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Every now and then, people will make health goals and write down the changes they hope to achieve. One of those goals is to cut weight. Bariatric surgery is an excellent option for people who want to reduce extra weight. Unfortunately, many myths about this treatment are in the middle of the conversation, preventing people from knowing the truth. In the article below, we will be debunking myths about bariatric surgery.
Modern advances in medicine have made this procedure safe. Plus, there are worse risks associated with morbid obesity. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery reduces the chances of dying from diabetes by 92%, coronary artery by 56%, and cancer by 60%. As much as all surgeries come with risks, this procedure is considered one of the safest. In fact, its mortality rate is lower than common procedures like knee or hip replacement.
Losing weight is likely to boost your appearance. However, the real benefits of this procedure are improving your health and longevity. Obesity has been linked to about 40 health conditions. Weight loss surgery reduces the impact of these illnesses. For instance, many patients with sleep apnea experience improved sleep quality after this surgery. People with diabetes have also reported fewer complications after bariatric surgery.
This weight-loss surgery doesn’t result in fertility issues. However, patients are often advised not to get pregnant two years after the surgery. That’s because the procedure aims to help you cut weight. On the other hand, a healthy pregnancy requires patients to add weight, which will cancel the results you’re hoping to achieve. It’s also good to know that weight loss can actually promote higher fertility rates in men.
Before, traditional surgeries would leave huge scars. But thanks to advancements in techniques and technologies, that’s no longer the case. A surgeon can perform weight-loss surgery by making a small incision of less than an inch. It’s called laparoscopic surgery and doesn’t leave a huge scar like open surgery. In addition, there is less blood loss and pain, and a shorter recovery time.
Many dieters find it hard to maintain weight loss for more than a year or two. Obesity isn’t the same as being overweight. It’s a condition that impairs your health. Bariatric surgery is a suitable option for morbidly obese people. It helps them achieve a more permanent solution.
Some patients may experience about 5 to 10% weight gain after surgery. However, this only happens to those who don’t follow the suggested lifestyle changes. Over 80% of patients who undergo this procedure successfully maintain a healthy weight. In addition, physical activity becomes easier after this procedure, which helps patients keep weight away.
Dieting and exercising are non-invasive weight-loss options, but they aren’t always suitable for everyone. Research has shown that morbidly obese individuals have less than a 9% chance of cutting weight through lifestyle changes. This makes bariatric surgery a suitable treatment to help them.
Bariatric surgery is mainly intended to treat the condition of obesity and other diseases linked to it. That means a healthy person doesn’t need this treatment. Obese people are the ones who stand to benefit the most from this procedure. Talk to a surgeon before believing this myth. The doctor will help you determine if this is a safe option for you.
Most people tend to assume that bariatric surgery is an easy way out because patients don’t put in the work of dieting and exercising. This myth is far from the truth. Patients put in the work by making proper food choices, limiting their portions, working out daily, and staying hydrated. Doing these things helps keep the weight away.
You have different options, but the most common are laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Depending on your needs, your surgeon will advise you on which procedure to follow.
Debunking myths about bariatric surgery can help people who want to undergo this procedure but don’t have the correct information. Don’t let misinformation stop you from making the right choice for your health.
