Peter N. Benotti, M.D., senior clinical investigator at Greisinger Obesity Institute in Danville, Penn., recently published the first study that proves the risk of heart failure is cut in half by weight-loss surgery.
Benotti, lead researcher of the study, says they were surprised by the results. “Ours is the first published study to show that bariatric surgery impacts favorably on the risk of congestive heart failure,” Benotti says.
Benotti and his team were the first to prove the positive effects bariatric surgery has on limiting heart failure in the long term. However, the study conducted at the Greisinger Obesity Institute was not the first to find the connection between heart failure and obesity. A Scandinavian study found bariatric surgery cut heart failure risks in the first five years after surgery.
The study was published by the Journal of the American Heart Association, citing 3,448 patients who participated. Half of these patients received bariatric surgery, while the other half of these patients did not.
The surgery group dropped their BMI from an average of 46.5 to an average of 32.5 after five years, while patients who didn’t have surgery remained at a constant 46 BMI average.
After eight years, the surgery group had 24 cases of heart failure, while the non-surgery group had 55 cases. Bariatric surgery cut the long-term risk of heart failure by more than half.
At University Bariatrics, we know bariatric surgery improves quality of life. We offer bariatric options such as the sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, revisional surgery, adjustable band, duodenal switch, and gastric balloon to help you with your weight-loss efforts.
Bariatric surgery helps patients lose belly fat that can inflame and clog arteries. Patients lose the weight and keep it off, allowing—if they follow a diet and exercise regimins—them to live healthier lives and lower the risk of heart failure in the long term.
Obesity isn’t known as a cause of heart failure, but many of the causes of heart failure, stiff or clogged arteries, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, are found in patients with BMI’s above 35.
With cases of heart failure increasing at the rate that it is, by 2030 more than 8 million people will suffer from heart failure. Heart failure is costly—both monetarily and for your quality of life. Between hospital bills reaching an estimated $30 billion and lowered bodily functions—like fatigue and shortness of breath—weight-loss surgery could be an important next step for your health.
With all of these positive benefits of bariatric surgery, Benotti reminds patients that “It’s certainly not a quick fix or a simple solution. It’s a long-term, lifelong commitment.”
University Bariatrics is here to help you throughout your pre- and post-operation journey.
Read about how we prepare our patients and help them find success in their weight-loss journeys: https://www.universitybariatrics.com/instructions/bariatric-surgery-instructions/. Also, attend one of our seminars to learn more about how University Bariatrics can change your life!
Visit our website to learn more about what we offer and book a consultation: https://www.universitybariatrics.com/