Answers to Questions You’re Too Afraid to Ask about Bariatric Surgery

As one of Australia’s most trusted bariatric surgeons, Dr V. Kuzinkovas has seen firsthand how long patients often deliberate about having weight loss surgery before even consulting with a specialist. Often, this hesitancy is due to apprehension about asking a medical professional sensitive questions. If you suffer from obesity but want honest, informative answers to these questions before pursuing bariatric surgery, Dr Kuzinkovas is here to help.

Does bariatric surgery hurt?

You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure and will remain comfortable. Following your surgery, you should expect to experience some pain and discomfort, particularly at the incision site, though it is generally manageable with pain medications. Nearly every one of Dr Kuzinkovas’s patients agree that the level of pain experienced is minimal and well worth the results achieved from the weight loss surgery.

Am I just going to put all the weight back on after the surgery?

The longevity of your results depends largely on your own choices and behaviors. While weight loss surgery is transformative, it is not magic. If you do not make the recommended dietary and lifestyle adjustments, then you will find yourself putting weight back on in the long term.

The good news is that even among patients who eventually put weight back on, most remain at a much lower weight than they were before the surgery. Furthermore, our clinic provides a comprehensive follow up / aftercare program to ensure you achieve and maintain the expected weight loss results.

Will weight loss surgery impact my ability to get pregnant?

On the contrary. Because obesity can be a source of multiple fertility problems, women who have undergone weight loss surgery often have an easier time conceiving children.

Dr Kuzinkovas does recommend that his patients wait a year or two following their bariatric surgery before trying to get pregnant to avoid unnecessary risks. That being said, your overall risks of miscarrying or having complications during your pregnancy will be far lower than those faced by severely obese women. 

Isn’t bariatric surgery “cheating”? Should I just continue to try to lose weight the old-fashioned way?

It is not cheating to take steps toward leading a healthier lifestyle. You are only cheating yourself if you invent reasons to deprive yourself of health and happiness.

Dieting and exercising are great ways for most people to lose weight, but research shows us that these lifestyle adjustments are generally not enough for obese people to take off significant amounts of weight. Not only is exercise harder for obese people, but their bodies may have significant physiological differences that cause them to store more calories. 

Keep in mind that a healthy, balanced diet and exercise will be a core component of your life following bariatric surgery. The procedure is a way to help you successfully clear the first, most challenging hurdle on your weight loss journey.

Talk to Dr Kuzinkovas

If these questions have helped you feel more comfortable about considering bariatric surgery, or if you have additional questions that were not answered in this blog, please schedule a consultation at Advanced Surgicare clinic by calling 1300 551 533 at any time.