Bariatric surgery procedures, such as like gastric bypass, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, and lap band surgery, help men and women lose weight and improve their overall health. Recent studies have also shown it can help in other ways, including treating migraines. In a study appearing in the March 2011 issue of Neurology, researchers have shown that the hormone changes following bariatric surgery help alleviate or even eliminate migraines in obese patients.

Migraine Studies

There have been several studies conducted on the effects of bariatric treatments on migraines, including the most recent which appeared in Neurology. This study was conducted by researchers at The Miriam Hospital’s Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center. The study looked at men and women who had severe migraines before the bariatric surgery and that we’re also planning on getting the surgery. Approximately 28 million people in the United States suffer from migraines, with most of them being women.

One guess as to why this is due to abnormal activity in the brain, including environmental issues, foods, and stress. Many of these are helped by weight loss. All patients in the study were severely obese at a body mass index (BMI) of more than 46.6.

Successful Results

The researchers developed a questionnaire with questions about their migraines, including the frequency, severity, and what occurs before, during, and after the migraines. They asked the questions before the bariatric surgery and six months after the procedure was completed. Approximately half of the patients had fewer migraines within six months of the surgery, as well as a reduction in the severity. The average weight loss by the participants of the study was 66.4 pounds.

Bariatric Surgery for Migraines

There are several reasons researchers think bariatric surgery is effective at helping treat migraines. First, migraines tend to be worse in obese individuals. They are triggered more often and tend to be more severe. This is especially true for men and women in the severely obese category, according to their BMI. By getting weight loss surgery and losing weight, they are improving migraines. Another theory is that the hormone changes from the surgery also make a positive impact on different ailments, with migraines included.

Medical Tourism in Mexico

Studies have shown that weight loss surgery helps reduce migraine headache frequency and how bad they are, with some patients getting rid of them altogether. If you are suffering from severe migraines and are considering bariatric surgery, it might be a good idea for you.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, you should look into Mexico for bariatric surgery as a viable option. Mexico Bariatric Center® offers reliable weight loss surgery in Tijuana and Guadalajara, Mexico at a fraction of cost. Start Today!