There’s a huge misconception that people still need to take their insulin and other obesity medications after they’ve undergone bariatric surgery in New York. However, there’s actually a good chance that you’ll be able to ditch those pill bottles (after speaking with your doctor, of course) because along with reducing weight, bariatric surgery can actually help change your body’s chemistry. In fact, after gastric bypass surgery, 80 percent of patients with diabetes go into remission, and that means no more medication.

Many Diabetics Can Stop Taking Medication After Bariatric Surgery

One of the biggest benefits of bariatric surgery isn’t just weight loss; Type 2 diabetes is also significantly improved in most people. How does this happen? What changes in your body?

Bariatric Surgery Causes Your Hormones To Go Up And Down After Surgery

During two of the most common forms of bariatric surgery in New York, either part of the stomach is removed or the digestive tract is rearranged. This alters the amount of hormones released by your gut.

GLP-1

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in your intestines and normally spikes right after you’ve had a meal. What is it’s purpose? To help insulin move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells. However, in those who are obese, GLP-1 doesn’t spike like it is supposed to after you eat. After bariatric surgery, your GLP-1 levels go up dramatically following a meal, meaning more help for insulin and glucose regulation. A lot of people are able to come off their diabetes medication right after surgery, even before weight loss occurs. In fact, the American Diabetes Association recommends bariatric surgery as a top choice treatment for people who have a BMI higher than 35.

Do you suffer from obesity? Do you need help gaining control of your weight again? Call Weight Zen today and see how we can help you get a new lease on life: 212.203.2146.

In our last several blogs, we’ve been tackling some pretty big misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery in New York. Unfortunately, these misconceptions prevent many from getting the weight loss help they need because they take them for truth. Today, in our last series of articles about this topic, we’re shedding some light on a couple more important misconceptions that need to be banished.

Bariatric Surgery Misconceptions Versus Truth

Misconception: Bariatric surgery is risky, and recovery can take a long time.

Fact: For most people, the risks associated with bariatric surgery are very low, much like having your gallbladder removed. Honestly, it can be riskier for some patients to not have the surgery. You’re much more likely to die from stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and even some types of cancer if you stay morbidly obese. As for the recovery, it’s usually brief. You may spend the night or two in the hospital and can usually eat solid foods within two weeks after a liquid diet.

Misconception: You can’t get pregnant if you’ve had bariatric surgery.

Fact: While we suggest that patients wait at least a year before trying to conceive after they’ve had bariatric surgery, having the surgery will not affect your ability to get pregnant, carry your child, or give birth. Truth be told, losing weight is an important step toward conceiving, since obesity can contribute to infertility in both men and women.  Losing weight often has a direct impact of fertility.

The bottom line here is that bariatric surgery changes more than your body, it reduces your risks of serious diseases and betters your quality of living. Bariatric surgery can give you a new lease on life. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

In our last couple blogs, we’ve been tackling some common misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery in New York as we separate fact from fiction once and for all. Obesity is a real disease and a growing epidemic in our country. As we debunk some of these widely-believed misconceptions, we hope that we shed light on a possible treatment option for one of our readers and that they will reach out to us for a consultation.

More Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery Debunked

Misconception: You are going to need plastic surgery after bariatric surgery.

Fact: The truth of the matter is that 99.9 percent of weight loss surgery is performed through laparoscopy, meaning that you will have no big scars requiring plastic surgery. Moreover, not everyone who has bariatric surgery ends up with large amounts of excess skin. In fact, less than half of the patients who undergo bariatric surgery need skin removal surgery.

Misconception: You can be too large or heavy for bariatric surgery.

Fact: Patients who have higher BMIs normally also have comorbidities, two or more diseases at the same time, and these can make the bariatric surgery riskier. The most significant risks are lung disease and cardiovascular disease. However, surgery is still possible, and you should speak to your bariatric surgeon at Weight Zen to see what your options are.

Bariatric surgery is surrounded by a lot of misconceptions, but we’re working diligently to chip away at these myths so that more people can get the help they deserve. Call us today!

In our last blog, we began tackling some of the biggest misconceptions concerning bariatric surgery in New York. Unfortunately, these misconceptions stop people from pursuing viable obesity treatment options and surgeries, such as gastric bypass, the Orbera gastric balloon, and many more.

More Common Misconceptions Surrounding Bariatric Surgery

We’re back today to separate fact from fiction with some more bariatric surgery misconceptions.

Misconception: Bariatric surgery is a waste because you’ll just gain all the weight back.

Fact: Actually, there have been numerous research studies to prove that not only do bariatric surgery patients lose more weight than those who simply diet and exercise, but they tend to keep it off, too.

Misconception: Bariatric surgery won’t be covered by your insurance because it’s considered cosmetic.

Fact: While extreme weight loss will absolutely transform your appearance for the better, the most crucial and important benefits are not cosmetic. You will look better, but our goal is to help you live longer, feel better, and lead a more healthy, active lifestyle. In fact, most insurance companies follow the guidelines set by the National Institute of Health (NIH) for bariatric surgery to determine coverage. When you have other health conditions aggravated by obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, your chances of having your bariatric surgery covered by insurance increase.

Here at Weight Zen, we look at bariatric surgery as a tool, not a magic bullet; it’s a part of your weight loss journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you get your life back.

Obesity is a rising epidemic in American society. It is a serious disease, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, and is linked to health issues such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and premature death.

Bariatric surgery is one way to combat obesity. Unfortunately, myths and misconceptions about effective bariatric surgeries in New York such as Lap-Band, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy prevent many people from pursuing these options. Today, we’re here to clear up some of these misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery.

Common Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Misconception: All bariatric surgeries are the same.

Fact: Just like there are no two people exactly alike, every operation we perform at Weight Zen is different and tailored to the specific needs of the patient. 

Misconception: Surgery is taking the easy way out. You only need willpower and a good diet and exercise regimen.

Fact: Most patients who come to see our bariatric surgeon in New York have already tried diets, exercise, medications, and just about everything else they could think of for years without any success. Diet and exercise can work for someone who is 20 to 30 pounds overweight, but once you reach the threshold of being 50 or 60 or more pounds overweight, failure rates for weight control through diet and exercise reach nearly 90 percent. Why? Losing 50 pounds and keeping it off requires an intense commitment to diet and exercise that very few people are able to maintain. Bariatric surgery makes extreme weight loss more realistic and achievable by stopping food cravings in their tracks.

Are you struggling to control your weight? Are you tired of fad diets that don’t work? Contact Weight Zen today and set up a consultation to see how we can help you.