There are some misconceptions about weight loss surgery (WLS) that are important to explain and elaborate on so that potential patients have the correct information when evaluating whether these procedures are right for them. Some of these myths are:
Obesity surgery is very dangerous
Bariatric surgery, like any other surgery, carries risks. No surgery is risk-free, not even minimal, but the risks of a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass are fully identified and quantified, and these types of procedures are currently performed with the same level of risk as gallbladder surgery for example. According to the ASMBS, the risks of severe obesity outweigh the risks of metabolic/bariatric surgery for many patients. The risk of death associated with bariatric surgery is about 0.1% and the overall likelihood of major complications is less than 4%.
Surgery is very expensive
It is no secret that the cost of obesity surgery is not very affordable, but in the long term it is the best investment. When comparing the financial and health cost of suffering from obesity and its related diseases against the cost of surgery, the value of this treatment is evident. Estimates suggest third-party payers will recover bariatric surgery costs within 2 to 4 years and healthcare costs are reduced by 29% within five years of the surgery. In the long run, the savings obtained in medicines that will not be consumed, routine tests and general health costs are much greater than the initial cost of the surgery.
Surgery is magic and cannot be boycotted
WLS is a very effective tool that helps to resolve excess weight but it is not a "cure". Surgery certainly is the best help to effectively reduce food intake and calorie absorption but it must be followed by a conscious lifetime change in eating and lifestyle habits in order to get the most out of it.
Lost weight is regained
Although it is true that there is a possible weight gain around the second to fifth year after bariatric surgery, it is minimal and does not happen in all patients. Studies show that you can have long-term success if you follow recommended lifestyle changes and guidelines. On average, five years after surgery, patients maintain 50% of their excess weight loss.
Recovery is long and leaves a big scar
Currently, the surgery is minimally invasive and is performed laparoscopically, which means that you will have very small incisions of about 5 mm with a very good aesthetic result. This technique also means less recovery time and pain, you will be able to walk quickly and return to work in a week or two approximately.
Any technique solves the problem
Each patient is different and requires an evaluation to find out which procedure is the most appropriate based on their type of obesity, their body mass index and associated conditions. There are different procedures available, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, and you and your surgeon will have to choose the most suitable one for you.
These are just some of the different myths that circulate about weight loss surgery and often mislead people who are considering this treatment. Although it is true that bariatric surgery carries risks like any other surgery today, its physical, psychological and economic benefits are greater.