolve, with successful weight loss.

Some of the benefits include:

• Significant sustained weight loss
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower risk of heart disease
• Improved blood-sugar levels for patients with Type II diabetes within a few days
• Fewer and less severe asthma attacks
• Improved exercise tolerance and breathing ability
• Relief of sleep apnea and acid reflux
• Relief of pain and disability from osteoarthritis and low back pain

No surgical procedure is without risks. In addition to the risks associated with any major abdominal surgery, the fact that patients are severely obese increases risks to a higher level. The risks mainly come from the complications of surgery. Having abdominal surgery puts a lot of stress on the body. Make sure you discuss both the risks and benefits with your surgeon.

Some of the risks include:

• Lung problems
• Wound infection
• Dumping syndrome – caused by stomach contents moving too rapidly through the small intestine
• Bleeding or blood clots
• Bowel obstruction
• Leakage of bowel connection
• Obstruction of the stomach outlet
• Chronic nutritional problems
• Vomiting
• Food intolerance
• Changed bowel habits
• Hair loss
• Loss of muscle mass
• Death