If you’re considering bariatric surgery as a treatment option for the health risks of diabetes or obesity, you’ve probably seen a lot of misinformation about this treatment method for weight loss.
Our goal at NOVA Bariatrics is to help you distinguish fact from fiction to guide your decision. There are several myths and misconceptions about weight loss surgery that can hinder potential candidates from making a life-changing decision. That’s why we’re debunking some of the most common myths and preconceived
Myth #1: Weight loss surgery isn’t safe.
Any surgical procedure can pose risks but data from American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has shown that the risk of death of approximately 60,000 weight loss surgery patients within 30 days of surgery is 1 in 1000 (or 13%). This makes it safer compared to gallbladder removal,hip replacement or hernia repair.
There are also numerous studies that have reductions in mortality of life-threatening obesity-related diseases following bariatric surgery. For example, cancer mortality is reduced by 60 percent, death associated with diabetes is reduced to 90 percent and death from heart disease is reduced to 50 percent.
Weight loss surgery can potentially help patients decrease or discontinue the use of certain medications for obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. It may also be able to resolve the condition completely.
Myth #2: Weight loss surgery has a temporary effect.
Typically, diet and exercise has a strong possibility of temporary effect. This isn’t the case for weight loss surgery. Statistically speaking, it’s most possible that you’ll be able to maintain your weight loss after surgery. Also, many patients who has undergone weight loss surgery attested that they experienced a notable improvement in their quality of life.
Myth #3: Weight loss surgery is invasive.
Bariatric surgery is, in fact, a minimally invasive procedure. Procedures such as vertical sleeve gastrectomy and roux-en-Y gastric bypass are examples of least invasive procedures.
Myth #4. Weight loss surgery is as effective as diet and exercise
While diet and exercise are the traditional options for weight loss, they may not be enough for everyone especially those with severe obesity. Diet and exercise aren’t the only factors contributing to weight gain and weight loss. Obesity is a complex disease that can result from several factors such as biological, genetic, behavioral, metabolic, economic, social or even cultural. The reality is that weight loss surgery helps patients make balanced food choices and have the motivation to be engaged in regular physical activities.
Myth #5: Weight loss surgery is expensive and isn’t covered by insurance.
Many insurance companies, including major companies such as Medicaid and Medicare, cover weight loss surgery for those who qualify. There are also special rates which are available for patients without insurance coverage.
Conclusion
The decision to undergo weight loss surgery isn’t intimidating as it may seem.
At NOVA Bariatrics, we help you understand the benefits of weight loss surgery as well as the type of procedure which best matches your needs. Bariatric surgery, when performed in our clinics at Irvington and Arlington, has a lower rate of complications and greater benefits. Get in touch with our weight loss doctors in Dallas today to explore the different treatments to obesity.