Can Gastric Sleeve Relieve Arthritis?
Our network of bariatric surgeons has helped countless patients at our Tijuana weight loss surgery practice. Many times this has been achieved through sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve surgery), a highly effective bariatric weight loss option.
Losing weight doesn't just help you look and feel great. It has a number of long-term health benefits. In particular, undergoing a gastric sleeve can help prevent severe osteoarthritis during old age.
Is there a link between obesity and arthritis?
Yes.
Approximately 27 million people in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis, which is the most common kind of arthritis. It's characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.
When people are obese or morbidly obese, the added weight places more stress on the joints and, as a result, leads to more wear on the cartilage.
In addition, roughly 1.5 million Americans suffer from the autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies suggest that excess body fat can make rheumatoid arthritis more likely.
Are obese and morbidly obese people at greater risk for arthritis?
Yes, and it's a logical conclusion to make as well. The arthritis tends to be more likely in the weight-bearing joints of the body, such as the hips and knees.
It's been estimated that each pound a person is over his or her ideal body mass places an addition 4 pounds of stress on the knees. If you're 10 pounds overweight, that means an additional 40 pounds of stress on the knees. If you are morbidly obese and roughly 50 pounds over weight, that's an added 200 pounds of stress on the knees. Over time, the damage to the cartilage can be severe.
When is gastric sleeve surgery a good idea?
Gastric sleeve surgery is a good idea to consider if you have tried to lose weight through exercise and a healthy diet but it has proven ineffective. Many people wind up undergoing gastric sleeve surgery because there is another pressing health issue related to their obesity or morbid obesity, such as diabetes or heart disease.
How effective is gastric sleeve at preventing arthritis and other joint issues?
Very effective.
By losing weight and keeping it off, particularly earlier in life, a person can greatly reduce the long-term damage done to his or her joints. Having a more ideal body mass is the best thing that a person can do for his or her wellness, and gastric sleeve surgery is a great option for achieving these ends.
The Advantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is a low-maintenance and simple surgery when compared to other kinds of bariatric procedures. The surgery alters the size of the stomach permanently without the need for bands and adjustments. The gastric sleeve procedure doesn't involve major revisions of the digestive tract, which makes it less prone to potential complications.
Other Health Issues That Gastric Sleeve Can Prevent
In addition to preventing arthritis and joint pain, gastric sleeve can help alleviate diabetes, reduce blood pressure, address issues with sleep apnea, and help promote general wellness overall. It's a great weight loss surgery to consider for a wide variety of patients, which is why we believe in it so much at our practice.
Schedule a Consultation at Tijuana Bariatrics
For more information about arthritis and gastric sleeve and what this entails, it's important that you contact our bariatric surgery center today.
