Top 3 Myths About Weight-Loss Surgery—Debunked!

May 9, 2021; Updated January 2, 2025

Have you tried losing weight through dieting and exercise without success? Weight-loss surgery could be an option, but making the right decision starts with having the right information.

Our expert Aram E. Jawed, M.D., bariatric surgeon at JFK University Medical Center, answers questions about three common weight-loss surgery misconceptions.

Myth #1: It’s an “Easy Way Out”

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Yet, some perceive it as an “easy way out.”

This is not the case—surgery is not a cure. It serves as a tool to help patients achieve significant weight loss.

“If I ask you to dig a hole with your bare hands, it would be a long and difficult process,” explains Dr. Jawed. “But if I give you a shovel to dig the hole, all of a sudden it becomes so much easier.”

With weight-loss surgery, you still have to commit to eating healthy and exercising to lose the weight. But after bariatric surgery, it becomes easier to achieve those goals since your body works with you and not against you.

Myth #2: You’ll Gain Back the Weight

Bariatric surgery makes long-term weight loss possible by eliminating food cravings, making you feel full longer and altering your metabolism. However, you may experience weight gain at some point in your journey. This is not a result of the stomach stretching back to its original size, but rather due to changes in your eating habits.

Just as standard diet and exercise require commitment, having weight-loss surgery requires willingness to adjust your lifestyle, diet and physical activity.

Life triggers, such as job loss or a bad break-up, can cause you to seek comfort in food and deter you from physical activity. When this happens, you may slip back into previous unhealthy habits, begin overeating and gain weight.

“That is why it is important to continue to work with your physician after surgery to keep yourself on track and address any medical, psychological or lifestyle issues that may be causing you to regain weight,” says Dr. Jawed.

Myth #3: One Size Fits All

When dieting doesn’t work and obesity-related conditions are negatively affecting your health, surgical weight loss may be an option. But there is not a “one size fits all” solution.

Dr. Jawed explained that there are several types of procedures, and which is best for you depends on your specific health challenges. Your physician will work with you to create an individualized care plan based upon your unique needs and weight-loss goals.

You may need to meet certain medical guidelines and will undergo an extensive screening process to see if you qualify for weight-loss surgery. Most importantly, you must be willing to commit to a healthier lifestyle.

Next Steps and Resources:

• Meet our source: Aram E. Jawed, M.D.
• Schedule an appointment with a bariatric expert or call 800-822-8905.
• Attend a weight-loss seminar near you.
• Thinking about bariatric surgery? Take our weight-loss surgery survey.