Bariatric surgery is often considered as the last resort approach towards tackling obesity. It’s fast, effective, and saves countless lives every year. However, before you book an appointment for weight loss surgery, you should take into account the potential risks and complications associated with this life-changing procedure. While bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss, it is not for everyone, and there are multiple reasons why someone might choose not to have this surgery.
1. Surgery is Not a Quick Fix
Although bariatric surgery can lead to drastic weight loss in a short period, it is not an overnight fix to obesity. Obtaining a positive outcome from bariatric surgery requires commitment and determination to make significant changes to your lifestyle, including diet and exercise habits. Without these changes, the weight loss can be temporary and can lead to dangerous consequences such as malnutrition, gallstones, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
2. Risk of Complications
Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery comes with risks. These can range from minor, like wound infection or excessive bleeding, to severe, such as blood clots, heart attack, or even death in rare cases. Additionally, long-term complications including malnutrition, hernias, and ulcers may occur, requiring further surgeries or prolonged medical attention.
3. Costly and Time-Consuming Process
Another major factor to take into account is the financial and time obligation involved in bariatric surgery. Despite being a major metropolitan area, the average cost of a weight loss surgery Los Angeles is not covered under all insurance policies. Out of pocket expenses for this surgery can range from $20,000 – $35,000 depending on the type of surgery and follow-up care need. Plus, the entire process, from pre-operative appointment to post-op recovery, can take several months, if not longer.
4. Psychological Impact
Undergoing a radical body change absent of a psychological readiness can lead to significant mental health issues. This can include body dysmorphia, severe depression, anxiety, and even higher suicide rates among post-surgery patients. It is crucial to ensure that you are both physically and mentally prepared to handle such a drastic lifestyle change before considering this procedure.
5. Limited Long-Term Studies
While there is ample evidence demonstrating the overall effectiveness of bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity, the lack of long-term studies exploring the effects of these procedures can be worrying. Some of these concerns include the long-term impact on nutritional deficiencies and whether the loss is sustained over a longer duration of time.
6. Possibility of Regaining Weight
Contrary to popular belief, regaining weight after bariatric surgery is possible and common in many cases. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as failure to adhere to dietary recommendations, lack of physical exercise, or not addressing the root cause of obesity such as emotional eating.
Conclusion
While bariatric surgery can be life-changing for many, it is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is significant to weigh the pros and cons, discuss with your healthcare provider, and consider all possible alternatives. By doing so, you ensure the best possible outcome for your health, whether that includes undergoing weight loss surgery or choosing a different path.