Despite its popularity and evolving practices, bariatric surgery, or weight-loss surgery, is still surrounded by a number of questions. If you are considering this type of surgery, it’s a good idea to do some research.
The team at Cooper University Health Care’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center is happy to address the top myths surrounding weight-loss surgery and to tell you all you need to know.
1. Myth: You’ll regain all the weight after the procedure.
When eliminating weight with diet and exercise, there’s always a strong possibility of fluctuations. However, weight-loss surgery doesn’t typically have such fluctuations. Statistically, it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to maintain your weight loss after bariatric surgery.
After these procedures, more than 90% of people with severe obesity lose at least half of their excess weight. The likely ability to keep that weight off is a huge benefit.
2. Myth: Bariatric surgery is invasive.
Actually, bariatric surgery is valued as a minimally invasive procedure. Our experts specialize in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Thanks to medical advances, these are two of the least invasive procedures.
3. Myth: You’ll have a long recovery.
Because most common weight-loss procedures are minimally invasive, recovery times have shortened drastically over the years. For both RYGB and VSG, you can expect to spend about two and a half days in the hospital, and once you leave, it shouldn’t take too long to get back to your usual routines.
Our team offers numerous forms of follow-up care to help you have a smooth recovery. These include:
- Regular check-ups
- Nutritional consultations
- Tailored exercise plans
- One-on-one counseling
- Monthly support group meeting
4. Myth: All bariatric surgeries are the same.
People may assume that all bariatric surgeries are the same because they all work toward the same goal: weight loss. However, there are important differences between popular weight-loss surgeries.
With RYGB, the surgeon reduces the size of your stomach (typically to the size of an egg) and then reattaches it to the intestine. This procedure is often recommended for people with diabetes.
With VSG, a large section of the stomach is removed completely, without altering the way food passes into the intestines or is processed by the body. It’s a good option for people with BMI up to 50.
One type of surgery is likely to be better suited for your body over another. Talk to a bariatric expert to determine which is the right choice for you.
5. Myth: Weight-loss surgery is no more effective than diet and exercise.
Diet and exercise are traditional options for combating weight gain, but they may not make much of difference in those with severe obesity. In addition, the results can be inconsistent without something to supplement them.
As part of its aftercare, weight-loss surgery does include diet and exercise. However, these methods may not work for you without the initial benefit offered by bariatric surgery.
Get in Touch With Our Experts
Although these may be the most common myths about weight-loss surgery, you may still have questions. To get answers, all you need to do is contact the team at Cooper University Health Care’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center.
Schedule your consultation today to take back control of your life!