Weight Loss Drugs vs. Bariatric Surgery – Which is Right For You?
If you’re trying to lose weight and finding it difficult, you may have considered taking medications or undergoing bariatric surgery. Both of these... read more
Did You Believe These Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Myths?
If you’ve been considering bariatric surgery, chances are you’ve done your fair share of research. With so much information out there, it isn’t difficult to come across some not-so-legitimate advice. We often see patients come in for their consultations with preconceived notions about vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and we’re here to clear the air.
What is a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy?
A vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a newer type of bariatric surgery meant to help patients with a body mass index of at least 40 lose weight. During this laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon will remove about 85% of the stomach so that it takes on the shape of a tube, or sleeve.
Here are 6 of the most common myths we hear about vertical sleeve gastrectomy (and why they aren’t true)!
Myth: After the procedure, all of the work is done.
Untrue! Many people believe that getting the surgery is all they need to do to get their weight to a healthy level, but this simply isn’t the case. In order to reap all of the benefits of your VSG, you will need to work at maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. VSG, and any other type of bariatric surgery for that matter, should not be treated as a cure-all.
Myth: You can eat whatever you want.
As mentioned above, your VSG alone cannot get you the results you want. You have to work hard to develop new habits around your diet and keep in contact with your nutritionist to make sure you’re on track. Eating the same way you did pre-surgery simply is not going to work anymore.
Myth: You have to cut out carbs and fat altogether.
There are a lot of myths surrounding carbs and fats. Many people view them as “bad”, when in reality they are a necessary part of your diet. While you will need to moderate your intake of carbs and fats, don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to cut these macronutrients out completely.
Myth: You’ll only lose weight for 6 months after VSG.
After a VSG, you can expect to continue losing weight for up to 18 months. Many people believe that you stop losing weight after 6 months because that is typically when the most noticeable weight loss occurs. In reality, you will keep losing weight for several months after that 6-month benchmark, assuming you maintain their healthy habits.
Myth: You can stretch your stomach back to its pre-op size.
This is a very common misconception. It is impossible for your stomach to stretch back to its pre-op size because 85% of your stomach was removed during surgery. The tissue simply isn’t there. However, many people notice that they are able to eat more as time passes after surgery.
This is because healing after VSG can take a while. During the healing process, your stomach will still be experiencing some swelling. Once the swelling completely subsides, you will notice you are able to eat a bit more than immediately after your surgery (but not close to the pre-op amount).
Myth: You’ll need plastic surgery after VSG.
While some patients do opt for plastic surgery after VSG weight loss, it is not necessary for everyone. After dramatic weight loss, some people are left with excess skin that they may want to be removed for cosmetic purposes. This is not the case for every patient, and it remains a completely optional and personal decision.
How to Get Started
Want to join our happy patients and start your own weight loss journey? If you’re interested in vertical sleeve gastrectomy, contact Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics in Somerset, Freehold or Hillsborough, NJ to schedule your bariatric surgery consultation!
Dr. Ragui Sadek is a premier surgeon who established a state-of-the-art and one of the safest bariatric surgery programs in the state. Dr. Sadek has fellowship training in both laparoscopic/bariatric surgery and surgical trauma/critical care, allowing him to safely perform complex surgeries on patients who have been turned down by other practices. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of surgery at RWJ Medical School & the Director of bariatric surgery program at RWJ University Hospital, Dr. Sadek offers a cutting-edge range of laparoscopic, robotic, & bariatric surgical procedures with a complication rate substantially below the national average.
Dr. Sadek is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Having performed more than three thousand advanced surgical procedures, Dr. Sadek has established a strong patient satisfaction rate and a solid reputation among the surgical community and is renowned as a top physician in his field by International Association of Healthcare Professionals. As a board-certified surgeon, he holds affiliations with the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastro Endoscopic Surgeons. More about Dr. Sadek
News, Research & More
Stay current with Advanced Surgical & Bariatrics of New Jersey
