Bariatric Surgery to Increase Memory Function

Undergoing gastric band surgery in North Miami to help those suffering from obesity has numerous potential health benefits. Now, there is yet another benefit to bariatric surgery researchers are hoping to add to the list—a new study finds bariatric surgery responsible for increased memory function in participants who underwent gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures.

Bariatric surgery candidates are at higher risk for experiencing problems with memory and other issues concerning brain function. This new study set out to test the effects of bariatric surgery on cognitive function. After examining 95 of 137 patients who underwent gastric bypass or banding procedures, researchers discovered the majority of surgical patients performed better on memory guides post-surgery when compared to obese participants. This effect on memory was mainly attributable to the surgery itself and not to improved conditions in sleep apnea, hypertension and diabetes.

The study results are encouraging and have sparked more interest for further investigation of this area. Losing excess weight can help improve other areas of brain function such as reducing sleep apnea and hypertension along with improving blood sugar control. Losing weight from bariatric surgery also has the potential to affect hormone levels. Researchers suggest designing an additional study to examine the effects of particular surgical interventions such as gastric bypass, gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy on cognitive function.

Improved memory function is only one of the benefits of bariatric surgery—weight loss surgeries can help reduce risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers. All of these benefits should be taken into consideration when looking into bariatric surgery as a solution to weight loss.