Weight-loss surgery (WLS) and bariatrics are gaining popularity, and with good reason! With fame comes false information. We’re here to debunk the most common bariatric myths!
Myth: Weight-loss surgery is a last resort.
Bariatric surgery should be considered EARLY on in your weight-loss efforts. Typically, it is reserved for patients with a BMI of 40 or above, or 35 with comorbidities.
The longer patients wait, the more difficult things become; diseases have longer to develop, more weight is gained, and general health worsens.
If you need to lose weight, don’t wait! Consider bariatric surgery early and reap its benefits.
Myth: Weight-loss surgery is only for the morbidly obese.
WLS has been shown to be more effective for lower-BMI patients. This misconception goes hand-in-hand with the “last resort” myth. If you need to lose weight, bariatric surgery could be THE option.
At NYBG, we have procedures for the moderately obese to get them on track sooner. Options like the gastric balloon aren’t actually surgical, but make weight loss available to a wider audience. This way everyone can achieve their desired weight!
Myth: Weight-loss surgery brings instant results.
Bariatric surgery isn’t a magical solution. Weight doesn’t suddenly disappear after surgery. It takes time to lose it. You will lose weight more quickly than with diet and exercise alone, but don’t expect changes overnight. Just like anything else, hard work and determination are key factors to success!
Myth: You only need surgery, nothing else.
For patients to see successful results, they need to adopt a new lifestyle.
Bariatric surgery boosts the benefits of healthy behavior: eating right, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
After WLS, you won’t be able to eat the same foods in the same portions before. There’s a learning curve, but it WILL help you achieve a healthier life!
Myth: Weight-loss surgery costs too much.
Bariatric surgery is entirely affordable! In fact, most health insurance policies cover it.
At NYBG, we’ll be glad to work with your insurance provider to come up with a plan that works for you. Interested? We have resources to help get you started.
Myth: Weight-loss surgery is dangerous.
Every type of surgery has risks. However, with bariatric surgery, they are significantly lower!
Some people believe obesity is less dangerous than WLS. That’s not the case! Obesity can be fatal.
Overweight people can develop comorbidities like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. They can also have an increased cancer risk.
These are bigger threats to your health than complications from bariatric surgery.
Myth: You regain all of your lost weight.
A successful WLS is defined by the patient losing 50% or more of excess weight.
If patients regain weight, it is usually 5% of what they lost which isn’t a lot! Bariatric patients keep the weight off so well that it’s rare to see patients gain any more t