Weight loss surgery is becoming increasingly popular. The media has a big role to play in this, citing it as a miracle cure for the obesity epidemic. As a result, however, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Below are some surprising but very common misconceptions about weight loss surgery.
- The Weight Stays Off Forever
Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Most people who have bariatric surgery completed regain some of the weight overall. However, with commitment and dedication to diet and exercise, you can maintain a healthy weight.
- Bariatric Surgery Is Replacing Healthy Eating
Some people believe that everybody who is morbidly obese opts for surgery. In reality, however, there are between 8 and 10 million people in this country who qualify for the procedure, but haven’t had it done. In fact, only around 6% of morbidly obese actually have the surgery.
- You Will Only Be Able to Eat Tiny Portions for the Rest of Your Life
If this were true, people who had bariatric surgery would lose weight until they were of anorexic proportions, and they would become severely malnourished. Just after surgery, tiny portions are indeed required. However, over time, you can start to increase your food intake again. This is where it also becomes important to watch what you eat, as you could put weight back on.
- Bariatric Surgery Is Cheating
There are many risks associated with bariatric surgery. Around 1% of people actually die and at least 5% of people have complications. Some of these complications can be lethal. 50% of people lose their hair for some time, and most experience ‘dumping syndrome’, which makes them feel very sick. This is not an easy thing to go through.
- By Having Surgery, People Can Save Their Marriage
A lot of people believe that if they look better, their partner will love them more. In reality, divorce rates in people who have had surgery are higher than in those who have not. Sometimes, this is because the partner cannot cope with the changed person they are married to, as they suddenly start to receive a lot more positive attention.
- Weight Loss Surgery Leaves You with a Beautiful Body
Unfortunately, after surgery, people are left with high amounts of loose skin. This can be so significant that many have to opt for further surgery in the future to get rid of it. Unfortunately, this is usually not covered by insurance.
- Bariatric Surgery Stops a Woman’s Ability to Have Children
It is true that women should not conceive for a year after surgery, but this is because they are not able to eat enough to sustain a fetus and themselves. After that, however, there is nothing standing in their way from enjoying a healthy pregnancy.
