Weight loss surgery can be a difficult decision to make, and there are a lot of myths out there that can make it even harder. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the most common misunderstandings about bariatric surgery and provide you with accurate information to help you make an informed decision.
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1. Weight loss surgery is a quick fix
Bariatric surgery is not a magic pill that will make you lose weight overnight. Although many people experience rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery, it should never be viewed as a quick fix. Instead, following weight loss surgery, you need to accept you will have to make a lifelong commitment to healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes.
Weight loss surgery is a tool to help you achieve a healthier weight by reducing appetite and the size or shape of your stomach so that you feel full faster. But you still have to put in the work, and weight loss surgery is not a guarantee you will lose weight and keep it off.
Weight loss surgery can only help if you comply with your nutritional program and regular exercise. When you do that, this surgery can be life-changing, helping you live a healthier, happier, and longer life.
2. Weight loss surgery is for very overweight people
That’s a big misconception. Weight loss surgery is not only for very overweight people. It can be a helpful tool for anyone who needs to lose weight and is struggling to do so through diet and exercise alone. While weight loss surgery is often associated with the morbidly obese, it can also be an option for people who are overweight and have tried traditional weight loss methods without success.
Weight loss surgery works by reducing the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can eat, and helping you to feel full faster. This can be beneficial if you struggle with portion control and have difficulty sticking to a healthy diet.
Additionally, weight loss surgery can improve health conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. For some people, weight loss surgery can be a life-changing solution to improving their overall health and quality of life.
But it’s important to note that weight loss surgery is not a standalone solution and still requires lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, to be successful.
3. Weight loss surgery is dangerous
Any surgery comes with risks, but weight loss surgery is generally safe. Some of the risks associated with weight loss surgery include infection, bleeding, blood clots, breathing problems, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are relatively rare and can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced bariatric surgeon and following all post-surgery instructions.
Weight loss surgery is considered relatively safe overall because of its low complication rate compared to other major surgeries. The risk of complications varies depending on the type of procedure and the patient’s overall health, but in general, the mortality rate for weight loss surgery is less than 1%.
4. Weight loss surgery has long-term side effects
While there is the possibility of long-term side effects from certain types of bariatric surgery — including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and nutritional deficiencies — these are treatable. However, after weight loss surgery, it’s usually sufficient to simply make changes to your diet and eating habits to control GERD, and ensure you take supplements to provide your body with the correct nutrition. Overall, the satisfaction rate following weight loss surgery is high, and associated side effects are low.
5. Weight loss surgery limits what you can eat
You might have heard that you cannot eat all the foods you love after weight loss surgery. This simply isn’t true. Although healthy eating is essential following weight loss surgery, this doesn’t mean you can’t have “naughty foods.”
It’s all about balance. However, it’s important to note that following a specific nutritional program after weight loss surgery is essential to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs.
So, while weight loss surgery doesn’t necessarily limit what you can eat, it does require you to be more mindful of what you eat and how much.
Weight loss surgery: final thoughts
It’s clear there are many myths surrounding weight loss surgery, but it’s important to remember it can be an effective tool if you are struggling to lose weight. Hopefully, this article has helped you to begin to better understand the realities of weight loss surgery and its benefits.
Of course, it’s important to speak with a qualified medical professional to determine if weight loss surgery is right for you and what steps you can take to ensure a successful outcome. But don’t let myths hold you back from achieving your goals and living a healthier life.
