At the Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, our team hears lots of myths about bariatric surgery. Read on as we discuss some of the common myths about weight loss surgery:
Myth: Bariatric surgery is dangerous
All surgeries have risks and potential complications, including bariatric surgery. Below are some of the possible risks and complications for the three types of weight-loss surgeries offered by Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir. While many patients worry about the risks of surgery, the health benefits of losing weight through bariatric surgery are numerous.
Myth: Bariatric surgery is the easy way out
Many people living with obesity have tried to lose weight using several methods without success. Dr. Ben-Meir explains to all his patients at the beginning of their weight-loss journey that bariatric surgery will be successful only if they commit to hard work. Bariatric surgery is not a quick or permanent fix if the patient isn’t willing to dedicate effort to losing weight and keeping it off. Success after weight loss surgery requires dedication to a total lifestyle change that involves many physical and emotional challenges.
Weight loss surgery is a tool that helps patients lose weight and maintain their weight loss, but it does not do all the work. It helps patients feel full with a small amount of food. To maintain weight loss, bariatric surgery patients must take advantage of this. Having weight loss surgery is not taking the easy way out; maintaining weight loss is, unquestionably, hard work. Our office helps our patients keep the weight off through tools like support groups, follow-up appointments and easy access to our team for ongoing support.
Myth: It doesn’t matter which surgery you get
While each of these surgery types works to help patients feel full with a small amount of food, the best surgery for you depends on several factors. Making the right choice for surgery depends on many things.
Your best option should meet your health and safety needs, as well as your personal goals. Our team looks at indicators such as body mass index (BMI), associated medical conditions and prior history of abdominal surgery, along with anything else specific to your needs. The Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center offers three types of weight loss surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-band) surgery.
Myth: Surgery is a waste, you’ll regain the weight
One of the most common questions bariatric patients ask is, “Will I regain my weight?” Everyone considering bariatric surgery naturally has this concern. Certainly, the answer is complicated. Statistics show that only 1-2% of patients who meet the criteria for weight loss surgery are successful in losing their excess weight with diet, exercise or medication alone. With weight loss surgery, 85% of patients are successful in maintaining at least 50% excess weight loss.
Myth: Bariatric surgery is cosmetic, so insurance will not cover it
If you have health insurance, check to determine if your plan covers bariatric surgery. Increasingly, insurance companies are recognizing that people who are obese are more likely to develop health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure that impact both quality of life and longevity. Most insurance companies will need to confirm with your doctor that this surgery is medically necessary.
If you have coverage, our staff can help determine what your cost will be based on your insurance plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket expenses. Our office walks you through the bariatric surgery process step-by-step.
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