Bariatric surgery can benefit you in innumerable ways but, myths persist about the surgery and obesity. Here are some facts you should know about weight loss surgery.
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Being overweight is a health problem
In our society many people think that being overweight is an appearance issue. Obesity is a metabolic disease. Diabetes, heart disease, joint pains, breathing issue, sleep apnea, mood swings, and low energy levels are health problems that can come from being overweight. So being overweight can devastate a person’s entire quality of life.
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Bariatric Surgery health benefits go beyond weight loss
Bariatric Surgery not only helps in weight loss but often improves Type2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Cardiac issues, Reflux, Depression and many other medical issues as well. It can also cure newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes. Bariatric surgery patients can live longer and healthier lives.
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Unlikely to get a big scar
The two most common Bariatric surgeries involve three to five incisions that are 5mm – 15mm (approx. ½ inch). Small incisions cause less pain and reduce the recovery time. Scars affect the patients mentally and remind them the pain they went through during surgical procedure.
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The risk could be almost the same as for uterus removal surgery
The surgical risk in weight loss surgery and uterus removal surgery (Hysterectomy) could be almost the same, if done in a high volume Bariatric Centre (Centre of Excellence) and by a dedicated Bariatric Surgeon. The surgical risks can always be treated and resolved. The health risks of Bariatric surgery are much lower than the health risks of obesity.
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Bariatric surgery- an emotional experience
Patients need to understand that there would be certain changes in their lifestyle and eating habits after the Bariatric surgery. They slowly start coping and get habitually with the routine eventually. That’s why you get psychological as well as nutritional support before undergoing weight loss surgery.
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It’s a journey, not a destination
Be realistic about the time it will take to lose healthy weight. It’s not just the weighing scale that will show you your advancement but also, notice the numbers moving down on the measuring tape and the change in your fat percentage. Don’t stop the journey even when you feel like it’s not happening because your body is perpetually changing from within.
