Article by:
Amelia Grant
Losing weight is frequently the path to better health for people who are overweight or obese. Although bariatric surgery is often considered to be purely aesthetic, the fact is that surgical weight loss saves lives. Indeed, bariatric surgery has advanced significantly in the last decade, and it can be a boon to the 40% of Americans who are obese.
While some people require bariatric surgery due to weight difficulties, for others, it is an elective operation to address metabolic illnesses and give an outlet to attain metabolic health. However, some patients remain scared owing to widespread misunderstandings, while others refuse to have these procedures performed because they believe in widespread myths. Here is a list of six myths about weight loss surgery that should be addressed ASAP.
1. People who undergo bariatric surgery don’t have the willpower
It has been scientifically shown that our genes lead some people to gain weight. We must also consider metabolic rate, how different people create energy in their bodies, and environmental circumstances. It means that some people are doomed to battle with weight management.
Weight reduction surgery is the only long-term effective therapy option. Instead of being ashamed of having weight reduction surgery, be happy that you are taking responsibility for your own health and quality of life.
2. You can't have children after weight loss surgery
You can consider trying for children later, but it is better to wait around a year. Remember that obesity impacts your fertility, making it more difficult to conceive - this is true for both men and women. People who have had bariatric surgery and successfully lost weight discover that their fertility improves. And this time, a big tummy is the reason for happiness.
3. After weight loss surgery, you will definitely be thin
The vast majority of patients don't shed all of their extra weight. A success story is defined as losing 50% of the extra weight and keeping it off. As a result, a patient who is 100 pounds overweight before surgery may be just 50 pounds overweight after decreasing weight. Most people will still consider that to be overweight.
Moreover, losing weight will not inevitably result in skin toning and drooping. However, the health advantages of lowering weight-related disorders such as sleep apnea frequently occur even in people who do not lose all of the weight they desire.
4. Weight loss surgery has terrible side effects
Any medical or surgical procedure has side effects. All treatment options are chosen by weight loss surgeons with care, with the goal of ensuring that the benefits outweigh the dangers. Indeed, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery. They include constipation, gallstones, and nutritional issues. Generally, the benefits of your weight reduction, such as a revived zest for life and considerably decreased health risks, exceed these side effects.
5. Bariatric surgeries are extremely dangerous
For the vast majority of people, the consequences of obesity outweigh the risks of bariatric surgery. According to studies, surgical weight loss results in a roughly 90% decrease in premature death from all causes, as well as huge drops in dangerous conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. And, while all surgeries have hazards, bariatric surgeries are among the least dangerous on the operating table.
Bariatric surgery has a lower death rate (0.1%) than typical treatments such as gallbladder removal and hip or knee replacement. Doctors have advanced their skills over the last decade, and most treatments are now performed laparoscopically through small incisions. Many patients are leaving the hospital the same day or the next day.
6. Anyone can get bariatric surgery
Certain indications and criteria are dependent on age, gender, medical issues, and dietary habits. The patient should have a BMI of at least 30. The most essential thing is that the patient should have attempted to lose weight. If a patient is unwilling to make any effort, surgery will not be recommended since the patient's commitment will be significantly lower.