Many people have preconceived notions about weight loss surgery that are not based in fact. These myths can be harmful to patients who have undergone weight loss surgery and discourage people who need the surgery from talking to their doctors.
Dr Carlos Barba, a Harlingen, TX bariatric surgeon, explores some of the common myths of weight loss surgery. He explains the truth behind each situation and helps patients understand whether weight loss surgery is right for them.
Myth #1: Surgery Equals Effortless Weight Loss
It may seem like weight loss surgery is the easiest way to lose weight, but this is far from the truth. Weight loss surgery requires an extensive preparatory process that can last months or years. Still, it is necessary to ensure that the patient is psychologically and physically ready to begin the process.
While it is true that the pounds seem to melt away in the early weeks and months after surgery, weight loss reaches a plateau after about two years. After this point, patients need to continue putting in a serious effort to keep losing weight. Diet and exercise plans must be followed carefully for the remainder of the patient’s life to keep the weight off.
Myth #2: Surgery is for People Who Lack Willpower
Some people are reluctant to consider weight loss surgery because they are afraid that people will think they lack the willpower to lose weight independently. Dr Carlos Barba knows that weight loss is not easy and that severely overweight and obese people have the odds stacked against them when it comes to weight loss.
The National Institutes of Health have stated that weight loss surgery is one of the only ways the severely obese can lose weight and keep it off. Willpower does not come into the equation, but it is based on physiological facts.
Myth #3: Weight Loss Surgery is Dangerous
While the negative side effects of weight loss surgery are commonly discussed, complications are relatively rare. The most common complication is the abdominal hernia. About 10 to 20 percent of patients require follow-up surgery to correct conditions like hernias caused by the initial procedure.
Other types of side effects are serious but rare. These can include infections, gallstones, and malnutrition.
Myth #4: Patients Can’t Have More Children After Weight Loss Surgery
Many patients are afraid that they will not be able to have more children after weight loss surgery. Doctors recommend preventing pregnancy until 18 months to two years after surgery. After two years, most people reach a weight loss plateau.
A reduction in body weight can help a woman achieve pregnancy, so the surgery may positively affect her fertility later in life.
Myth #5: Insurance Doesn’t Cover Weight Loss Surgery
While some employer-paid health plans do not cover weight loss surgery, it is worth checking with your insurer and discovering your benefits. A growing percentage of health plans are beginning to cover bariatric surgery since its life-changing health effects are becoming common knowledge in the medical field.
Myth #6: Weight Loss Surgery Causes Psychological Problems
Some people are worried about having weight loss surgery because they have been told that it causes depression and anxiety. The reverse is more likely to be true, with weight loss surgery causing an increase in self-esteem and body positivity. These factors can make a person who has had weight loss surgery feel better about themselves and lessen the chances of psychological problems.
To ensure that patients will have positive psychological outcomes, preoperative testing is conducted. This testing can identify people who are likely to have trouble with their body image after the surgery and pinpoint possible problems before they occur.
Myth #7: Weight Loss Surgery is the Easy Way Out
Weight loss surgery is anything but the easy way out. It may be the most viable option for a severely obese person to lose weight. Still, it requires significant dedication, willpower, and medical support to be a positive force for change.
People who have weight loss surgery should not be looked down upon. Succeeding with the surgery shows that a person has the strength to confront serious problems in their life and work to change them.
Learning the Truth about Weight Loss Surgery
Dr Carlos Barba wants prospective bariatric surgery patients to understand these myths and know the truth behind them. Having a solid conception of the realities surrounding weight loss surgery can help patients increase their chances of success with the surgery.
Patients are encouraged to research on their own if they hear something discouraging about the surgery from a friend or loved one. Surgeons and their staff are always open to questions from patients as well.
Weight loss surgery can be a positive and lasting force for change in a patient’s life, and having the correct information at hand is the best way to start on the path toward success and a healthier outlook.
This is a guest blog entry.
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