Life-Changing Benefits of Bariatric Surgery: A Proven Solution for Obesity and Improved Health

1/2/2025

Knoxville, TN [January 2nd, 2025] - Obesity remains one of the most prevalent health conditions in the United States, affecting over one-third of adults and contributing to approximately 300,000 deaths annually, according to the National Institutes of Health. This chronic condition severely impacts the quality of life, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

For individuals with chronic obesity, bariatric surgery offers a proven solution for long-term weight loss while also reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions—and in many cases, it can even eliminate them entirely.

Each year, over 280,000 Americans undergo bariatric procedures like gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy to treat obesity and enhance their overall well-being. These surgeries not only save lives but also lower the risk of death from any cause by up to 40%. Studies show that bariatric surgery can lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure and a substantial decrease in the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, with some studies reporting a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk of around 60-70%. Additionally, some patients experience complete remission of type 2 diabetes, and many find relief from sleep apnea. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that bariatric surgery can lower the risk of fatty liver progressing to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver-related death by as much as 88%.

“The majority of patients who undergo bariatric surgery achieve permanent weight loss of more than 50% of their excess weight while significantly improving or even eliminating other chronic health issues,” says Dr.Lodeiro, bariatric surgeon at Tennova - Turkey Creek Medical Center. “This is not a quick fix for weight loss; it’s a life-saving procedure that significantly improves a patient’s quality of life.”

In addition to the health benefits, bariatric surgery is also associated with improvements in mental health. Many patients report a boost in self-esteem, along with reductions in anxiety and depression. Without the burden of excess weight, individuals often find they no longer need medications to manage obesity-related conditions and experience greater energy levels, better overall health, and increased confidence. Many also report significant relief from back and joint pain after losing weight.

Candidates for bariatric surgery are typically those who are more than 100 pounds overweight or have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35, along with one or more serious obesity-related health conditions. These individuals often have struggled with weight loss through traditional methods such as diet and exercise.

Tennova - Turkey Creek Medical Center offers a comprehensive bariatric surgery program with personalized care and a supportive team of medical professionals dedicated to helping patients succeed on their weight loss journey. Our program ensures that every step, from initial consultation to post-surgery support, is tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.

“The benefits of bariatric surgery often extend beyond just weight loss,” adds Dr. Lodeiro. “Patients frequently report feeling an unexpected surge in quality of life, from improved mobility to a greater sense of well-being. It truly transforms not just their health, but their outlook on life.”

To determine if you’re a candidate for bariatric weight loss surgery, take the assessment at Tennova Healthcare by visiting https://www.tennovaturkeycreek.com/bariatric-weight-loss.

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