Can Bariatric Surgery Help Treat Fibromyalgia?
Bariatric surgery does more than just help you lose weight. It can also improve your appearance, reduce your blood pressure, and relieve the symptoms of various health conditions. This is why so many people contact our Tijuana weight loss experts to learn more about bariatric surgery.
A number of prospective patients have asked us if bariatric surgery can help address the pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Let's go over the basics of this issue right now.
About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is typified by chronic and widespread pain, particularly heightened pain that occurs in response to pressure. An estimated 2% to 8% of the population suffers from fibromyalgia. It is twice as common in women than men.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
The exact causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown, though many believe that it is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Some potential risk factors for developing fibromyalgia include:
- Sex
- Family history
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
The most common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Widespread, persistent pain
- Fatigue
- Trouble focusing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Muscle stiffness
- Sleep disturbances
- Abdominal cramping
- Sensitivity of the skin
Does Bariatric Surgery Help Treat Fibromyalgia?
Yes, potentially.
Some case reports and studies have found that weight loss surgery has been able to reduce the symptoms and severity of fibromyalgia in certain individuals suffering from obesity of morbid obesity. People who suffer from significant pain and discomfort may have these symptoms relieved thanks to the weight loss that occurs rapidly and safely.
Anecdotally, you can find a number of stories from patients who say that weight loss surgery reduced the frequency and severity of the pain they experienced as a result of fibromyalgia.
Why Does This Happen?
The exact mechanism at work here has yet to be defined. It's thought that the weight loss brought about by bariatric surgery is able to relive the stress and pressure placed on the bones and joints of the body. Bariatric surgery procedures of all kinds--from gastric bypass to gastric banding--remain an excellent treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions linked to obesity or morbid obesity.
Can Bariatric Surgery Cause Fibromyalgia?
If you look online, there are a few cases of people developing fibromyalgia as a result of bariatric surgery. These instances are rare, however. Because of the many factors at play when it comes to fibromyalgia, it is not necessarily the case that the weight loss surgery caused the condition to develop. There are other factors that must be considered when thinking about the causes of serious health conditions.
Weighing Your Options Carefully
As you can see, bariatric surgery can improve the health and wellness of people who are obese and morbidly obese. If you would like more information about these matters, we can discuss them in more detail during the consultation process. We can go over the risks and benefits of the various procedures available and help determine which one may be the right option for you.
Learn More About Bariatric Surgery
For more information about bariatric surgery and how it can help you improve your overall health and wellness, be sure to contact our team of weight loss surgeons today. The team at our practice looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
