Diets might be working for some, but they aren’t working for everyone. More than 70 percent of U.S. adults age 20 or older are overweight or obese, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
If diets haven’t worked for you and you’re considering weight loss surgery, don’t let the myths surrounding these procedures stop you from investigating how they could change your life. This article shares scientific findings that debunk those myths and demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of weight loss surgery.
Any surgery carries a degree of risk with it, but bariatric surgery is generally safe – and the long-term benefits are striking. Take a look:
Additionally, a study presented at the 2016 European Obesity Summit shows that obese patients who do not have bariatric surgery are more likely to die than patients who have the surgery, over a five-year tracking period. The study followed nearly 49,000 patients; 22,581 had the bariatric surgery, and the remaining did not.
This is one of the most prevalent myths. The truth is, about 50 percent of patients will regain a small amount of weight (about five percent of the weight they lost) two years or more after surgery, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
However, a November 2016 JAMA Surgery investigation found that patients who underwent bariatric surgery – particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in this study – lost 21 percent more of their baseline weight in 10 years than nonsurgical patients. The study concluded that bariatric surgery produces long-term weight loss among obese patients.
Just eat less. Just work out more. Right?
Of course, those things are vital. But according to a 2015 study published in the Obesity Research and Clinical Practice Journal, factors other than diet and physical activity contribute to one’s weight. According to Harvard Health Publications, these factors include:
But, there is good news – a systemic review of 1,376 articles published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information shows that five to 25 years after weight loss surgery, there is a significant improvement in physical and mental health among people who had surgery compared to people who didn’t have surgery.
Following weight loss surgery, you may look better, but you also experience marked health improvements from weight loss, including a reduced risk of death from type-2 diabetes and heart disease. Some insurers and Medicare will pay for weight loss surgery, including bariatric, gastric sleeve and Lap-band procedures, particularly if your excess weight is putting your health at risk.
If your doctor has diagnosed you as obese or overweight and it’s threatening your health, check with your insurer to see if weight loss surgery is covered. You may still have a co-pay or partial payment, but you may be able to get a substantial amount of the surgery paid for.
This simply isn’t true, and the Mayo Clinic confirms it. After healing, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to eat a healthy, normal diet, unless you have specific food sensitivities.
After weight loss surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions as you heal and get used to a smaller stomach. Here are a few tips to help you feel comfortable and lose weight:
As you can see, the most common myths are just that – myths. The statistics and scientific research indicate that not only is medical weight loss surgery safe, but it’s an effective long-term weight loss solution.
If you have questions about bariatric surgery or wish to schedule a consultation, contact Soma Weight Loss.
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