How much can weight loss surgery improve my health?

The degree of improvement of various obesity-related problems after weight loss surgery depends on the extent of the illness and the length of time the patient has had it. The longer the patient has had the condition, the less likely it is for it to completely resolve after bariatric surgery. In general, more than half of the surgery patients find an improvement of their high blood pressure associated with diabetes. Nearly 80% of non-insulin dependent diabetes is controlled without medication after surgery. Obesity-related respiratory problems, including sleep apnea and shortness of breath with minimal exercise, will become asymptomatic, improve or completely resolve. Joint and back pain associated with obesity, urinary incontinence, venous problems in the legs, acid reflux, menstrual irregularity, and certain types of headaches are also improved with weight loss after surgery.