10 Misconceptions About Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a popular treatment method for obesity. Some many myths and misconceptions accompany this surgery and its results, so this article will explain and debunk these weight loss myths and hopefully help those that might be considering bariatric weight loss surgery options.

What is Bariatric Surgery

Standard bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric band surgery. These surgeries are often performed when things like diet or exercise have not worked, or when serious health concerns are caused as a result of excessive weight problems.

Bariatric Surgery, or Weight loss surgery, works by changing the anatomy of the stomach and the small intestines. The surgery results in causing changes in appetite and satiety, which is the feeling of being full, and the body’s metabolism (how quickly it burns calories). Visit Tonic Weight Loss Surgery to get a consultancy.

While this surgery offers many benefits, it is also important to make permanent healthy changes to both your diet and lifestyle, to ensure its success long term.

Common Misconception #1: Bariatric Surgery is Dangerous.

While it is a fact that any surgery carries some risk, recent advancements in this surgery have greatly reduced these risks. Today, most types of bariatric surgery can be performed laparoscopically. The laparoscope is a small tube with a camera attached, inserted through small incisions in the abdomen. This is a low-risk and minimally invasive procedure.

It is also worth noting that the risk of death from surgery is considerably less for patients of bariatric surgery Houston than that for severely obese individuals that have not had the weight loss surgery. For reference, data that can be seen here, shows an incredible 89 per cent reduction in the mortality rate due to specific weight-related diseases including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Common Misconception #2: Why Would I Bother When I Can Just Diet And Exercise?

 Whilst diet and exercise are essential for losing and maintaining weight, this may not be enough for some patients that are severely obese. Changes in diet and exercise can result in weight loss, but many people will also struggle to keep this up, leading to them gaining their weight back.

Obesity is a much more complex condition today. It is not just caused by overeating and a lack of impulse control, but a condition resulting from genetic, biological, behavioural, social and economic factors.

What happens to many people that lose weight from dieting alone, is that the body will compensate with biological changes, including an increased appetite and a slower metabolism. These changes can often persist long term which leads to many putting their weight back on again.

Misconception #3 Bariatric Surgery Will Make Me Thin

Whilst you typically lose 30-65 per cent of excess body weight, results will also vary with gender, weight, age and physical condition or any medical conditions. The most crucial part in the success of bariatric surgery is implementing and maintaining long-term changes in your diet and lifestyle.

The overall goal of bariatric surgery is to improve health, mobility and overall quality of life. Many view an ideal weight or clothing size as the barometer of success and set unrealistic expectations. The bulk of the weight loss occurs in the first year after the surgery, but it is common to regain a little bit of weight before stabilising.

Misconception #3: Most People Will Gain The Weight Back

As mentioned previously, most patients weight loss who have undergone surgery occurs during the first year. However long-term studies that have been conducted show that more patients that have undergone surgery keep their weight off compared to those that have not, reinforcing that bariatric surgery is effective for long-term weight loss.

Misconception #4: Surgery Can Affect How The Body Absorbs Vitamins And Minerals.

Bariatric weight loss surgery comes in different forms; some of these surgeries can change how the body absorbs vitamins and minerals, meaning deficiencies are possible. Taking supplements after the weight loss procedure makes this side effect easily preventable.

Misconception #5: Bariatric Surgery Means I Cant Have Children After

Patients that have undergone the procedure, they are advised to only not to become pregnant during the first two years after surgery. This is because bariatric surgery is intended to induce weight loss, the opposite of what is needed in the body during the pregnancy period. On the contrary, weight loss leads to a higher fertility rate.

Misconception #6: Bariatric Surgery Leads To Alcoholism

There have been several studies conducted that have shown results that indicate there is no clear link between bariatric weight loss procedures and excessive alcohol use. In fact, it is advised for patients to cut down on alcohol following the surgery.

Misconception #7: Bariatric Surgery Leaves A Massive Scar

With regards to past traditional surgeries, these would leave scars; however, recent advances in technology and the use of laparoscopic procedures have led to far less scarring and quicker recovery times for patients.

Misconception #8: It’s Just The “Easy Way Out”

This is a common weight loss surgery myth, but any patient considering bariatric surgery options is required to prepare for 4-6 months before the procedure. This includes multiple assessments and appointments with doctors. Implementing long-term health and lifestyle changes after the surgery is also crucial.

Misconception #9: The Surgery Will Stop Me Overeating

The surgery will initially create changes in the brain that will help reduce cravings for sugar and make eating sweets less rewarding, but this will not happen for all patients and it’s important to note that the surgery will not cure binge eating conditions.

Misconception#10: Weight Loss Surgery Is Only About The Weight

Whilst it will help with weight loss making the stomach smaller leading to less calorie consumption, the overall goal of bariatric surgery is to improve health, mobility and quality of life.