Vidhi Jain
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Myths and Facts of Bariatric Surgery - Aastha Bariatrics
Bariatric surgery refers to weight loss surgery which is a medical procedure that aids in weight loss for individuals who are overweight or obese. The various weight loss surgeries include – Gastric sleeve surgery, Gastric Bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass, Duodenal switch , gastric balloon and more.
Bariatric surgery is a popular treatment method for obesity. There are many myths and misconceptions about the surgery, and the outcomes that create barriers in pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
Here are a few myths and facts about bariatric surgery:
Myth 1: Bariatric surgeries are risky.
Fact: Any type of surgery has associated risks or complications. But recent advances in bariatric surgery have helped to minimise the risks. Bariatric surgeries are performed laparoscopically with mini incisions that result in faster healing, less pain and less scaring. In addition, bariatric surgery helps patients overcome life threatening conditions associated with obesity including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnea, etc.
The risks of obesity are much greater than the risks of bariatric surgery.
Myth 2: Bariatric surgery is all cosmetic.
Fact: That is not true. While bariatric surgery can enhance your appearance. Obesity is linked with more than 40 chronic health conditions and weight loss surgery helps to minimise the impact of them.
People suffering from sleep apnea end up with complete resolution of it after bariatric surgery, patients with diabetes observe lower blood sugar and fewer diabetes related complications than those who do not undergo bariatric surgery.
Myth 3: Most people who undergo bariatric surgery gain their weight back.
Fact: Regaining weight after bariatric surgery is not at all common. Main reason why anyone regains their weight is returning to unhealthy eating patterns and habits. It is of utmost importance that patients follow the guidelines properly to avoid such conditions in future.
Myth 4: Bariatric surgery removes the fat from the body.
Fact: Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure where fat is removed from a certain area whereas bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure that helps you lose weight by making changes to the digestive system to control obesity and resolve comorbidities.
Myth 5: Once we undergo bariatric surgery we can eat all we want without worrying about weight gain.
Fact: Bariatric surgery is not a magic fix , it is a commitment. It is the first step towards leading a healthy life. Post surgery diet control and exercise is required to maintain a healthy weight loss. Those who eat a calorie loaded food with low nutritional content are the ones who are more likely to put on weight after weight loss surgery. Thus, following the guidelines after bariatric surgery is very crucial for weight loss to be effective.
Myth 6: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery will not be able to eat normal foods after.
Fact: After bariatric surgery it is of importance that you eat the right way. Your body needs to get the adequate nutrients to obtain the best results and keep you on track with your weight loss goal. This does not mean that you will have to give up on the normal or your favourite food items. Depending on the type of surgery the patient undergoes, the diet post surgery is divided into various stages that include gradual changes in the consistency and the texture of the food.
This is to help your newly modified stomach to adapt and recover. So, chewing the food properly, stopping when you feel full, having smaller and frequent meals, cutting down on sugary foods and aerated drinks, and maintaining a good fluid intake are all the factors that need to be considered after bariatric surgery.
Myth 7: Bariatric surgery leads to health problems in later life.
Fact: This is not at all true. Bariatric surgery not only takes care of obesity but also helps with weight loss without any complications, nutritional deficiencies, or any side effects. Bartiatric surgery not only helps with obesity but resolves most of the medical problems related to obesity.
Myth 8: Bariatric surgery leaves big scars.
Fact: In the past traditional surgeries would leave scars. However due to advancement in technology and techniques. Weight loss surgeries are now performed using pinhole or laparoscopic surgery technique. Laparoscopic surgeries are a minimally invasive technique that leaves less scarring as compared to open surgery. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery involves a quick recovery time and less pain as compared to other traditional surgeries.
Myth 9: One cannot get pregnant/ have a healthy pregnancy.
Fact: To the contrary, obesity is linked to infertility in women. Obesity is the main reason for higher chances of developing pre eclampsia, blood clots, gestational diabetes, infections and premature birth. However, it has been seen that women who undergo bariatric surgery have a higher chance of having a normal, healthy pregnancy than those who are obese.
After bariatric surgery, following proper guidelines, regular follow ups with your surgeon, proper diet , you can have a healthy pregnancy without any complications.
Myth 10: Diet and exercise are the only ways to lose weight.
Fact: It is a misconception that diet and exercise alone can cure obesity. Some people may observe changes during the initial phases of diet , but it is of importance to note that it does not provide long term benefits and may end up gaining weight again. Hence, people who are obese require extra help in order to lose weight , where weight loss surgery becomes the biggest advantage.
People who are obese, who do not respond to diet and exercise and have a BMI above 27 , bariatric surgery could be the safest and the most viable option for them. They can gain unrivalled benefits from a bariatric procedure.
Aastha Bariatrics is a leading centre for metabolic and bariatric surgery. At Aastha Bariatrics, we provide the patients with exceptional care and mentor them throughout the bariatric surgery process. Every patient’s life is valuable to us at Aastha Bariatrics, thus we never compromise on quality, and Dr. Manish Motwani is among the greatest bariatric surgeons in India with 26 Years of Experience Overall. Patients over the last 15 years have not reported any difficulties following surgery. We have one of the greatest teams with experts in obesity and weight loss.
