Top 7 Bariatric Surgery Misconceptions

Bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, like other countries, is on the rise. According to ABC News, nearly 177,000 weight loss surgeries were performed in 2012 alone. Bariatric surgery is growing exponentially every year – as the success rate, overall statistics, and effectiveness continue to climb. Also, surgeon experience increases, and complication rates decrease.

However, despite its popularity, there are still countless bariatric surgery misconceptions and myths. We aim to debunk them here and uncover the success rates with procedures like gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery.

Myth #1: Bariatric Surgery is Taking the Easy Way Out of Obesity

Those who endure this type of surgery still have to diet, eat a certain amount of food, and exercise. This procedure cannot and will not work on its own. Choosing to endure bariatric surgery is a significant lifestyle change, a commitment to eat healthily and live an active life.

Bariatric surgery offers patients a real chance at ending morbid obesity long-term. With the long-term success rate over 50%, it is allowing patients to jump-start weight loss while incorporating a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Myth #2: Bariatric Surgery Alone Will Make Me Lose Weight Long Term

Lydia Bariatric Surgery Success Story

Ultimately, while patients lose an average of 60% of their excess weight, it is a tool for a whole process of a life change. Gastric sleeve excess weight averages at 65% in one year. Gastric bypass excess weight averages 70% in one year. Duodenal switch surgery averages up to 75% excess weight loss in the first year.

All three of these procedures are extremely effective. A patient must eat right and exercise both before and after the surgery to keep the weight off.

Patients can and will gain weight loss back if they do not remain committed to their weight loss. While the surgery will help change one’s metabolism, it is possible to gain weight over time.

Myth #3: Bariatric Surgery is a Cosmetic Surgical Procedure

Bariatric surgery has been known to treat high blood pressure, hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and a multitude of other medical conditions and illnesses. Even though your appearance changes after bariatric surgery, it is not considered cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Myth #4: Patients Must Weigh Over 300 Pounds to Qualify for Bariatric Surgery

The choice to undergo this procedure isn’t solely based on weight but on one’s overall health. Even moderately obese people who have major health issues may see health improvements from weight loss surgery. Typically, one must have a BMI of over 30 or with significant health problems to qualify.

Myth #5: There is a Long Recovery Time After the Surgery

Typically, most people recover in just one to two weeks from weight loss surgery. Some patients are even able to go back to work and normal activities in a mere few days especially if they endure a Laparoscopic gastric banding procedure.

Myth #6: You Can’t Have Bariatric Surgery if you Have Diabetes

This is a major bariatric surgery misconception, as a huge benefit associated with weight loss surgery is its ability to improve, reduce, or even cure obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes. In fact, this procedure has become a primary treatment for morbidly obese patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.