It’s 2019 and there are lots of myths and misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery drastically reduces the size of your stomach, changes the way you digest food and restricts your calorie and nutrient intake in order to make you eat less and lose weight. At Emerge Surgical we offer the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SIPS procedure and lap band to our patients. Due to the misconceptions about bariatric surgery, it’s not uncommon to hear statements like: “bariatric surgery is the easy way out”, or “bariatric surgery will lower my quality of life”.

Let’s tackle these myths and misconceptions below.

Myth 1: Bariatric surgery is unsafe

Bariatric surgery is one of the safest surgical procedures in the world. In fact, it’s safer than other surgical procedures such as heart surgery and a full knee replacement.

As with every surgical procedure, bariatric surgery has its own risks such as leakage and hernias. However, Dr Gordon Padovan has over 20 years of experience performing weight loss surgeries. Bariatric surgery complication rates vary significantly between surgeons and Dr Padovan has a very low complication rate.

Read what Dr Padovan’s clients’ testimonials here.

Myth 2: Weight loss surgery is the easy way out

Bariatric surgery is not the easy way out. It’s not a quick fix either. Almost every one of our clients have tried other avenues of weight loss for years without success, and bariatric surgery has been their last resort,

There’s nothing easy about going under the knife, having to adjust to a new stomach, and a different way of eating and living. Unless you have the lap band, bariatric procedures like the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are irreversible. There’s no going back.

Myth 3: Anyone can have bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery isn’t for everyone. There are certain guidelines one must meet to qualify for weight loss surgery.

For instance, patients must have a BMI of at least 27-30 to be considered for surgery. Read more about our bariatric surgery requirements here and calculate your BMI here.

Myth 4: Bariatric surgery lowers your quality of life

Contrary to popular belief, bariatric surgery doesn’t lower your quality of life; it enhances it. Failing to have bariatric surgery and getting your weight under control can lead to other obesity-related health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Bariatric surgery improves your quality of life by making you healthier again and opening you to more possibilities to live the life you want without being restricted by your weight.

Learn more about what bariatric surgery can do for you, here.

Myth 5: I’ll never regain weight after bariatric surgery

Most people believe they’ll never regain weight after weight loss surgery. This isn’t true.

Bariatric surgery is an effective and powerful tool to aid weight loss. However, it isn’t a weight loss cure.

Without proper care and not developing healthy and lifelong habits, weight regain can and will occur after the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and other forms of bariatric surgery. That’s why Emerge Surgical has been created as a multi-disciplinary clinic with exercise experts and nutritionists to help you with your weight loss journey. We also emphasise the importance of follow-ups with us to keep you on the right track.

Do you have any questions about bariatric surgery in Perth? Don’t hesitate to give Emerge Surgical a call at 9544 5200.