Does Bariatric Surgery Help With Varicose Veins?

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Let us understand what are varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that appear under the skin, usually in the legs. They can be blue, red, or skin-coloured, and can look like rope-like veins that bulge the skin.

Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing properly toward the heart. This causes blood to pool in the veins, which can lead to swelling.

Symptoms of varicose veins include:

Itching or burning around the veins
Skin colour changes around the veins
Swelling in the legs
Aching pain in the legs
A feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet
Nighttime leg cramps

Causes of varicose veins:

Age: As you age, your veins can wear out and become dilated.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can put pressure on the veins in your legs.
Being overweight or obese: Being overweight or obese can increase pressure in your veins.
Sitting or standing for long periods: Sitting or standing for long periods can increase pressure in your veins.
Family history: Varicose veins can be hereditary.
Vitamin K deficiency: Low levels of vitamin K can increase your chances of developing varicose veins.
Stress: When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can increase your blood pressure and strain your veins.
Previous blood clots: A previous blood clot in your lower leg veins can damage the veins and lead to varicose veins.
Obesity : This is the major factor in the development of varicose veins.

Yes, bariatric surgery can help with varicose veins:

Weight loss::

Bariatric surgery can help with weight loss, which can reduce the discomfort of varicose veins and prevent them from getting worse.

Improved venous return

Weight loss from bariatric surgery can reduce intra-abdominal pressure, which may improve venous return and reduce the risk of lower limb venous insufficiency and thrombosis.

Better biomechanical forces.

Weight loss from bariatric surgery can improve the biomechanical forces of the femoral vein.

Decrease Your Weight = Decrease in Varicose Veins Symptoms

Varicose veins are not just a matter of appearance but can cause discomfort and potentially serious problems if not addressed, like bleeding from the blow outs in the varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clot dislodgement is a life threatening complication. Obesity is a concern impacting people of all ages. Apart from its documented links to heart problems, diabetes and joint issues obesity can also play a role in the formation of veins. In this article we will explore how obesity and varicose veins are connected.

Body Mass Index (BMI) categories are: