Weight loss surgery misconceptions

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment method for obesity. It helps to cure obese people more than diet and exercise alone. There are different types of weight loss surgery that each one is right for each person. There are no two same patients with the similar condition so may be one type of surgery which is right for one patient is not right for the other one. Or even one type of surgery is not exactly alike for two people.

Despite of all facts about the bariatric surgery, there are also some weight loss surgery misconceptions that we consider some of them in this article.

Bariatric surgery is a ‘cop-out’. You just need to have a good diet and exercise program.

Actually it is impossible for sever obese people to lose weight just by diet and exercise. They have to undertake weight loss surgery. In the other word when you are 20 or 30 pounds’ overweight, you can lose your extra weight by diet and exercise but when you are about 50 to 60 pounds’ overweight then diet and exercise won’t work alone and you will need bariatric surgery. But for maintaining the long term weight-loss you should follow a proper diet and exercise program post up the surgery.

It doesn’t matter which type of surgery you have.

No two obese people are alike so there is no same operation. For example, gastric bypass surgery is the right operation for an obese patient who suffer of type 2 diabetes while for the other obese person with BMI up to 50, sleeve surgery is the best choice. And also those patients who already have a strict diet and exercise program, are also able to avoid high-carbohydrate calories as well as to bear a multiple band adjustments are best candidates for gastric banding.

You may need a plastic surgery after weight loss surgery.

Since today bariatric surgeries are done through laparoscopy, there is no big scar in weight loss surgery. And also less than 50 percent end up with large amount of excess skin following the surgery. So there is no need to plastic surgery after the weight loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery is associated with much risks and need a long recovery time.

The risks and complications of weight loss surgery is not more than the other surgeries. On the other hand, the risks of obesity are much more than the bariatric surgery. You are more likely to die from obesity related disease such as diabetes, heart disease, some types of cancer or stroke.

You can’t get pregnant if you perform weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery doesn’t have any effect on the women ability to conceive, carry a baby or give birth. But most doctors recommend to wait about 18 months to two years to get pregnant after the bariatric surgery. Because you need to allow your body to be stabilized following the surgery.

You will regain weight after the surgery.

Patients who have had weight loss surgery lose more weight than people who only have diet and exercise program. These people are also more successful to maintain their weight loss than those who only have diet and exercise plan. The risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease are less and they can live longer.

Weight loss surgery is impossible for too heavy people.

Although bariatric surgery is challenging and riskier for patients over 500 pounds but it is still possible. The most considerable risks are lung disease and cardiovascular diseases.

You still should take insulin and blood pressure medication following the surgery.

Bariatric surgery not only reduce weigh, also change body chemistry. After bypass surgery most of the patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, no need to take more medication.

Weight loss surgery is dangerous for older adults.

Although bariatric surgery is associated with some risks for older ages but many people have successful surgery in their 60s and early 70s. If patients have other serious health tissues, it can cause a riskier surgery.

Bariatric surgery is not covered by insurance.

If your obesity is associated with other health related problems, most insurance companies will cover the weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery patients usually become addicted to alcohol.

It is true that alcohol sensitivity will increase after the surgery but few patients experience alcohol issues after the surgery. Most of them had a history of alcohol problem prior to the surgery. It is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol during the rapid weight loss because even a small amount of alcohol has great effect on your body.