It is human nature to exhibit the tendency to form opinions on a range of subjects. Some of the views are verified and backed up by facts while some remain just myths. Weight loss surgery, more commonly known as bariatric or gastric bypass surgery has its share of such misconceptions or fallacies. We discuss below 3 of the notorious misformation associated with that will make medical professionals turn over in their grave. Find out.

Misconception #1

Obesity is a manifestation of food addiction

Fact

It is too generic and unfair to liken obesity to food addiction like alcoholism or dependency on drugs. Even though there is a percentage of individuals who suffer from obesity due to some form of eating disorders such as binge eating, obesity in a vast majority of cases is triggered by other complex factors. Hormonal imbalance, stress, medications, intake of foods that cause metabolic changes chronic sleeplessness, of fat-fighting food items from diet, sedentary lifestyle, and environmental pollutants - all these factors can also be a cause for obesity.

Misconception #2

Most patients regain weight post a gastric bypass

Fact

Longitudinal studies on bariatric surgery patients show that this is not true. 50 percent of patients report successful weight loss in the long term. The remaining 50 percent may regain weight after two years or but it is minimal (around 5 percent only). Many patients lose weight equal to or greater than 50 percent of their excess body weight, and report marked improvement in the quality of their life. Such tremendous and sustained reduction in weight with the help of surgery stands in sharp contrast to previous experiences of patients who were given non-surgical therapies.

Misconception #3

Surgery raises the risk for suicide

Fact

There are few patients who take their own life after a weight loss surgery. But when one traces the etiology, it lies less in such surgeries and more in some kind of undiagnosed psychological disorders pre-existing in these patients before surgery. True, individuals bearing the burden of severe obesity are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression and have lower self-esteem than those of normal weight. But between this and suicides is groundless. On the other hand, gastric bypass surgery in a country like Australia results in significant improvement in mental well-being for a majority of patients. Not many bariatric facilities put comprehensive psychological evaluation programs in place to assess patients prior to surgery.

Wrap-Up

Fear, misgivings hesitations have no place when it is the matter of serious health issues. Removal of these mistaken beliefs from mind will clear the way for better understanding of a procedure like gastric bypass. This will, in turn, make patients receptive to diagnosis and treatment of obesity and related health problems. Don’t hold yourself back disinformation. Be informed but in an unbiased manner.