If you’re researching weight loss surgery in Ontario, you know there is a wealth of information available online about the Lap-Band and other weight loss surgery options. While we encourage patients to education themselves about what to expect before, during, and after weight loss surgery, it’s important to make sure the information you’re reading is from bariatric surgery professionals. Otherwise, you risk receiving information that simply isn’t true or is outdated!
Keep reading as we dispel 10 myths about the Lap-Band and weight loss surgery.
Setting the Record Straight About Lap-Band and Weight Loss Surgery Myths
Myth #1: The Lap-Band isn’t ideal for people who are obese
All the weight loss procedures offered at SmartShape are effective for people who would like to lose weight and have a BMI of 30 or higher. The best and most effective procedure for your individual needs will depend on your unique body, weight loss goals, and medical history. This is why we provide each patient with a free consultation with one of our expert bariatric surgeons. Your weight loss surgeon will take the time to review your medical history and needs, and help you choose the right weight loss surgery to reach your goals. At SmartShape, we offer the gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass surgery, and Lap-Band (gastric band).
Myth #2: If you have the Lap-Band, you cannot get pregnant
You can get pregnant if you have the Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, or mini gastric bypass surgery. However, your doctor may advise that you wait until your weight loss has stabilized and you’ve lost a good amount of weight before trying to become pregnant. Ensuring your weight loss has stabilized and you’ve lost enough weight will help you potentially increase your chance of getting pregnant and having an easier pregnancy. The Lap-Band does not cause issues with malabsorption of nutrients, so mothers-to-be do not have to worry about reduced nutrition for their child. The Lap-Band is also adjustable, so that anytime during your pregnancy your doctor can reduce the restriction on your Lap-Band to allow for additional caloric intake, if required.
Read More: Will Weight Loss Surgery Affect My Pregnancy?
Myth #3: The Lap-Band and other weight loss surgeries cannot effectively resolve obesity-related health conditions
Many weight-related health conditions can be improved or go into remission by using the Lap-Band or another weight loss surgery, such as the gastric sleeve or mini gastric bypass. Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and sleep apnea have been shown to be improved after successful weight loss from Lap-band and other weight loss surgeries. In fact, recent studies have shown that weight loss surgery can send Type II diabetes into remission. (1) Other studies have shown that bariatric surgery may also help reduce asthma symptoms. (2)
Read More: How Will Weight Loss Surgery Improve My Health?
Myth #4: Lap-Band surgery prevents proper nutrition
This is a common misconception. The Lap-Band does not re-route the intestines or surgically remove a portion of the stomach, therefore there are no changes to the intestinal tract and nutrients will be absorbed normally. While some weight loss surgeries do change how nutrients are absorbed, these changes can be easily treated with nutritional supplements.
Myth #5: With the Lap-Band, weight loss can be rapid and unhealthy
The average weight loss using the Lap-Band is 2 to 3 pounds a week, which is a bit above what you may be able to lose on a strict but regular diet. The amount of weight you lose per week after any weight loss surgery will depend on your starting weight, metabolism, lifestyle, and dietary choices. The Lap-Band and other weight loss surgeries help you to feel fuller at a quicker rate, so you feel satisfied after eating and are not tempted to overeat. With the Lap-Band and other weight loss procedures, you are also more inclined to lose weight at that same level over a longer period of time. Your surgeon and AfterCare team will monitor your progress and continue to constrict your gastric band over time as needed, allowing you to continue reaching your weight loss goals.
Read More: How Long Will it Take to Lose Weight After Weight Loss Surgery?
Myth #6 – You can only have a liquid diet
This myth probably stems from the fact that bariatric surgeons require some patients to go on a liquid diet for 1 to 2 weeks before their weight loss surgery to allow for the liver to shrink, which will make the procedure easier to perform. You will also need to follow a specific diet for a few weeks after surgery to allow your body to heal. After your weight loss surgery, you will slowly move from a post-op liquid diet back to a regular diet. Once you’re back to a regular diet with solid foods, your weight loss surgery will make you feel full sooner, so you can comfortably eat less and lose weight.
Read More: How Should I Change My Eating Habits After Weight Loss Surgery?
Myth #7: Follow-up care is not necessary
At SmartShape, 5 years of regular follow-up care is part of every weight loss surgery, including the Lap-Band. After your Lap-Band surgery, your doctor may require you to come back on a monthly basis to monitor your success and make adjustments to your Lap-Band. These adjustments will allow you to continue to successfully lose weight and reach your goals. When looking for a weight loss surgeon who performs the gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass surgery, and Lap-Band (gastric band), be sure to inquire about their follow-up care program when determining who will perform your weight loss surgery.
Myth #8: After the Lap-Band surgery, your lifestyle will not need to change
All weight loss surgeries, including the Lap-Band, are tools. This tool is part of a bigger tool kit that includes exercise, follow-up care, and making good choices when eating. Like anything else, you need to be committed to the process to lose weight and have the best results. As part of your lifestyle upgrade, you’ll need to focus on smaller portions, healthy foods, and regular exercise. However, weight loss surgery will make changing your lifestyle significantly easier and help you achieve results faster.
Myth #9: Lap-Band patients have a lower quality of life
Studies show that Lap-Band patients and other weight loss surgery patients have had an increased quality of life! (3) Bariatric surgery patients enjoy better mobility, less joint pain, and the improvement of weight-related health conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, and hypertension due to their weight loss. Weight loss surgery patients benefit from a feeling of satisfaction and satiety after eating, so they do not feel hungry all the time while losing weight.
Myth #10: The Lap-Band is a dangerous surgical procedure
The Lap-Band and all weight loss surgeries performed at SmartShape use a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. This means that patients don’t need to worry about large scars or long recovery times. The laparoscopic procedure makes just a few small incisions on the body, which will heal quickly and barely be noticeable after healing.
Read More: 5 Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
SmartShape Weight Loss Surgery in Ontario, Canada: Home of the Gastric Sleeve, Mini Gastric Bypass, and Lap-Band
If you’ve made the decision to lose weight with weight loss surgery in Toronto, congratulations! This is the first step towards a healthier you. At SmartShape, we understand that losing weight can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a lot to lose. That’s why our AfterCare Success Team of registered dietitians, nurses, and expert bariatric surgeons will be with you every step of the way for 5 years after your surgery. You don’t need to worry about taking this journey alone – we’ll provide the guidance, support, and advice you need to reach your goals. You’ll have access to our team via email, phone, and virtual and in-person meetings.
If you’ve struggled with yo-yo dieting or failed diets for years, weight loss surgery in Canada will help you reach your goals. At SmartShape, we offer the gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass surgery, and Lap-Band (gastric band). We welcome all patients to book a free consultation with one of our expert bariatric surgeon to discuss which procedure is right for you. You can achieve sustainable and long-lasting weight loss with SmartShape in Toronto, Canada. We’ve worked with thousands of Canadians across the country to help them lose excess weight and reach their health goals.
Are you ready to learn more about weight loss surgery options? Explore our weight loss surgery procedures and read about our patient success stories to see how weight loss surgery can transform your life.
Book a free virtual consultation with one of our weight loss surgeons to learn more about which procedure is right for your needs and goals. We can’t wait to help you transform your life.
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