The implications of being overweight or obese go far beyond the health risks associated with excess weight, including increased cardiovascular risk factors. Being overweight affects nearly every aspect of an individual’s quality of life, from sleep to social life.

If you’ve been on the fence about weight loss surgery, consider these five ways bariatric surgery can improve your lifestyle as well as your health.

Spend more time playing with your children. 

Bariatric surgery patients who are also parents can relate to the look of disappointment in a child’s eyes when Mommy or Daddy simply don’t have the energy (or the ability) to play with them. Weight loss surgery can help restore your energy levels and physical fitness to the point that you are able to spend time doing what matters most and enjoy everyday moments with your kids.

Get better sleep. 

Patients who are overweight often suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that disrupts sleep, causes snoring and can lead to serious medical complications. Without weight loss surgery, those with sleep apnea are often prescribed a CPAP machine to use at bedtime to maintain oxygen levels during sleep. Following weight loss surgery, many CPAP users are able to achieve a normal weight range, allowing them to sleep without CPAP intervention.

Enjoy your social life.

Many people who struggle with their weight also suffer from low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and lack of confidence. Our weight loss surgery patients often exclaim how the decision to undergo bariatric surgery hasn’t only improved their health, it’s also improved their outlook on life, reduced their anxiety and depression and allowed them to enjoy the social scene — and maybe even dating — once again.

Improve your career. 

We can’t promise you that weight loss surgery will help you get that raise you’ve been hoping for, but we do know that low self-esteem and lack of confidence can affect every aspect of your life, including your career. Weight loss surgery can give patients a new sense of self and a renewed passion and enthusiasm for their work, which may help open doors in your profession.

Exercise more — and enjoy it. 

People who are significantly overweight or obese can benefit from regular exercise, however, the excess weight often makes physical activity painful or nearly impossible for some, only exacerbating the weight problem. It’s a vicious cycle sword. Following weight loss surgery, patients find that exercise is easier and even enjoyable. Post-surgery exercise helps patients not only lose weight but keep it off.

As with any medical procedure, weight loss surgery is not without risks and possible side effects. The first step is to schedule an appointment with an experienced bariatric surgeon who can help you choose the right weight loss procedure to suit your individual needs. Contact McCarty Weight Loss Center today to schedule your consultation.