Weight Loss Surgery: Fact Vs. Fiction
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your weight loss goal? Losing weight, especially a significant amount of weight, can feel like an uphill battle. But don’t worry, you certainly aren’t alone! For many people, the solution is surgery and a team of medical professionals who can provide support and guidance. Making the decision to pursue surgery can be challenging, especially if you’ve heard any of the myths associated with bariatric procedures. Luckily, we’re here to set the record straight, to share the facts, and to make the entire weight loss process easier for you! Here are a few common misconceptions:
“Even If you have weight loss surgery, you will eventually gain back all of the weight.”
Bariatric surgery has been proven to help many individuals sustain a healthy weight throughout their lives. Weight will fluctuate, naturally, even after surgery. But no more than half of all patients regain a small percentage of their lost weight. How small? Approximately 5%!
“Bariatric surgery will put you at risk for other health problems and complications.”
Weight loss surgery only lowers your risk of developing other chronic health conditions associated with obesity, such as complications associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. After undergoing weight loss surgery, patients should work with a trained medical team and nutritionist. These professionals will help you adopt a post-surgery diet plan so that you don’t incur nutritional deficiencies. Weight loss surgery is an effective option to help you live a long and healthy life!
“Weight loss surgery is a sign of failure, and it shows that you can’t meet your goals on your own.”
Many patients find that bariatric surgery is their only option for long-lasting and life-changing results. Several biological factors come into play for those suffering from obesity. For example, some people are resistant to weight loss. With this condition, it’s impossible to lose weight with diet and exercise alone, no matter how much effort and determination is put forth. It’s important to understand that weight loss surgery is not intended to be a quick fix. It’s a tool used in conjunction with lifestyle changes to help patients improve their health. It’s also not a sign of failure. For many, opting for bariatric surgery is the first step towards reclaiming their lives, and that’s a sign of strength!
“Weight loss surgery is too expensive, and my insurance will not cover it.”
Most insurance providers do offer coverage for weight loss surgery, assuming the patient is eligible and meets the insurance company’s requirements. It’s important to discuss these requirements to properly assess the cost of your surgery. Many people do not realize that Medicare and Medicaid often provide coverage for bariatric surgery, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary. Additionally, most bariatric surgery clinics will offer financing options. Overall, the cost of weight loss surgery is far less expensive than the cost of managing the long-term health conditions associated with obesity.
Do you have more questions or myths that we can help dispel? Are you interested in finding out if you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery? Give us a call today and set up an appointment to discuss your options and learn how our team can guide you to a lifetime of health and wellness.
