Our Summary

This research paper is a review of other studies looking at how weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) affects sexual function in women. They gathered information from 20 different articles, focusing on women who were overweight and had had this type of surgery. They used two specific tools (the Female Sexual Functioning Index and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire) to measure sexual function before and after the surgery.

The results showed that weight-loss surgery significantly improved overall sexual function in women who were overweight. This includes improvements in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and less sexual pain. However, for women who also had pelvic floor disorders (issues with the muscles in the lower part of their pelvis), the surgery did not improve their sexual function.

FAQs

  1. Does weight-loss surgery significantly improve sexual function in overweight women?
  2. What specific aspects of sexual function improve after weight-loss surgery in women?
  3. Does weight-loss surgery improve sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient considering obesity surgery is to have realistic expectations about the potential impact on their sexual function. While weight-loss surgery can lead to improvements in overall sexual function for many women, it may not necessarily address underlying pelvic floor disorders. Patients should discuss any concerns they have about their sexual health with their healthcare provider before undergoing surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can also help support sexual function and overall well-being.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have often tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and may have significant health risks related to their weight. Additionally, candidates for obesity surgery should be committed to making lifestyle changes and following a post-operative diet and exercise plan to maintain weight loss and improve overall health outcomes.

Timeline

Timeline of what a patient experiences before and after obesity surgery:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes consultations with a bariatric surgeon to discuss the different types of weight-loss surgery options available.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations, including physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies to assess their overall health and determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient may be required to follow a pre-operative diet and exercise regimen to help reduce the size of their liver and improve surgical outcomes.
  4. Patient attends pre-operative education sessions to learn about the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as post-operative care and dietary changes that will be necessary.
  5. Patient may experience feelings of anxiety, excitement, and anticipation leading up to the surgery date.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve laparoscopic or open techniques depending on the type of surgery chosen.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for a few days following surgery to ensure they are recovering well and managing any potential complications.
  3. Patient begins a gradual transition to a liquid diet, followed by pureed foods, and eventually solid foods over the course of a few weeks.
  4. Patient is instructed to follow a strict dietary and exercise plan to help them achieve and maintain weight loss post-surgery.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their bariatric team to monitor their progress, address any concerns or complications, and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
  6. Patient may experience rapid weight loss, improved overall health, increased energy levels, and improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
  7. Patient may also experience changes in body image, self-esteem, and emotional well-being as they adjust to their new lifestyle and body size.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with weight-loss surgery?
  2. What are the different types of weight-loss surgery available, and which one would be most suitable for me?
  3. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of weight-loss surgery in terms of weight loss and overall health improvement?
  4. How will weight-loss surgery affect my dietary and lifestyle habits post-surgery?
  5. What kind of follow-up care and support will be provided after the surgery?
  6. Will I need to take any additional supplements or medications after the surgery?
  7. How will weight-loss surgery impact my existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I return to normal physical activities and work?
  9. Will weight-loss surgery have any impact on my fertility or ability to have children?
  10. What are the long-term effects of weight-loss surgery on sexual function and intimacy?

Reference

Authors: Gao Z, Liang Y, Deng W, Qiu P, Li M, Zhou Z. Journal: Obes Surg. 2020 Jan;30(1):352-364. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-04240-5. PMID: 31664652