Weight Loss Surgery Myths vs. Facts: What You Need to Know

Myth: Bariatric Surgery is extremely dangerous. 

Myth: It’s all about diet and exercise, surgery is unnecessary and an “easy way out.” 

The Facts: Diet and exercise are certainly important, but they may not be enough for many patients who are overweight. Obesity is recognized as a chronic disease. Often, patients diagnosed with obesity may lose weight with diet and exercise, but more than half will gain weight back. Studies show that severe obesity is resistant to long term weight loss by diet and exercise. Dieting alone can cause alterations in body composition that can lead to weight gain. Weight loss surgery causes metabolic and gut hormone changes that reduce hunger and aid in weight loss. 

Myth: Most people will gain weight back after surgery. 

The Facts: Long term studies have shown that 10 years after a weight loss procedure, more patients have kept the weight off when compared to patients who have lost weight without surgery. Bariatric surgery is a lifetime commitment and follow-up is essential. Most weight regain after bariatric surgery can be traced back to dietary habits and noncompliance with the bariatric team recommendations. 

Myth: Surgery can affect how the body absorbs vitamins and minerals causing malnourishment Bariatric procedures may change the way the body absorbs vitamins and minerals. 

The Facts: Deficiencies can be avoided by taking supplements after surgery as recommended by your bariatric team. Follow up care for patients after surgery is very important so regular testing of vitamin and mineral levels can be done, and any deficiencies can be addressed. 

Myth: You can’t have children after weight loss surgery. 

The Facts: Patients who have weight loss surgery are advised not to become pregnant in the first two years after surgery due to nutritional concerns in the initial weight loss phase. Most patients reach a plateau of weight loss around 18 months after surgery and are in good nutritional status. It is important to note that weight loss leads to higher fertility rates and higher testosterone levels in men. 

Myth: Insurance won’t cover weight loss surgery. 

The Facts: Many insurance companies cover weight loss procedures. You must have surgery at a recognized weight loss center. If your insurance company has this benefit, they will have requirements to complete before approving your surgery. These requirements will be outlined by your bariatric team. Bariatric surgery is metabolic surgery, not cosmetic surgery. 

Myth: Bariatric surgery leads to alcoholism. 

The Facts: Bariatric surgery does not naturally lead to alcohol abuse. However, having bariatric surgery does increase the risk for developing an alcohol use disorder, especially for people with a history of addiction or impulsivity issues. This is because surgery changes the way in which the body metabolizes alcohol (consuming one drink prior to surgery will feel like consuming three drinks after surgery). Thus, it is important to lessen risks of developing an alcohol problem. This is done by: eliminating alcohol consumption for at least one year after surgery and limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per sitting, forever. Further risks of alcohol use following weight loss surgery include: alcohol is calorie dense and offers no nutritional value (thus could lead to weight regain), dumping syndrome, liver damage, malnutrition and dehydration. 

Myth: Bariatric surgery causes depression. 

The Facts: Bariatric surgery can lead to emotional changes due to the biological, psychological and social changes that occur with surgery. Bariatric surgery does not directly lead to experiencing depression; however, surgery does place an individual at risk for experiencing mood difficulties, particularly for individuals with preexisting depression, those who experience greater difficulties with surgery adjustments and/or people experiencing various other life stressors. Thus, it is important to lower the risks of developing mood related difficulties. This is done by: creating an appropriate treatment plan for individuals with history of depression (medication management and/or psychotherapy), developing healthy and effective coping skills, using and/or increasing social support and obtaining adequate physical activity and sleep.