When to Consider Bariatric Surgery to Protect Your Heart

With the majority of Americans overweight or obese, carrying extra weight is the new normal in the United States. Here in Texas, we rank 10th in the nation for obesity, with almost 35% of adults reporting a body mass index (BMI) >35.

But excess pounds can mean trouble for your mental and physical wellbeing. Obese people have an increased risk of experiencing serious health conditions, like depression, arthritis, and kidney disease. 

Of all the health problems you may face when you’re obese, none may be more serious than cardiovascular disease. Each year, millions of Americans die from obesity-related cardiovascular events, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke. 

At Turnquest Surgical Solutions, with two convenient locations in Houston, Texas, our experienced team of bariatric surgeons and skilled medical staff provide high-quality care in a compassionate, understanding environment. If you’re struggling with your weight, we’re ready to help you regain and maintain your wellbeing — including a healthy heart.

The link between obesity and heart disease

When you gain weight, it’s easy to notice extra fat in your tummy, waist, hips, and neck. But it’s the places you can’t see where extra fat deposits matter most. 

Internal fat deposits inside the abdomen, around the heart, and inside your arteries speed up the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions all significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease.  

Consider bariatric surgery to protect your heart

If you’re obese, bariatric surgery, which includes many different procedures to shrink the size of your stomach, can help you lose weight and regain your self-confidence. It can also mitigate your risk of heart disease and premature death by about 40%. 

To understand why bariatric surgery is so helpful in preventing heart disease, it’s important to understand its effects on the body. Most people who undergo bariatric surgery lose half or more of their starting weight. 

When you’re obese, the heart gets larger as you gain weight. As you start to shed excess pounds after bariatric surgery, the heart returns to its normal size and begins to function better. In addition, high blood pressure typically improves or disappears in the majority of patients, and cholesterol levels normalize. 

What’s more? Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often see a reversal in their high sugar levels, and sleep apnea may improve or resolve. In addition, as your body weight comes down, you’ll find it easier to get and stay active, improving heart health and further reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It’s important to note that you can’t rely on surgery alone. To optimize your weight loss and the benefits to your heart, it’s essential to make healthy lifestyle changes. Making and sticking to these new lifestyle choices are essential for long-term success. 

Learn more about protecting your heart with bariatric surgery

If you’re considering bariatric surgery as an effective, long-lasting solution to obesity and a way to protect your heart, Dexter Turnquest, MD, Brandon Fadner, MD, and Victoria Chang, MD of Turnquest Surgical Solutions in Houston, Texas, are the expert surgeons you need.

Don’t wait to reclaim your health! Call one of our two Houston offices to find out more, or book an appointment using the online tool.