Bariatric surgery is an easy way for rapid weight reduction.
Myth:
It is a common and damaging misconception. Surgery for weight reduction is not a miracle procedure. Patients who opt for bariatric surgery have multiple failed attempts with diet and exercise. Bariatric surgical procedure requires a substantial lifelong commitment to maintain a healthy weight after the surgery.
Do all bariatric surgeries involve “stomach stapling”?
Myth:
Bariatric surgery have different types of gastrointestinal procedures, which differ from each other. Some may reduce the size of the stomach while others bypass some parts of digestive tract to reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients.
All Obese and morbidly obese people are lazy and dumb.
Myth:
Those who are of this opinion are totally wrong. Obesity is not a choice, it is a disease condition. Most of them have numerous failed attempts to lose weight and get healthy. Weight loss surgery is usually a last resort and a necessary option to lose weight.
Bariatric surgery is a risky and dangerous procedure.
Fact:
Like all surgeries, bariatric surgery has its own risk and complication. But, recent advanced techniques used in the surgery favors in reducing the associated risks.
You are not a good candidate for laparoscopic bariatric surgery if you have had previous surgeries.
Myth:
You are still an eligible candidate for laparoscopic bariatric surgery even if you have had any prior “open” or minimally invasive surgeries.
Bariatric surgery leads to deficiency of vitamins and nutrients
Fact:
In gastric bypass surgery, a portion of the intestine is bypassed, which leads to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals. Thus, it may lead to nutritional deficiency. A well-balanced diet along with the prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements can help you to improve the overall health.
Insurance won’t cover weight loss surgery
Fact:
There are several insurance companies that do cover these procedures. Insurance coverage varies from state to state and company to company. If you are considering a weight loss surgery, the first step is to contact your bariatric surgeon to know about the procedure, and check whether it meet the requirements for insurance to cover the surgery.
Weight gain after a bariatric surgery is due to the dilatation of stomach or pouch.
Fact:
If the patient does not follow proper diet and exercise then it lead to dilatation of the stomach or pouch, which results in weight gain.
You must be too heavy for bariatric surgery
Myth:
Bariatric surgery is not only just about your weight, but also overall health conditions. Even moderately obese individuals who have chronic health issues like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis etc. are eligible for bariatric surgery.
A person should have advanced, serious health condition to qualify for bariatric surgery.
Myth:
A person for bariatric surgery is assessed based on his/her overall health condition and BMI. Any individual who meet the below-given criteria are eligible for bariatric surgery:
- BMI of 40 or above with or without any health issues.
- BMI of 35 or above who have serious health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, hypertension etc.
- BMI > 30 with serious health complications is also eligible for the surgery.
Bariatric surgery needs a longer recovery time.
Myth:
The recovery time is comparatively shorter than other surgeries. After surgery, most patients stay for a few days in the hospital, and can move back to their normal life after 2-3 weeks after the surgery.
You have food restrictions even after a bariatric surgery.
Fact:
Bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment. Post-surgery diet and exercise are needed to maintain a healthy weight. You can eat any kind of food but in very minimal quantities.
You can only have liquid diet after the surgery.
Myth:
This is not true. However, you will be on a liquid diet after the surgery for a short period of time - approximately two weeks, which is then changed to a regular diet.
Diabetic patients are not eligible for bariatric surgery
Myth:
Weight loss surgery is a primary treatment option for patients with Type II Diabetes because of its high success rates.
You cannot get pregnant, if you undergo bariatric surgery.
Myth:
It is possible to have children after weight loss surgery. Moreover, losing weight is an important step toward having a baby. However, the patient is advised to avoid pregnancy for first two years after the surgery, so that you can stabilize the lost nutrition and hormone levels.
Bariatric surgery leaves a big scar.
Myth:
A few decades ago this may have been true as the “traditional” surgery was the only option. But now, most of the bariatric surgeries are carried out through minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, which leaves only a small scar.
Metabolic surgeries and bariatric surgeries are different.
Myth:
Metabolic surgery encompass completely on the surgeries done for managing metabolic disorders like diabetes (without associated obesity). However, all bariatric procedures can also be referred as metabolic procedures because the word metabolic refers to your metabolism.
All Diabetic patients should undergo bariatric surgery
Myth:
Absolutely NOT! There are strict guidelines and criteria for a patient to undergo bariatric surgery. Based on overall health condition of the patient, the physician decides whether he/she is eligible for the surgery or not.