The 3 Most Common Bariatric Surgery Myths

While there is a wealth of health and medical information available online, it’s not all true. Some of this false information can even be dangerous. When you’re researching health conditions on the internet, it’s important to take what you find with a grain of salt and verify it with a medical professional.

Uncovering the truth with your doctor will help you prevent misinformation and protect your health. In this article, we will dispel a few of the most common bariatric surgery myths that you’ll find online. 

Common Bariatric Surgery Myths

Myth #1: All Bariatric Surgery is the Same

Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term that includes several different weight loss procedures. Contrary to what this weight-loss surgery myth would suggest, there are several different types of bariatric surgeries that involve different procedures and techniques. 

A few of the most common procedures include:

• Gastric Sleeve — The gastric sleeve procedure changes the shape of the stomach from a pouch to a sleeve that is often compared to a banana. 
• Roux-en-Y — This surgery both reduces the size of the stomach and changes how food passes through the intestines.
• Duodenal-Switch — The duodenal-switch procedure is like the Roux-en-Y in that it affects both stomach size and how the intestines function, but this treatment bypasses more of the intestines than the Roux-en-Y.

Your bariatric surgery team can help you determine which procedure is right for you and your individual situation. Certain surgeries are better for some individuals than others.

Myth #2: Weight Loss Surgery is a “Quick Fix”

One of the most popular bariatric surgery misconceptions is that weight-loss surgery is a “quick fix”, or that individuals who get it are “taking the easy way out”. Actually, bariatric surgery is combined with healthy lifestyle strategies, like eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining a regular fitness routine. To ensure the long-term success of weight-loss surgery, sticking to these healthy habits is essential because surgery doesn’t fix the problem on its own. 

Myth #3: Weight Loss Surgery is Especially Dangerous

Another weight loss surgery myth is that bariatric procedures are especially dangerous or far more risky than other types of surgery. While any surgery comes with risks, bariatric procedures are considered to be some of the safest surgeries, with a mortality rate that is less than operations like hip replacements or gallbladder removals. 

Additionally, bariatric surgery reduces the risk of premature death and health issues caused by obesity. A healthier weight will improve your overall health and reduce the severity of issues like:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Osteoarthritis
• Infertility issues
• Sleep apnea
• Asthma

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery

To find out more about different bariatric surgery options and whether one of them could be right for you, reach out to our team at Wellstar Bariatrics. We’re committed to helping you throughout your weight-loss journey, from discussing different procedures to following up with healthy lifestyle advice tailored to your needs. Contact us today to find out more.