Does "My 600-Lb Life" Accurately Portray Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is often a life-changing process for individuals suffering from obesity. For many people, whether they are considering bariatric surgery or not, the reality TV show “My 600-Lb. Life” is their first introduction to these procedures. While this show follows real people as they prepare for their procedures, there is a lot the cameras don’t see. 

“My 600-LB. Life” portrays some aspects of bariatric surgery truthfully, but is not an entirely accurate representation. Here are some things you should know about the realities of bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Near Me

First, if you are curious about the possibility of bariatric surgery, you can schedule a consultation with a facility near you. For those in the Walnut Creek or Brentwood, CA area, BASS Bariatric Surgery Center is the region’s leader in bariatric surgery. Since 2002, BASS Bariatric has helped thousands of patients on their weight loss journey with safety procedures and helpful guidance.

The Reality of Different Types of Bariatric Surgery

Understanding the Different Types of Bariatric Surgery

“Bariatric surgery” does not refer to one specific surgical procedure. Rather, it is a category of surgery that aims to aid weight loss for people with obesity.  Three of the most common types of bariatric surgery are gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric band surgeries.

• Gastric Bypass - In gastric bypass surgery, a small pouch is made in the stomach. This small pouch reduces the stomach’s capacity, and also allows food to flow directly from the pouch to the small intestine. This process is where the procedure gets its name from: food bypasses part of the stomach on its way to the small intestine. For more detailed information, read our posts on the frequently asked questions about the gastric bypass surgery.
• Gastric Sleeve - Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, physically removes a portion of the stomach from the body. By reducing the size of the stomach, the patient experiences less hunger and also becomes full from smaller portion sizes. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, a gastric sleeve procedure does not change the way the body absorbs nutrients. Read our detailed comparison between the gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery here.

• Gastric Band - A gastric band, or lap-band surgery, is somewhat similar to a gastric bypass. In this procedure, an adjustable rubber-like band with an inflatable balloon is placed around the top portion of the stomach. Like a gastric bypass, this creates a small pouch in the stomach. Unlike gastric bypass, however, the gastric band can be adjusted after the surgery. This allows the patient to change the amount of food their body can absorb over time.

What “My 600-Lb. Life” Does and Does Not Show

“My 600-Lb. Life” is made for television, and thus focuses on the most dramatic parts of bariatric surgery. TV audiences usually see consultations with a surgeon, as well as before-and-after effects of the surgery. But the cameras rarely if ever show the full process or the full medical team involved in bariatric surgery. Before a patient can undergo bariatric surgery, they are required to spend months educating and preparing themselves. 

There is a prerequisite psychological evaluation (to help determine optimal weight loss strategies), as well as weeks spent preparing post-op diets specialized for each patient’s health.

“My 600-Lb. Life” often leaves out much of the hard work involved, for both the patients and medical teams. Anyone who is preparing to undergo a bariatric surgery procedure should be prepared to work hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and not expect easy results.

Cost of Bariatric Surgery

Another thing that is rarely discussed on television is the cost of bariatric surgery. The cost you pay will vary depending on your insurance coverage. Most insurance plans cover the majority of bariatric surgery for qualified patients. Before insurance, procedures may range in cost anywhere from $7,000 to $30,000.

To learn more about bariatric surgery costs and options, schedule a consultation with BASS Bariatric Surgery Center.