Posted - February 6, 2012

Lap Band may be Good for the Heart

About Obesity

Lap Band surgery in Carrollton can help you to lose weight and begin living a healthier lifestyle, but there are a number of other benefits to Lap Band surgery that often go unnoticed. While your aesthetic appearance may make metaphorical hearts stop following your operation, your Lap Band may actually help your heart to keep going! Those who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack than are obese individuals who try to lose weight through non-surgical methods.

A Swedish study that took place from 1987 to 2001 that was published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that out of 4,000 people who were significantly overweight, those who had bariatric surgery experienced sustained weight loss and a decreased risk of fatal cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack or stroke. They were coached on making specific lifestyle changes and received routine treatment. These individuals were followed for an extended period of time, and it was found that out of 199 individuals who had bariatric surgery and suffered heart attacks or stroke, only 28 had passed away as a result. Compare this to a total of 49 fatal heart attacks among individuals in the non-surgical group that was evaluated, and it becomes clear that weight loss surgery could help to save your life.

The study shows that in the long term, weight loss surgery can help the overall outcomes of the health of individuals who are overweight. This is promising and should serve as some encouragement for anyone who has a generous amount of weight to shed, and particularly for those who have a family history of heart disease.