12 Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Being overweight or obese is the underlying cause of many serious health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Bariatric surgery is a great solution to lose body weight and begin the path toward a healthier life. Bariatric surgery is an option for people who have a body mass index (BMI) above 40. It is also an option for those people with BMI between 35 and 40, who suffer from health problems like heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Although there are huge improvements in bariatric surgery, there are some misconceptions about the procedures. Let’s clear up some of the most common ones:

Misconception 1:

Bariatric surgery is very risky.

Fact:

The fact is that every surgery has some potential risks and complications. But some recent advances have been developed to minimize the risks. Before having the surgery, you should ask your surgeon about the risks and benefits of the surgery.

Misconception 2:

Weight loss is the only benefit of bariatric surgery.

Fact:

Yes, bariatric surgery has a significant impact on weight loss. But this is not the only benefit of the surgery. The fact is that it also eases other conditions like sleep apnea, acid reflux, and even diabetes which can be caused by obesity.

Misconception 3:

Bariatric surgery is cosmetic surgery, and hence, not covered under any insurance policy.

Fact:

In the past, there was no insurance coverage for bariatric surgery. But currently, many insurance companies are covering surgical procedures for weight loss. If you are going for weight loss surgery, contact your insurance company as every plan is different. Your surgeon may also assist you in working with your insurance company to determine the recommended procedure to be covered.

Misconception 4:

Most people regain weight after bariatric surgery.

Fact:

People may regain weight two years after surgery. However, most of the patients who have undergone the surgery have maintained a successful weight loss. The weight loss or gain mainly depends on the diet you follow. After the surgery, your surgeon may suggest that you avoid the poor nutrition habits that originally led to your weight gain.

Misconception 5:

After the surgery, you can eat anything you want.

Fact:

After the surgery, you need to change your eating habits. While you are with your surgeon, you will learn how to eat for sufficient energy and make healthy choices. You need to eat less, but healthy foods.

Misconception 6:

All bariatric surgeries involve stomach stapling.

Fact:

There are different types of procedures for weight loss, and not all of them would involve stomach stapling. Some procedures would reduce the functioning size of the stomach and others would bypass the parts of the digestive tract to reduce the absorption of nutrients and calories.

Misconception 7:

After bariatric surgery, you need to go for plastic surgery.

Fact:

Many people do not know that bariatric surgery is performed through laparoscopy. In this procedure, the scars are small or the procedure is minimally invasive and does not require any plastic surgery.

Misconception 8:

If I have previously undergone surgeries, I am not the right candidate for laparoscopic surgery.

Fact:

Though you have had open surgery, you are still a candidate for laparoscopic surgery. However, a proper evaluation is needed before undergoing the surgery.

Misconception 9:

All obese individuals are the right candidates for surgery.

Fact:

The fact is that not every obese candidate is the right candidate for the surgery. Before the surgery, each person has to be thoroughly examined, investigated and counseled.

Misconception 10:

Bariatric surgery is a fat reduction surgery.

Fact:

Fat reduction surgeries are liposuction and abdominoplasty, and these do not fall into the category of bariatric surgery. Liposuction and other similar procedures are suitable for the reduction of fat and it cannot be done with the whole body.

Misconception 11:

The type of surgical procedure employed doesn’t matter

Fact:

You need to have knowledge regarding the type of surgery that is suggested for you. If you are a diabetic, gastric bypass surgery is preferred to reduce the size of the stomach and bypass some parts of the intestine. If your BMI is up to 50, then sleeve gastrectomy is preferred to remove the entire banana-sized portion of the stomach. Gastric banding is preferred for candidates who have already maintained a strict diet, and exercise regimen and are avoiding high calories and those who are willing to have multiple band adjustments.

Misconception 12:

The mortality rate is higher for bariatric surgery rather than for obesity

Fact:

Deaths from obesity occur due to comorbid conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The mortality rate due to bariatric surgery has been significantly reduced over years, and the surgery is successful in most cases.

You may not accept your weight as an unchangeable condition in your life. Bariatric surgery is a good option to reduce weight. Gain awareness about this type of surgery and how it can benefit you.

If you have any doubts relating to bariatric surgery, feel free to consult our expert bariatric surgeon. Click here to book an appointment now:

If you have any doubts relating to bariatric surgery, feel free to consult our expert bariatric surgeon. Click here to book an appointment now.