Q. Is bariatric surgery the best hope for long-term weight loss?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Yes, bariatric surgery may be the best hope for long-term weight loss. Bariatric surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that changes the anatomy of your digestive system to help you lose weight and keep it off. This type of procedure can help people with severe obesity who have not been able to achieve significant or sustained weight loss through diet and exercise alone.

Studies have found that most patients who underwent bariatric surgeries experienced an average of 50% excess body mass index (BMI) reduction at one year post-surgery, which was maintained up to five years following the operation. It has also been shown that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk for developing diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, cholesterol abnormalities and other common comorbidities associated with obesity. In addition, many patients are able to reduce their risk for cancer as well as heart disease by undergoing these types of procedures although further research is needed in this area.

While there is no doubt that bariatric surgery can provide successful results when used appropriately and monitored closely by medical professionals over time; it should be noted that this type of procedure isn’t appropriate or even recommended for everyone looking to lose some pounds in order maintain their healthiest self! For instance individuals more than 100lbs overweight may consider this option but consult your doctor first before committing—it's important to determine if there are any factors potentially putting you at greater risk before deciding whether this kind of treatment option is right for you!