Individuals who have trouble losing weight often turn to surgical means to help shed unwanted pounds. Gastric bypass surgery is just one of several methods, including liposuction and gastric bypass, that can help people get rid of stubborn fat that won't go away with simple diet and exercise. A new report published in Cell Reports this month finds that gastric bypass surgery has a surprising and positive effect on patients' genes.

Better genetics
Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that following weight loss surgery, genes related to metabolic health can be "restored to a healthy state," resulting in an overall improvement in metabolism. In other words, after surgery, the genes responsible for maintaining a healthy weight and burning calories may be enhanced.

Other help for weight loss patients
This research may convince some who are considering weight loss surgery to go under the knife, as it could have long-term implications on lifestyle and health. However, many patients find that, following bariatric surgery or losing weight through other means, they are left with less-than-appealing loose skin. This occurs because skin loses elasticity over time, and rapid weight loss doesn't give it time to adjust to the new body contours.

Fortunately, plastic surgery can help. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, there are a number of procedures that can help reduce sagging skin in various parts of the body. These include arm lifts, neck lifts, tummy tucks, lower or upper body lifts or breast lifts. Those who have recently gone through dramatic weight loss or are planning to undergo weight loss surgery should have a thorough conversation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss what options are available to suit their needs.