Weight Loss Surgery Myths Debunked

If you have developed excess weight and have found that keeping to an exercise routine and a proper diet have not provided your desired results, you may have considered a surgical solution. While weight loss surgery, better known as bariatric surgery, is a procedure that offers an overweight or obese person an extra edge in shedding their unwanted pounds, it is also a procedure that has been surrounded by much misinformation. The purpose of this article is to highlight, dispel, and debunk that misinformation so that you can make an informed decision.

The Biggest Myths of Surgical Weight Loss Procedures

Myth #1: It’s Dangerous

While every surgery carries some risk, many advances in this procedure have diminished the likelihood of a significant complication. The method is no more risky than having your gallbladder worked on.

Myth #2: The Procedure is Unnecessary With Diet and Exercise

While no one will deny the benefits of diet and exercise for helping someone to lose weight, some obese people may not achieve sufficient weight loss by relying on only those approaches. Multiple studies have shown that changing diet and exercise habits without surgical assistance may lead to weight loss, but over half of those people have regained their lost body weight.

Myth #3: Most Patients Regain the Lost Weight

After bariatric surgery, patients will shed 50-100 pounds in the first year. Studies of patients taken one decade after receiving the procedure indicated that more patients kept that weight off compared to people who tried to shed weight without surgical assistance. In short, long-term weight loss is achievable with this procedure.

Myth #4: It Warps How Your Body Processes Vitamins and Minerals

Bariatric surgery is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some procedures can alter how the human body gains nutrition, leading to deficiencies. Thankfully, this is a preventable side effect that can be overcome with dietary supplements. Surgical aftercare for patients should include routine testing of vitamin and mineral levels so that any deficiencies can be corrected.

Myth #5: Pregnancy Becomes Impossible After the Procedure

Patients who undergo the procedure are cautioned against pursuing pregnancy for the first two years following the procedure. One reason for this policy is that the procedure is intended to help patients lose weight, which conflicts with the needs of a pregnant body. Two years is the benchmark for waiting because that is generally how long it takes for a patient’s weight to stabilize after receiving the procedure. Notably, weight loss tends to elevate fertility in women and testosterone levels in men.

Myth #6: You Will Become an Alcoholic

Multiple studies have debunked a perceived connection between this procedure and alcohol abuse. Of course, patients are encouraged to reduce their alcohol intake after having the procedure because recovering from the surgery amplifies alcohol’s effects.

Myth #7: It Will Make You Suicidal

Surgical weight loss can cause several mental changes in a patient, including emotional and personality changes. While there are a few studies that have shown an elevated risk of suicidal tendencies after the procedure, those patients tended to have undiagnosed psychological issues before they went under the knife. This is why it is imperative that a mental health screening be taken before going in for the procedure.

Myth #8: The Procedure Leaves a Huge Scar

While the traditional surgeries of the 20th Century left massive scars behind, technology and procedures have evolved to the point that most approaches involve a “pinhole” or laparoscopic surgery. This technique leaves considerably less scarring than open surgery and has the added perks of a shorter recovery period, less pain, and less lost blood.

The Final Myth: The Procedure is a Shortcut

While the procedure can help many people lose a lot of weight, a small portion may gain it back. Usually, such people regain weight because of non-surgical causes like not exercising or improper dieting. Surgery is a critical tool in the toolbox of weight loss; very few projects are achieved and maintained with only one tool.

The Basics That Every Potential Weight Loss Surgery Patient Should Know About the Procedure

We know that you have a lot on your mind even to consider this sort of procedure. You want to bring your weight more in line with what makes you happy, and we want to help you achieve that goal. Let us reiterate the following truths about this particular medical procedure.

• It is no riskier than any other mundane surgical procedure
• The procedure is just one option for losing weight and just as valid as exercise and good dieting
• Your nutritional and blood-alcohol levels should be routinely checked after the procedure to maintain your health
• This procedure helps you lose weight, but pregnancy requires more body weight; know which way you want your weight to go for the near future
• Your insurance may cover some or all aspects of the procedure
• Scarring is minimal

Still Interested? Let Us Help

We hope this information regarding the procedure has helped to assuage any fears or misinformation you may have been exposed to on the journey to become a thinner version of yourself. If you are still interested in consulting with a surgeon about losing weight, Dr. Luciano Fiszer and the rest of Elite Surgical Miami would be thrilled to actualize your dreams. Call our office at 786-310-2283 or e-mail info@elitesurgicalmiami.com to set up a consultation with Dr. Fiszer about laparoscopy.