Key Facts About Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is often seen by most people as a weight-related condition. However, it has been observed and several studies have shown that obesity affects many organs of the body and poses a danger to our overall health and well-being. Bariatric surgery is one life-changing procedure of weight loss intended for aiding patients with severe obesity.

Bariatric surgery remains one of the most misunderstood, yet popular surgeries available for managing obesity. Despite its popularity, there are numerous misconceptions and myths surrounding the surgery and its results. 

In this blog, let's understand what bariatric surgery is and dispel the most prevalent myths associated with it. We will discuss factual information about this most popular weight loss surgery in detail.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery refers to different surgical techniques for managing obesity which include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. The surgery works by altering the digestive system either by reducing the stomach size or changing the small intestine. It reduces food intake, increases satiety, and may disrupt hormonal balance, making it possible for the patient to maintain weight loss.

Who is eligible to undergo bariatric surgery?

A patient is qualified for bariatric surgery if he/she exceeds 100 pounds over his ideal body weight. This is equivalent to obesity class I, II, and III based on BMI and percentage of overweight.

Candidates are classified as those whose BMI is 35 or above, those who have a BMI ranging from 30 to 34.9, and those also suffer from conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and joint pain. The other recommendations made are towards those who do not have any success with traditional methods of losing weight such as dieting and exercise.

For more details on conditions like obesity, visit our page on Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Disorders to understand how bariatric surgery can be used to control the conditions.

Myths and Facts about Bariatric Surgery

Myth #1: Bariatric surgery is risky.

Though all surgeries carry risks, recent developments in surgical techniques have made it possible to minimize those risks extensively. Research suggests that the risks related to bariatric surgery are similar to those of a routine gallbladder surgery.

Myth #2: Diet and exercise are the only solutions to weight loss. Surgery is not needed.

While diet and exercise are helpful, for most severely obese patients, these measures alone can prove insufficient. Research shows that changes to diet and exercise alone result in weight loss, but more than half of those people will regain the weight.

Myth #3: It's commonly believed that most people will regain weight.

Patients after bariatric surgery usually lose weight by 50 to 100 pounds in the first year. It can be well deduced from the findings that a higher percentage of patients have maintained the weight lost 10 years after the procedure. Therefore, more years have been spent than those that shed weight non-surgically. This indicates that long-term sustained weight loss may be possible from bariatric surgery.

Myth #4: Surgery can impact the body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals.

There are several forms of weight loss bariatric surgery. Some procedures interfere with the absorption of necessary vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies. Taking supplements after surgery can prevent this side effect of surgery. Routine follow-up care after surgery should include routine testing of your vitamin and mineral levels, in case of deficiency when it may occur.

Myth #5: After weight loss surgery, it's not advisable to get pregnant within the first two years. 

This is because the surgery is meant to promote weight loss; however, pregnancy promotes weight gain. Most patients will always wait for at least two years post-surgery. Ironically, weight loss leads to an increase in the fertility rate among females and an increase in testosterone levels among males.

Myth #6: After bariatric surgery, there is no need for lifestyle changes

Surgery is not a magic wand. It is a mere procedure that helps one reach the desired health status. Compliance in the long run is what someone would need to maintain their healthy weight profile.

Myth #7: Bariatric surgery results in a prominent scar.

A long time ago, weight loss surgery had obvious scars. However, with the evolution of technology and surgical methods, nowadays, most weight loss operations are made using laparoscopic or "pinhole" surgery. Laparoscopic operations cause much less scarring and have faster recovery time as well as minor pain and blood loss compared to open surgery.

Myth #8: Bariatric surgery is a simple solution.

Bariatric surgery can bring about significant weight loss. Although a small number of individuals tend to regain weight. This usually occurs because of unhealthy lifestyle choices such as insufficient exercise and bad dieting. One must understand that surgery is an excellent tool for losing weight, but healthy choices are always essential for maintaining the lost weight.

Myth #9: There’s a possibility of developing health issues post-surgery

No, but rather, bariatric surgery can prevent/resolve NCDs.

Myth #10:  Patients feel weak after surgery

If you follow the diet suggested, meet the protein requirements, and take your supplements regularly, you will not feel weak but will feel full of energy.

Myth #11: People are unable to eat after surgery

No, you'll consume everything, although a gradual approach is adopted to help you recover. In the initial two weeks, you'll be on a liquid diet, soft foods for another two weeks, and then you may proceed to a normal diet. Since your stomach size reduces, it would look equally satisfying to you that you felt with larger portions.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery holds tremendous promise for those in serious stages of obesity and poor health, making it a viable and sustainable route to better health. Although bariatric surgery improves a patient's physical and mental health considerably, there is no magic formula. Bariatric surgery relies on patients carrying through lifestyle modifications over time: healthy food choice, exercise habits, and also regular follow-ups with their doctors.

Embracing all of these changes is going to result in full spectrum benefits in terms of energy and mobility to the resolution of very serious health conditions. Understanding the risks, benefits, and required dedication before surgery is key to achieving lasting success and optimal results.

At Marengo Asia Hospitals, we deliver all-around care to patients seeking bariatric surgery from highly skilled surgeons and dietitians along with healthcare professionals. Our individually crafted treatment plans will support you from the time of initial consultation right through to your postoperative period, in order to achieve the most positive outcome possible for health and well-being.