When I meet with potential bariatric patients for the first time, it is often to quell concerns based on inaccurate information. While bariatric surgery is increasingly commonplace today, misinformation can deter qualified patients from seeking treatment.
I would like to help our readers by dispelling common myths about weight loss surgery:
1. Bariatric surgery is a sign of failure.
Obesity is a medical condition caused by genetics, metabolism, lifestyle choices, endocrine disorders, other medical conditions and medications. People with the disease of obesity have a resistance to traditional weight loss through diet and exercise.
If you opt for bariatric surgery, you are taking a courageous step to regain your health. You are a warrior, not a failure. Attend Prime Surgicare’s free information session to learn more about whether bariatric surgery is a good fit for you.
2. Medical insurance won’t cover weight loss surgery.
Many people don’t realize that Medicare and private insurance companies often cover weight loss surgery. (They know that if you lose weight, you will cost them less money down the line.)
Check with your provider first, then call our friendly team at Prime Surgicare at 732-982-2002 to review your coverage.
3. Bariatric surgery is a risky operation.
Very obese people are at far greater health risk living with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, cardiac conditions and elevated cancer risk. Bariatric surgery procedures, like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, shrink the size of your stomach and change your metabolism; they are proven to be safe and effective. Patients can significantly reduce their mortality rate compared to people who avoid obesity treatment.
As with all types of abdominal surgery, there is a chance of post-operative complications, which may include nausea, upset stomach, blood clots, gastric leak, or wound infection.
4. I can eat whatever I want after bariatric surgery, just in smaller portions.
Even before surgery, our patients commit to making long-term lifestyle improvements to speed weight loss and maintain it after goal weight is achieved.
Working with a bariatric nutritionist, you’ll learn that sugar and processed foods consumed in the past are no longer necessary. You will be amazed how quickly your desire for high quality food improves.
5. If my lap-band failed, there are no other bariatric options for me.
Definitely not true. Revision bariatric surgery alters or repairs a previous operation. Most of the revisions we perform at Prime Surgicare are for patients who had medical issues after the operation, or were unable to manage the ongoing maintenance requirements for the lap band. These patients often prefer to change to the sleeve (VSG) or gastric bypass. We have helped several patients revise their bariatric procedures in order to achieve goal weight.
Courtney Wagenblast explains her journey from gastric banding to the gastric sleeve >>>
6. The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass require a prolonged recovery.
Expert care from Prime Surgicare includes a minimally invasive surgical approach consisting of small incisions which greatly speeds improved recovery time. Most patients stay in the hospital less than two days and return to work within two to three weeks. Keep in mind, weight reduction isn’t the only benefit of bariatric surgery. Patients also achieve rapid improvement and even resolution of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
Find out if you qualify for weight loss surgery
After weight loss surgery, you will feel better, require far fewer medications and thrive on a more active lifestyle that will energize you morning, noon and night.
If you are more than 75 pounds above your ideal weight, or have weight-related issues causing chronic health issues, bariatric weight loss surgery may be the solution that defeats the chronic disease of obesity. Through live obesity seminars and webinars, Prime Surgicare Facebook messages and Prime Surgicare’s YouTube channel, our bariatric health team will answer your questions and outline the pre- and post-op path to weight reduction and obesity resolution.
If we haven’t met, we welcome an opportunity to get to know you. Call 732-982-2002 to make a consultation appointment within the next 5 – 8 days.
About Us
Dr. Seun Sowemimo and Dr. Bennet Togbe are board-certified and fellowship-trained, general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons in NJ. They specialize in minimally invasive weight loss surgery and general surgery procedures including diverticulitis, gallbladder and hernia conditions. They are the top NJ surgeons at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties.
To learn more, visit our YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at 732-982-2002.