Myths and Facts About Surgical Weight Loss

Obesity is more than carrying around excess weight. Obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, is considered a chronic disease. Unfortunately, nearly 40% of Americans fit into this category. If you’re one of them, we can help. 

Dr. Robert Snow, at Snow Bariatric Center, is an award-winning bariatric surgeon who has been on the cutting-edge of weight-loss surgery for many years. In fact, Dr. Snow has trained hundreds of other bariatric surgeons in LAP-BAND® procedures. Dr. Snow is an expert in well-established gastric bypass and gastric sleeve techniques as well as newer, nonsurgical bariatric procedures, and he has helped countless patients lose weight and keep it off.

If you’re considering gastric bypass surgery, a gastric sleeve, LAP-BAND, or any other weight-loss surgery, you undoubtedly have many questions. And perhaps you’ve even heard stories about which procedures work and which ones don’t. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding surgical weight loss. Read on to learn the myths and facts about surgical weight loss. 

Myth: You don’t need surgery, you just need to eat right and exercise

While this may be true for people who are not obese but overweight, not everyone can lose weight simply through diet and exercise alone. This may be especially true for obese people with a high BMI. Obesity affects your organs, your heart, and can lead to numerous other health conditions, potentially making it unsafe to embark on drastic changes to your diet and exercise program without doctor supervision. 

By having a bariatric surgery team around you, you can get the expert medical care you need to begin your weight-loss journey as safely as possible.

Fact: Weight-loss surgery can improve or even remedy Type 2 diabetes

Many obese people also suffer from Type 2 diabetes. After weight-loss surgery, your blood sugar levels may improve. The lower blood sugar levels may prevent the disease from getting worse or even make it go away completely. 

Myth: After surgery, you’ll easily lose 100 pounds

Weight loss is a personal journey. There is no guarantee that you’ll easily lose 100 pounds after bariatric surgery. It will depend on how much weight you need to lose and how well you adhere to your new dietary plan and lifestyle choices. 

While many people lose 50% or more of their excess body weight after surgery, it also takes effort to keep going. Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix for weight loss. Rather, it’s the first step in your journey to living a healthier life. 

Fact: Not every obese person is a good candidate for weight-loss surgery

If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically an ideal candidate. For your own health and safety, Dr. Snow and the team at Snow Bariatric Center will conduct a thorough evaluation of your physical health, mental health, and willingness to commit to a long-term aftercare program. They’ll also determine how obesity is affecting other systems in your body or contributing to other diseases, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome. 

Once you’re approved for bariatric surgery, Dr. Snow will recommend which type of surgery is best for your individual circumstances or which ones you’re eligible to have. Bariatric surgery brings about major health benefits for those who qualify and stick to their program of making lifestyle and nutritional changes.

Do you still have questions or concerns? Learn more by booking an appointment online or over the phone with Snow Bariatric Center today.