Dr. Mustafa Ahmed is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and medical weight-loss specialist here at Southern Nevada Bariatrics in Las Vegas, Nevada. He’s spent more than 20 years helping his patients achieve success in their battle against excess pounds
Dr. Ahmed shares the facts about bariatric surgery and how it can help improve your mental and physical well-being.
Contents
Myth: Bariatric surgery is dangerous
Facts: Bariatric surgery is categorized as major surgery. However, it’s undergone significant advances since its introduction as an effective weight-loss tool more than 50 years ago. Most modern procedures are minimally invasive and offer about the same risks as gallbladder surgery.
Potential candidates for bariatric surgery undergo extensive evaluation, which may take several months, and must meet several targets before we schedule the procedure. For those who do undergo bariatric surgery, its potential benefits far outweigh the many health risks associated with obesity.
Bariatric surgery can, for instance, cure newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes before any weight loss even occurs. Pounds lost after the surgery also significantly decrease mortality rates associated with heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.
Myth: Bariatric surgery keeps me from overeating
Facts: Although the surgery reduces your stomach size and your appetite may be satisfied with smaller meals, it is possible to overeat and regain weight following bariatric surgery. The psychological stressors and other factors that drove you to gain weight before the procedure can remain afterward.
At Southern Nevada Bariatrics, we offer the support you need before and after the surgery to reach and maintain your weigh- loss goals.
Myth: I can expect extremely rapid weight loss after surgery
Facts: Weight loss following bariatric surgery may seem quite rapid initially, and we expect most people to lose about 65% of their excess body weight in the first year. Increased exercise and healthy changes in your meal plan can improve those results, but it’s certainly not an overnight experience.
Our team at Southern Nevada Bariatrics starts working with you before surgery to design menus you enjoy and exercise programs that meet your individual needs. Our goal is to focus on habits that improve your overall well-being without discounting the very real psychological benefits of reaching a healthy weight.
Myth: Bariatric surgery requires a long work absence
Facts: Small incisions related to minimally invasive procedures typically heal much faster than the longer incisions used for traditional surgery. There’s also less surrounding tissue trauma. Most patients can return to their normal work routine within a couple of weeks. You may need up to 4 weeks off if your job requires extensive lifting or is physically demanding.
Myth: Bariatric surgery rarely provides long-term success
Facts: Almost 2 million people have undergone bariatric surgery since 2011 according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Success rates are as high as 85% at 10 or more years after the procedure.
For more facts about bariatric surgery or any of the services we offer, schedule a visit at Southern Nevada Bariatrics today. Call the office or request a consultation online.