lap ban surgery Archives

Exploring the Myths & Misconceptions of Gastric Bypass, Lap Band & Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Though the number of bariatric surgeries performed in the United States grew in in recent years to almost 180,000 procedures a year, the number of qualifying patients that actually undergo these life-changing surgeries remains at less than one percent, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). With weight loss surgeries proving themselves to be viable, delivering consistently improved long-term results, they remain vastly under-utilized. With a large portion of our population experiencing the symptoms of obesity, why are so few of us choosing to undergo this type of treatment for obesity? Why would so few patients avoid the prospect of surgery when it means a healthier future? The misconceptions that continue to plague the procedures could reveal that answer.

Unfortunately, many of those who could benefit from gastric bypass surgery or another form of bariatric surgery never get past the first stage because of these myths. In an effort to eradicate these misconceptions, we’d like to offer the real facts on weight loss surgery.

The most commonly-held myths about gastric surgery include:

MYTH: Bariatric surgery is just another quick fix with short-lasting results

– FACT: Weight loss surgery should never be entered lightly as it is not a cosmetic procedure that promises out-of-the-world results. It is a serious medical procedure that, when treated properly with aftercare and a change in lifestyle, can deliver life-changing (and life-long) results that benefit the patient by providing relief from a variety of symptoms linked to obesity.

MYTH: Weight loss surgeries are extremely dangerous

– FACT: No invasive surgery or medical procedure is without its risks. Complications can arise with gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or Lap-Band surgery, but they don’t occur at any higher rates than other types of surgeries. With the technological innovations made within the last few years, the occurrence of these complications have dropped significantly and healing time, recovery and pain levels have all been minimized. Additionally, Dr. Rosen is an expert in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. This means we use very small incisions: smaller cuts, faster healing.

MYTH: Those who undergo these surgeries become malnourished afterward

– FACT: Patients who follow Dr. Rosen’s and Megan’s advice regarding nutrition and meal planning experience little to no issues with nutritional values. Where there is a decrease in the natural absorption of vitamins and minerals, today’s nutritional guidance helps patients lead healthy, balanced and robust lives.

MYTH: Insurance won’t pay for weight loss surgery

– FACT: Though the amount of coverage does change between providers and states, many plans do cover weight loss surgeries now. Before scheduling surgery it is important to know exactly what is covered and what is not. Some insurance providers only pay for surgery for those who meet certain health risk requirements. Others will cover bariatric surgery for those who are medically considered obese. Insurance verification is an important step in your care and we are here to help you.

Before you undergo any serious procedure, educate yourself by doing research and asking your doctor and nutritionist any questions you have. Protect yourself by finding out all the information you can, and hopefully using only reliable and trustworthy sources. As a highly respected bariatric clinic in New York City, we strive to ensure our patient’s complete confidence by fully educating them throughout the process, working to remain as transparent and patient-focused as possible. If you believe you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery, call us now for a confidential and comprehensive consultation. We’d be happy to help you start your own personal path to optimal health and wellness.

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What’s the impact of race on Bariatric Surgery?

A racy issue

A new study has found that non-Hispanic white patients who underwent gastric bypass typically lost more weight over a three-year period than Hispanic or black patients. Throughout the three-year study period, findings following gastric bypass surgery showed that non-Hispanic white patients lost an average of 63 percent of their excess weight, Hispanic counterparts lost around 59 percent and black patients lost a bit less at around 56 percent (which still reflects a lot of hard work and amazing results!).

While there is little research that explores the impact of bariatric surgery on people of different races and ethnicities, especially in the long term, evidence like this encourages health care professionals to develop culturally sensitive post-op programs to improve success and minimize weight gain.

Click here for more information on Weight Zen post-op support groups.

The weight stigma: it stays and it scars

The obesity stigma continues to grow.

A new study by Western New England University is the first of its kind to use a daily diary assessment of weight stigmatization among 50 overweight and obese women. 1077 stigmatizing events were reported over a week period for a daily average of 3.08 events per individual. Participants most frequently experienced “physical barriers” (84 percent), “nasty comments from others” (74 percent), “being stared at” (72 percent) and “others making negative assumptions” (72 percent).

At Weight Zen our goal is to help you overcome this stigma. That’s why we don’t believe obesity is anyone’s “fault” and that it’s a failure if you don’t simply “try harder”. Find out more about our free Bariatric Surgery seminars for more information and let us know what you think about the obesity stigma on our Facebook page.

Weight management VS Bariatric Surgery: Not an “either/or” solution

Both of these paths require intense and strict lifestyle changes. Both of these paths improve obese diabetic patients’ physical and mental health. But Bariatric Surgery leads to a greater reduction in adverse effects of obesity on quality of life when compared to dieting and exercising alone. That said, significant lifestyle changes need to me upheld for all post-operative Bariatric Surgery patients.

In a meeting at the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, researchers presented results showing that up to two years after treatment, patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery had nearly twice the improvement (reduction) in the adverse effects of weight on their quality of life, which correlated with the greater amount of weight they lost. Two years after treatment, the surgical patients lost an average of 64.4 pounds versus 11 pounds in the weight management group (which consisted of exercise, diet with meal replacements, 12 initial weekly group sessions and nine additional months of individual counselling).

Is Melissa McCarthy setting the right example?

McCarthy on the cover of July’s Rolling Stone.

She’s funny, fearless and can demand millions at the Box Office. For many, she’s an inspiration to live a confident and fulfilled life that goes against the grain. But do you agree with what the Rolling Stones July cover girl has said about her self-destructive habits? “I could eat healthier, I could drink less,” she says. “I should be learning another language and working out more, but I’m just always saying, ‘Ah, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow.’”

Do you agree? Many of you have come to us with concerns about your health and how it affects your time with your children, grandchildren and what it means for your future. Tell us what you think on our Facebook page.

Picture perfect for Presidency?

For better or worse, the jury’s still out on Christie’s weight.

While mum’s the word on Chris Christie’s actual weight loss, media speculation has been strong since his admission of having Lap Band Surgery last year.

Experts from Yale University’s School of Medicine, estimated that, based on the photos, in 2011 Christie weighed about 322 pounds, giving him a BMI of 45 and therefore making him morbidly obese. In the photos taken in 2014, the doctors said Christie appears to be roughly 236 pounds, giving him a BMI of 33.

With Christie now climbing in the polls and catching up to Hillary Clinton, do you think this is a case of public double standards on weight or is Christie a prime example of shaking off the weight stigma? Tell us what you think on Facebook.

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What You Thought You Knew About Weight Loss Surgery