Busting the Myths: The Truth About Bariatric Surgery and Your Health
Obesity is a far more complicated condition, and individuals who struggle with and have conquered it are given much less credit for it than they deserve. An impactful step many have taken to counteract obesity’s effects is bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery or metabolic surgery. Unfortunately, some obese individuals are hesitant to undergo this type of surgery due to all of the misunderstandings and myths that revolve around it. Therefore, these harmful and groundless weight loss surgery myths need to be debunked.
Bariatric Surgery is Extremely Risky
Every surgical procedure carries a certain level of risk, including weight loss surgery. However, bariatric surgery is surprisingly low-risk, especially considering recent technological advancements in the field that make it increasingly safe to undergo. Research has shown that bariatric surgery carries approximately the same risk as routine gallbladder surgery, which is known to carry little risk. As long as the patient does their research and visits a reputable surgical center, they’re most likely to be perfectly fine during the procedure.
Bariatric Surgery is Unnecessary
Many swear by diet and exercise to regulate their weight. However, bariatric surgery is only for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and above, which is often difficult to reverse with just lifestyle changes. Even if they do accomplish some weight loss with these lifestyle changes, there’s also an unfortunately high chance that they’ll gain their weight back, showing that lifestyle changes alone don’t guarantee sustainable, long-term weight loss.
Most Patients Gain Back the Weight After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery has a high success rate for long-term weight loss, and patients usually keep their commitment to their health goals. Following bariatric surgery, patients can lose anywhere from 50 to even 100 pounds just within their first year, shedding half of their excess weight six to 12 months after the procedure. This is because bariatric surgery isn’t a destination, it’s a journey that involves gradual and steady weight loss to return to a healthy weight.
You Cannot Bear Children After Bariatric Surgery
While it is true that pregnancy is not recommended for female patients that have undergone weight loss surgery, that’s only for the first two years after surgery. This is purely because bariatric surgery procedures are intended to encourage weight loss, which makes pregnancy counterintuitive. However, once they’ve reached a plateau in their weight loss, there’s usually no harm in bearing a child after weight loss surgery. Additionally, weight loss can actually boost fertility rates in men, making it easier to bear children.
Bariatric Surgery Leaves a Big Scar
Bariatric surgery that leaves a giant, unsightly scar is already a thing of the past. Nowadays, laparoscopic surgery is a far more popular surgical method than open surgery, among surgeons offering weight loss surgery. Rather than making a large cut in your abdomen, laparoscopy involves making small incisions. These incisions leave scars that fade easily, being much less noticeable and easy to reduce.
Now that you’re more informed about bariatric surgery, you can make a more confident decision on whether you want to take this monumental step for you health.
