Have you heard that your stomach stretches back to its original size after bariatric surgery? False! That is just one of eight popular bariatric surgery myths that are spread.
Bariatric surgery is a minimally invasive, metabolism-disrupting procedure used on obese and morbidly obese individuals to decrease body mass. With its exponential rise in popularity, bariatric surgery myths and misconceptions have also surfaced. In this article we will shed light on the top 8 most common bariatric surgery myths and misconceptions.
One of the most widespread bariatric surgery myths is that it's an easy way to shed pounds. While it may seem easy for some, the success of bariatric surgery is often tied to uncovering the root of the problem. One study dispelling this myth points out the challenges faced by individuals with psychological conditions such as binge eating disorder, food addiction, and depression. These deep-rooted behaviors can complicate losing weight and can quickly lead to failure or weight regain.
Truth: It is estimated that 58% of patients fail to maintain weight loss after 2 years. The biggest cause of weight regain? Not following adequate post-operative diet and exercise regime. Before you judge someone who underwent bariatric surgery or assume it's the easy way out, remember that it's like adding training wheels on a bike. It won't get you to your dream-body destination - but it will help guide you there!
Another popular myth about bariatric surgery is its risk factor. Maybe back in 1970's before the rise of modern technology and advancements. We have come a long way since weight loss surgery was deemed "risky".
Truth: Today, complication rates are minimal. A review in NCBI (2018) revealed that experienced surgeons have lowered mortality rates to less than 0.2% in some instances. With lower-complexity procedures like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, the rates for death or any surgery-related complications are at all-time-lows and continue to drop with technological advancements. Careful selection of professionals and following pre-operative care are key.
Contrary to common belief, bariatric surgery does not condemn patients to a lifetime of restrictive eating. Enjoying food post-surgery is still possible, depending on the weight loss procedure chosen. In most cases, gastric sleeve surgery consists of the largest range of food choices while gastric bypass is slightly more restrictive. The duodenal switch is the most abrasive surgery and generally implies the most serious dietary guidelines.
Truth: In reality, the post-operative diet phase generally spans 4 to 8 weeks, after which individuals can gradually return to a more conventional eating pattern. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition & Dietetics in 2018 confirms that patients can still enjoy diverse diets post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of portion control and nutrient-dense foods.
Bariatric surgery is no longer confined to the morbidly and severely obese individuals. Eligibility extends beyond a single BMI figure. Overweight and obese are likely to get approved by insurance or through self-pay clinics.
Truth: With procedures like gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a BMI of 25 to 30 can be a candidate for some surgeons around the world. However, with Dr. Sandy Bariatrics, we require a BMI of 30 to be eligible.
Tying into myth #1, you may think that once you have weight loss surgery, you will lose weight and be happy forever. Although this is entirely likely, it is far from fact. Achieving success after bariatric surgery largely depends on regular physical activities, consuming a healthier diet, sticking to meal plans, and cultivating an active health-conscious daily routine.
Truth: Many believe that bariatric surgery guarantees permanent weight loss. A study in the National Library of Medicine (2023) underlined that maintaining weight loss requires continued commitment to healthy practices. The initial 12 to 18 months after weight loss surgery is known as the "honeymoon" phase. As we all know, honeymoons do not last forever! Its up to your healthy lifestyle habits to maintain after 2 years.
A common misconception is that bariatric surgery inevitably leads to malnutrition. While it's true that some types of bariatric surgery can impact the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, this risk is not as significant as many people believe.
Truth: A comprehensive review published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2024 addresses this issue. The study found that bariatric-related malnutrition is largely preventable through proper dietary adherence and micronutrient supplementation.
This is possibly one of the most popular and controversial bariatric surgery myths spread. Even among doctors and surgeons there is debate of the size the stomach may stretch after gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.
Truth: If you think about it, your stomach is elastic and can shrink and expand accordingly. The average stomach size holds about 1 liter (or 34 fluid ounces). Depending on the surgery type, ex. gastric sleeve removes 80-85% of the stomach, meaning the new size is about 6.8 ounces. This would mean it would require it to stretch 5x its size which is not physiologically possible. To get your stomach to stretch back to normal would cause the stomach lining to rip.
On the other end of the spectrum, a lot of people believe there is no solution to obesity as a "disease". While this may be true, healthy habits are based on willpower, hard work, and down right determination.
Truth: If you completely regress back to life before surgery (ie, eating fast food, binge eating, junk food, sedentary behaviors, etc.) then it is extremely likely that you will eventually return to your starting weight. But you have to really fight if your going to gain all your weight back. Since your hunger hormones are depleted and satiety returns after small portions, its quite difficult. However in some rare cases, bariatric surgery just doesn't work for some people - no matter how hard they try.
Bariatric surgery myths can cause confusion and mislead potential candidates. By debunking these myths, we hope to offer a transparent and accurate understanding of what bariatric surgery truly entails.
Considering bariatric surgery? Understand that this significant decision requires comprehensive research, knowledge, commitment, and personal responsibility. Dispelling the bariatric surgery myths helps in making an informed and confident choice.
