Obesity is very difficult to treat. When other medically supervised methods fail, bariatric surgery becomes a realistic option.
Bariatric surgery for weight loss is treatment for severe obesity that consistently achieves and maintains substantial weight loss, and improves health and quality of life.
Let’s review some misconceptions about bariatric surgery.
MYTH: People just need to eat less and exercise more.
Obesity is but a complex condition resulting from multiple genetic, biologic, metabolic, behavioral, social, economic, cultural factors.
Majority of people, including professionals, continue to view obese people as lazy and lacking in willpower.
When people lose weight through dieting alone, the body compensates through biological change, including increased appetite and slower metabolism.
These biological change often persist long term. Why people often regain weight even beyond their starting point.
So Dieting is over rated. Diets usually fail in long term.
People don’t fail at diet, diet fails people unfortunately.
MYTH: Bariatric surgery will keep me from overeating.
Temporarily for the time being, it does reduce craving for sugar and makes eating sweets less rewarding after surgery.
This does not happen for everyone, and bariatric surgery will not cure binge eating, bulimia.
Eating disorders are assessed prior to entry into the program.
If food has become a coping mechanism, you will need to adopt healthier ways of coping before surgery, or you will be at risk of resuming unhealthy behaviors and regaining weight or developing issues with depression or anxiety.
MYTH: Bariatric Surgery will make me thin.
You typically will lose 30-60 percent of excess body weight, but making long term changes in your diet and exercise routine can.
Surgery gives the patient the physical tools to assist with weight loss, but the patient must be committed.
Most weight loss occurs in the first year after surgery, and it is common for you regain a small portion of your weight before stabilizing.
However, it is possible for a patient to gain their weight back after surgery if they do not continue with healthy eating habits and regular exercise.
MYTH: Bariatric surgery and weight loss will make me happy and improve my relationships.
Weight loss does provide the opportunity to have a higher quality of life, but it is no magic wand for happiness or resolving personal issue, lifestyle changes with bariatric surgery can put stress on relationship.
These issues are discussed and family involvement is encouraged. If not for friends & family.
MYTH: Bariatric surgery is dangerous.
All surgeries pose certain risks; the risk of death from surgery is considerably less for bariatric patient than for individuals affected by severe obesity who have not had the surgery.
The data show up to an 89 percent reduction in mortality, as well as highly significant decreases in mortality rates due to specific diseases, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
After bariatric surgery, you may be able to decrease or discontinue medication for chronic condition, such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure with the advent of Laparoscopic Bariatric surgery the safety of the procedure becomes more.
MYTH: Bariatric surgery is the easy way out.
Bariatric Surgery = Commitment ; that too life long. Considering this procedure, preparation is often around four to six months.
After surgery, it is important you follow a daily regimented schedule with food and fluid intake, continue with exercise and other lifestyle changes, and continue receiving outside support.
It is rewarding to hear patient report they have increased energy to interact with their children and grandchildren.
Bariatric surgery, along with commitment to lifestyle change, not only provides long term weight loss, but it significantly improves health and quality of life for many.
If you have been considering bariatric surgery, think of it as another commitment – to yourself.
In taking this first step, you’ve just begun the journey that can ultimately lead to – HEALTHIER YOU.
