6 Myths About Bariatric Surgery You Shouldn't Believe

Bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss. It's one of the most effective treatments for obesity and related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and others. Despite its proven effectiveness, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this topic. People are either afraid of surgery or think of it as an easy way to lose weight. In this article, we debunk six of the most common myths about bariatric surgery and explain why you should look at the subject differently.

1. This is an easy option for lazy people

This is perhaps the most widespread and false myth. Bariatric surgery is not a magic wand. It requires significant effort from the patient both before and after the procedure. After the surgery, the patient must completely change their lifestyle: follow a strict diet, exercise regularly, take vitamins, and care for their health. Without these efforts, the results will not last long. The surgery is only a means, not the final goal.

2. After the surgery, you can eat whatever you want

The procedure will limit the volume of the stomach and/or impair the absorption of nutrients, but it doesn’t cancel the need for a healthy diet. On the contrary, nutrition becomes even more important after the surgery. Eating food that is too fatty, sweet, or difficult to digest can cause nausea, pain, diarrhea, or "dumping syndrome" - an unpleasant condition after overeating. To maintain the results and not harm themselves, the patient must follow a strict diet under the supervision of specialists.

3. Bariatric surgery is a cosmetic procedure

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure that is not about appearance but health. Obesity is not just excess weight, but a chronic disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and joint problems. Studies show that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce mortality and improve the quality of life. In addition, patients often experience remission of type 2 diabetes in the first few weeks after surgery, and this is not a result of weight loss only, but of hormonal changes in the body.

4. The procedure is dangerous and leads to many complications

Any surgical procedure carries certain risks, but modern bariatric procedures (such as sleeve gastrectomy or bypass surgery) are performed laparoscopically, through small incisions, which reduces the risk of complications and speeds up the healing time. In most cases, patients are discharged within 2-3 days. Serious complications are quite rare, especially when the surgery is performed in an accredited weight loss center by an experienced surgeon. The risk of obesity is many times greater than the risk of the procedure itself.

5. Bariatric surgery is only suitable for "very obese" people

Not entirely. Although the operation is traditionally performed on patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 or over 35 with accompanying diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, bariatrics is now increasingly considered a method of early intervention. For example, patients with a BMI of 30-35 and persistent type 2 diabetes may be candidates for surgery, especially if other treatments have failed. Individual care and recommendations from a specialist are important.

6. The weight comes back anyway

Indeed, there is a possibility of some weight gain in the years after surgery, especially if the patient returns to his previous eating habits. However, a complete return to the original weight is extremely rare. Studies show that the vast majority of patients still experience significant weight loss 10 years after surgery. In addition, even partial weight loss after bariatric surgery benefits health: blood pressure drops, blood sugar levels improve, breathing becomes easier, and joint pain decreases.