Weight loss surgery has come a long way in recent years and the number of procedures being performed in the United States has almost doubled from 2011 to 2020, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Although bariatric surgery has become an increasingly more common option for people who need to lose a significant amount of weight, there are still many myths circulating that keep some people from considering this effective weight loss procedure.
Here are some common misconceptions about weight loss surgery—and the facts you should know.
Myth: Weight loss surgery is an easy fix.
Fact: A common misconception is that people who undergo weight loss surgery do it because it’s an easy way out, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth. For starters, it often takes 6 – 12 months of documented weight loss attempts to even qualify for insurance coverage for the surgery. Then once the surgery is over, there’s still a lot of work for you to do. Sustained weight loss requires a commitment to dietary changes and increased physical activity, even though the surgery may initially make it easier to drop a large amount of weight relatively quickly.
Myth: Bariatric surgery isn’t worth it because people gain the weight back eventually.
Fact: A small percentage of weight loss surgery patients do gain back some weight after weight loss surgery, but it is estimated that approximately two-thirds of people do not regain weight after surgery. The majority of patients keep at least 50% of their excess weight off, according to the ASMBS. However, it requires an ongoing commitment to healthy habits to keep the weight off long-term, just as with any type of weight loss plan (although weight loss surgery has been shown to be more effective in helping people lose and keep weight off than any other type of weight loss plan).
Myth: Weight loss surgery is dangerous.
Fact. Weight loss surgery has become increasingly safe and has a lower mortality rate than other common surgeries, such as knee replacements and gallbladder removals. The surgery is also much safer than living long-term with obesity, which has been implicated in many serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers. When weighing risks versus benefits, the health benefits of weight loss surgery often far outweigh any potential risks.
Myth: All weight loss surgeries are the same.
Fact: There are a number of different procedures available to those considering weight loss surgery. The gastric bypass procedure is currently the most popular procedure performed and involves connecting a small section of the stomach to part of the small intestine, bypassing the majority of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. Other procedures include gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch. The type of procedure you have will depend on a number of factors. It is best to talk to a trusted bariatric surgeon to determine which procedure is right for you.