Why is bariatric surgery worthwhile? How does it benefit people?

Bariatric surgery has been developing in the UK over the last 10 years. In the early days, ask a member of the public about obesity surgery and they would have replied "stomach stapling" or returned a blank stare. However, some spectacular weight losses in celebrities have been attributed to the skills of Bariatric Surgeons and the general public now want a share.

In the US, Carnie Wilson and Rosanne Barr discussed their operations and rekindled their careers in the process. In the UK, Anne Diamond and Fern Britton are well known for their own gastric band successes. Their "girl next door" personalities have led the regular public to believe that an operation might help them too and not just be the preserve of the rich and famous.

There is a tendency to see obesity surgery as a treatment for just fat women but this isn't the case. Who couldn't fail to be impressed by the pictures of the slim and healthy Diego Maradona after his RNY gastric bypass? Even super fit professional footballers can be affected by obesity and this high profile player took action to stop the damage-again returning himself to the public arena.

In recent years one of the most exciting discoveries has been seen the effect gastric bypass surgery has on type II diabetes. Bariatric doctors have shown that in many cases gastric bypass surgery actually cures type II diabetes. This is a spectacular discovery since diabetes complications include damage to eyesight, blood vessels and kidneys. This type of benefit is of great significance to obese patients who suffer with type 2 diabetes.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the UK. Those who are obese are more susceptible to heart disease. Bariatric surgery reduces weight and blood fats thereby decreasing this risk from heart disease.

Gastric band and bypass patients are often overwhelmed at the enormous benefits of their operations. They have more energy, more motivation to exercise, work and live! Many will say that simply being able to walk to the shop, take their children swimming and buy regular clothes. Overwhelmingly the greatest benefit of bariatric surgery is to a person's health, these benefits make the whole journey worthwhile.

Patients of Streamline Surgical typically say that bariatric surgery is the best decision they have ever made, for many the only regret is not doing it sooner!