More than 30,000 American men had weight loss surgery in 2008; more than 60,000 American men will have weight loss surgery in 2009. By 2015, more than a quarter million men will have weight loss surgery each year.
As morbid obesity climbs, so do the medical consequences of diabetes, hypertension, and other life-threatening conditions. Just because men have more lean muscle mass and a lower body fat percentage than women, weight loss can be just as challenging for men.
Losing weight helps resolve erectile dysfunction in obese men, according to research presented at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). Morbid obesity can cause sexual dysfunction independent of other common confounders, including diabetes, hypertension and smoking. In this study from researchers in Boston and Philadelphia, sexual function was normalized in some men who underwent gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. Researchers presented data to reporters during a special press conference last May 19th.
“This study shows that weight loss and other risk factors which are alleviated by weight loss may be keys to restoring sexual function,” said Anthony Y. Smith, M.D. “These results give men another reason to improve their health by losing weight.” In this study, 95 patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery for weight loss completed the Brief Sexual Inventory (BSI) pre- and post-operatively. On average, BSI scores improved in all categories, including sexual drive, erectile function, ejaculatory function, problem assessment and sexual satisfaction. The amount of weight lost predicted the degree of improvement in all areas of the survey. Results were then compared to data from the Olmstead County Study of Urinary Health Status Survey, a community-based prospective study often used as a baseline for study comparison. After an average of 67 percent weight loss post-bypass, BSI scores were comparable to patients in the Olmstead Study.
Website for men who are considering or who have had weight loss surgery
There are hundreds of support groups throughout the U.S. for patients who have undergone weight loss surgery. Since 85% of those surgeries in 2008 were performed on women, these support groups are often run by women and for women. There is very little access to the experience that men have following these procedures.
Men have a different experience following weight loss surgery. The need for protein to support a healthy lifestyle, which may include weight-training, can be most challenging. Finding the best combination of vitamins for absorption or taking care of one’s appearance can be brand new for men (whereas women in American culture are conditioned to focus on appearance.) Many men, who may not have felt sexy in a long time, are suddenly seen as attractive, providing a totally new series of challenges and opportunities.
Men Sharing their Weight Loss Surgery Stories
Over the next year, www.weightlosssurgerymen.com will collect hundreds of personal stories about how men are dealing with weight loss surgery. These stories will help men who are considering a weight loss surgery know what to expect. These insights and experiences of real life men will highlight the huge life-changing lifestyle choice. Links to a variety of resources from vitamins, skin care, exercise, book reviews, and news links will be updated regularly. Men who share their story receive a gift from the company.
WeightLossSurgeryMen
www.weightlosssurgerymen.com
TR Cutler
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888-902-0300
