Life After Bariatric Surgery

Late last year, a group of researchers led by cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic research team, presented their findings on the effects of bariatric surgery on morbidly obese heart failure patients. The study was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago. According to the study, morbidly obese heart failure patients stand to enjoy a better quality of life after the surgery. During the session, Dr. Jimenez explained that bariatric surgery could form part of the treatment of severely obese patients with heart failure as long as there are no major factors that render the performance of the surgery inadvisable. But considering that the study involved only a limited number of test subjects, the good doctor cautioned that the results should only be considered preliminary.

In any event, the researchers confirmed that the subjects who had undergone weight loss surgery reported a better quality of life after the surgery even if most of them remained obese. Compared to the severely obese patients with heart failure who had not undergone any kind of weight loss surgery, those who did reported improvements from symptoms such as swelling in the legs and labored breathing during strenuous activities. The results suggest that patients need not reach a certain weight before they can enjoy the benefits. The findings are important because a lot of cardiologists do not refer morbidly obese patients for bariatric surgery.

Heart failure almost always happens to people who tip the scales quite excessively, more so to people who are already morbidly obese. Various heart ailments such as irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) and congestive heart failure if not treated immediately may result in death. It is observed that morbidly obese patients are more prone to develop an enlarged right ventricular cavity. This structural change is quite abnormal and is frequently associated with heart failure.

With bariatric surgery, a overstressed heart from the over excessive weight will feel instant relief. In the study that was conducted, the ultrasound will reveal that any enlargement like in the right ventricular heart cavity will decrease. As a result, the heart will no longer be pumping as hard. Over time and careful monitoring, the abnormality will return to normal. However, for this to happen the patient must seriously change his lifestyle and habits by eating healthier and monitoring his heart rate and blood pressure.

Bariatric surgeries as a treatment for excessively overweight patients who have heart failure seem to have more pros than cons. Despite this, however, the number of patients who have gotten the procedure remains insignificant. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) noted that this relatively small number is due in part to the cost of performing the surgery and the risks attached to it. Health insurance companies do not even cover this procedure so; patients who are not financially capable can't consider the possibility of going through this procedure. Despite the possible health risks and the costs involved, excessively overweight patients suffering from heart failure should try to weigh the disadvantages compared the inherent advantages i.e., weight loss, improvements in heart muscle function, and over-all wellness. The benefit of bariatric surgery to excessively overweight patients with heart failure is without a doubt very glaring.