Weight loss surgery and exercise lower risks of serious health problems

Dec 9 2014

Throughout the past year, studies on the positive effects of weight loss surgery have been published in a variety of medical journals in the US and abroad. We learned that weight loss surgery is relatively safe, and that it is effective in improving serious health conditions. More recently, we also learned that it is a factor in preventing Type 2 diabetes from developing in people considered to be pre-diabetic. Now, a study has been released by the Florida Hospital Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes that says that post-operative weight loss patients who include moderate exercise in their weight loss regimen are more likely to successfully lose weight and lower their risks of serious health problems. The Florida study supports the personal observations of leading bariatric surgeon Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S., who has long been supporting patients in their efforts to build a long-term healthy lifestyle following a procedure.

The research, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, compared one group of weight loss patients that entered into a weight loss education program, with a second group that participated in the education program in addition to completing two hours of exercise each week. Not only was it found that the exercise group had no problems completing the regimen, but they also had substantial improvements in their sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. These improvements lead to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

When working with patients, Dr. Feiz and his medical team regularly stress the importance of diet and exercise after weight loss surgery to ensure positive results. Many of Dr. Feiz's patients, including Ron K., a patient whose testimonial is featured on the doctor's web site, have had great weight loss results while including exercise as a part of their weight loss journey. Ron has lost over 60 pounds and continues to lose more by eating right, taking vitamins recommended by Dr. Feiz, and by walking 2-3 miles a day with his wife. While different patients will find that different types of exercise work best for them, the benefits of staying active for weight loss patients have never been so clear.

When many people think of weight loss surgery, they may assume that it is a quick fix to obesity, but this is simply not the case. Electing either a gastric sleeve or lap band procedure from a respected surgeon like Dr. Feiz is just the first step on a weight loss journey that is most successful if followed up by proper lifestyle changes. The surgery simply makes these changes easier for the patient to make. It may seem like a daunting task to some, but Ron's story and the stories of countless other Dr. Feiz patients prove that by working with an experienced bariatric surgeon, a healthy future is well within reach.

SOURCE Dr. Feiz and Associates