Bariatric Surgery Misconceptions

Many obese people continue to be less aware about bariatric surgery and are reluctant to seek treatment due to a number of misconceptions. Dr. Wiljon Beltre and his staff will educate the patient about the procedure and clear all misconceptions. Dr. Beltre provides bariatric surgery to patients in Orlando, Tampa, Altamonte Springs, Central Florida, and surrounding communities.

Misconception: People who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery will often regain weight.

Truth:

Nearly half the patients are likely to regain a minor amount of weight, usually in the range of five percent, two or more years after the bariatric surgery. However, studies have found that most such patients maintain successful long-term weight loss. ‘Successful’ weight loss may be arbitrarily defined as weight loss equal to or more than 50 percent of excess body weight.

Misconception: The risk of death from bariatric surgery is higher than the risk of death from obesity.

Truth:

People suffering from severe obesity are at a higher risk of life threatening diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Data involving nearly 60,000 bariatric patients from ASMBS Bariatric Centers of Excellence database show that the risk of death within the 30 days following bariatric surgery averages 0.13 percent, or approximately one out of 1,000 patients. This rate is lower than most other surgeries, and the chance of dying from bariatric surgery is exceptionally low.

Misconception: Surgery is a ‘cop-out’. Just diet and exercise program is enough for people affected by severe obesity.

Truth:

Severely obese people become resistant to sustainable weight loss through diet and exercise. According to the Experts Panel of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), long-term weight loss or the ability to maintain weight loss is nearly impossible for people affected by severe obesity by any means other than metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Misconception: A lot of bariatric patients are prone to alcoholism following the surgery.

Truth:

Only a tiny percentage of bariatric patients claim to have alcohol issues after the surgery. Most who suffer from alcohol abuse after surgery had the same problem at some point of time prior to the surgery. Alcohol sensitivity increases after bariatric surgery, particularly if the patient consumes alcohol during the rapid weight loss period. Therefore, the effects of alcohol are felt with fewer drinks than before the surgery.

Misconception: Suicidal tendency is higher after bariatric surgery.

Truth:

Severely obese individuals who seek bariatric surgery are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression and to have lower self-esteem compared to someone of normal weight. Following bariatric surgery, most patients can expect to have a significant improvement in their psycho-social well being. However, a few patients may remain with undiagnosed pre-existing psychological disorders, some of whom might commit suicide after bariatric surgery.

Truth:

Nutrient deficiencies following bariatric surgery can be avoided with appropriate diet and the use of dietary supplements, and in some cases, protein supplements. The bariatric surgeon will provide the latest nutritional guidelines and support to the patient for healthy recovery after the surgery. Dr. Beltre receives patients from Orlando, Tampa, Altamonte Springs, Central Florida, and nearby areas for weight loss surgery.

Important Note: If the weight is regained, diabetes and other conditions could return.