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Can Weight Loss Surgery Help With High Blood Pressure?

October 30, 2024

Dealing with obesity can feel overwhelming, especially when high blood pressure is part of the picture. But could weight loss surgery be the answer?

We spoke with Mia Shapiro, MD, a bariatric surgeon with Hartford HealthCare Medical & Surgical Weight Loss, to explore this option. Here’s what you need to know.

Obesity comes with many risks.

Obesity doesn’t just impact your weight—it comes with a range of serious health risks that can affect your daily life. It’s a complex disease linked to various medical conditions beyond high blood pressure, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Liver disease

If you suffer from both obesity and high blood pressure, you’re putting yourself at risk of even more complications.

“Obesity and high blood pressure together can specifically increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, heart attacks and strokes,” adds Dr. Shapiro.

> Related: These 6 Foods Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Here’s how surgery helps.

Weight loss surgery can significantly and sustainably lower blood pressure in patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (class III obesity).

Research shows that people who undergo bariatric surgery tend to experience a more significant drop in blood pressure compared to those relying on medical treatment alone. Many can reduce or stop taking blood pressure medications within 2 to 6 months after surgery, but ongoing monitoring helps your doctor adjust your treatment.

“While studies vary, the resolution of high blood pressure after surgery seems connected to overall weight loss,” explains Dr. Shapiro. “The more weight a patient loses, the more likely it will be that their blood pressure will improve.”

> Related: What to Expect Ahead of Weight Loss Surgery

Lifestyle changes are key after weight loss surgery.

“Patients should continue to monitor their blood pressure regularly, even long-term, and follow up with their primary care physician or cardiologist, depending on who initially prescribed their blood pressure medication,” says Dr. Shapiro.

To maximize blood pressure improvements after weight loss surgery, Dr. Shapiro also recommends critical lifestyle changes, including:

• Regular exercise
• A low-salt diet
• Smoking cessation
• 7-9 hours of sleep each night
• Stress management
• Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

“Long-term success after bariatric surgery depends on sticking to exercise and dietary recommendations,” she adds. “We provide a comprehensive program with education and lifelong support to help our patients achieve the best possible health outcomes.”

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Are you the right candidate for weight loss surgery?

While this conversation starts with your doctor, Dr. Shapiro offers some initial guidance.

“Traditionally, we recommend considering bariatric surgical intervention for patients with a body mass index of over 40,” she explains. “However, we will also offer surgery to patients with a lower body mass index (down to 35) if they have a history of hypertension requiring medication.”

If you’re approved for surgery, you’ll begin by monitoring your blood pressure at home and making important lifestyle changes. These early adjustments often help patients lose up to 10% of their body weight and may reduce or even eliminate the need for certain medications before surgery.

“If these lifestyle changes feel overwhelming, don’t worry,” says Dr. Shapiro. “You’ll have a team of experts – including nutritionists, psychologists and physical therapists – to support you in building and sustaining healthier habits.”