Myth #1- Weight loss surgery results in fat removal from the body during the procedure
Fact - Weight loss surgery is an internal surgery of the abdomen which is performed by laparoscopy. It involves reducing the capacity of stomach and the absorptive length of small intestine which results in caloric deficit and consequent weight loss. This weight loss is gradual and occurs over a period of one year as a result of fat burning by hormonal and metabolic changes in the body. There is no immediate weight loss or fat removal in weight loss surgery procedure. However, weight loss surgery helps in maintaining the weight over a long term and prevents weight regain and also helps in reversing many metabolic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Myth #2- Weight loss surgery is painful
Fact - Weight loss surgery is a laparoscopic procedure which is performed under general anaesthesia. The patient is unconscious and totally unaware during the procedure. After the surgery, there is mild pain which is tolerable and controlled with the help of pain killers and it subsides within 1-2 days. Patients can usually resume their normal routine within a week of the procedure and are totally pain free at that time.
Myth #3- Weight loss surgery is risky
Fact - Weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery is an elective surgery and the risk for bariatric surgery is the same as for any other elective surgery like a cholecystectomy or a Caesarean section. The surgery is performed by the minimally invasive route and makes use of high tech devices like staplers which make the surgery fast and bloodless. This also decreases the chances for human error and increases the safety of the procedure.
Myth #4-Weight loss surgery may result in weakness or extra weight loss
Fact - Weight loss surgery is a procedure for long term weight management. It results in a caloric deficit in the body which activates the hormones for burning body fat. There is a gradual and sustained weight loss of approximately 60-90 % of the excess weight within 12-18 months. Due to the reduced capacity for taking food, there may be a risk for protein and micronutrient deficiency which can be avoided by taking proper supplements for 6-12 months after the surgery. There is a very small risk of losing excess weight and this is mostly seen in malabsorption procedures like gastric bypass and in people who donor take the required supplements after weight loss surgery.
Myth #5- Weight loss surgery may impair family life or fertility
Fact - Weight loss surgery is a procedure which corrects many of the metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity including PCOD and infertility. For ladies, it helps in regularisation of the menstrual cycles and resolution of PCOD and increases the chances of a normal conception. For males, weight loss surgery helps improve the sperm count and natural libido due to rise in testosterone levels. Thus, weight loss surgery may be regarded as a fertility enhancing procedure rather than the contrary.