Does Bariatric Surgery Increase Life Expectancy In Obese Patients?

The ever-increasing obesity rates in modern society have brought with them a range of health issues, from osteoarthritis, to hypertension, to diabetes.  Most people living with obesity report a lower quality of life due to the extra weight, but along with an increase in many serious health conditions, reduced life expectancy is also on the list.  One question many people ask is if obesity can reduce life expectancy, can bariatric surgery increase it?

Life Expectancy and Morbid Obesity

A copy of The Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, reported that morbid obesity is connected to decreased life expectancy.  The term “morbid obesity” is used when a person has a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40.  One statistic claims that a male in his 20s with a BMI higher than 45.82, will have a life expectancy that is 13 years shorter than someone with a normal BMI.

There is also the matter of comorbid conditions or “comorbidities” when it comes to obesity.  These refer to conditions that develop in addition to the initial diagnosis.  Comorbid conditions for obesity include serious and even life threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and increased risk of stroke.  Any of these conditions has the potential to shorten life expectancy.

Results of an 11-Year Study

As reported in a copy of Renal & Urology News, one lengthy study led by David Arterburn, M.D., M.P.H., of the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle seems to suggest that bariatric surgery can increase life expectancy in obese patients.  The study followed 2,500 obese patients that had bariatric surgery during the years 2000 to 2011.  The group was 74% male, with an average age of 52 and average BMI of 47.

They also kept tabs on 7,462 patients of similar age and size that didn’t have a bariatric procedure.  Over the next 14 years, deaths from both groups from any cause were recorded.  Of the 2,500 in the bariatric surgery group, 263 patients died from any cause.  This compares with 1,277 deaths in the group that had no procedure.

Digging a little deeper, the team estimated the five-year death rate for surgical patients was 6.4 percent and the 10-year death rate was 13.8 percent.  Among the non-surgical patients, the five-year death rate was 10.4 percent and 10-year death rate was 23.9 percent.  Dr. Arterburn has since stated, “patients with severe obesity can have greater confidence that bariatric surgical procedures are associated with better long-term survival than not having surgery.”

The “What-If” Factor

It’s important to mention the “what-ifs” you could have avoided by deciding to have bariatric surgery.  The information from the studies is there for all to see, but having a bariatric procedure could improve your life expectancy far more than the averages shown in a study.

What if you chose not to have surgery, developed corona artery disease, and had a heart attack in two years?  What if you ended up on your back for an extended period and developed pneumonia?  What if you lost your balance and fell down a flight of stairs?  Patients usually lose about 50 percent of their weight after bariatric surgery.  This reduces your chances of developing major health issues related to obesity, and encountering unforeseen events that may lead to an even earlier death.

If you’re serious about exploring the bariatric procedures offered at the New York Bariatric Group then contact us today at 800-633-8446. You can also register for a free informational seminar by visiting this page.

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Does Bariatric Surgery Increase Life Expectancy In Obese Patients?

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

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Robert

Lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

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Samantha

Lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

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Eileen

Lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

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Brittany

Lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

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Desiree

Lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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