Gastric Bypass Surgery Risk & Reward Myths Busted

Published by Chris on December 20, 2023

Myth 1: Gastric Bypass Surgery Is An ‘Easy Way Out’ for Weight Loss

Any weight loss takes effort and commitment. One of the most pervasive weight loss surgery myths is that it is cheating or an easy way out for patients. Once you’ve understood the procedure fully, you’ll see why any suggestion that a gastric bypass operation is simple is far from accurate.

Firstly, surgery is only one single step in the change of lifestyle required to lose significant amounts of weight. It is a tool that can set you on the right path but it’s not by any means a shortcut. You’ll still have to do all the work to eat well, stay healthy and exercise once you’ve hit your goal. Falling back into old habits means any surgery will be wasted.

Although done using minimally invasive techniques, gastric bypass surgery is still a significant procedure that will impact your health. Pre and postoperative treatment is essential too. Overall, gastric surgery is a major commitment that comes with some risks. Describing it as an easy way out is misleading.

Myth 2: Stomach Bypass Surgery Risks Are High

Few medical procedures are completely free from risk and weight loss surgery is no exception. The good news is gastric bypass surgery risks are generally considered low. There are risks related to going under anaesthesia, as with any operation, but these will be managed carefully by preoperative assessment. The main risks following the operation are relatively minor such as possible increased acid reflux, temporary nausea and stomach obstruction. There are also long-term risks associated with bypass surgery such as low blood sugar becoming more likely, increased susceptibility to stomach ulcers and an increased chance of developing hernias. Other possible gastric bypass surgery complications include gallstones, blood clots and bowel construction. The risks of such issues remain relatively small depending on your overall level of health before the surgery.

Helping our patients understand the risks of surgery versus potential rewards is an essential part of our service. We take the time, as professionals, to ensure our customers are clear about what might happen as a result of any operation. In the case of gastric bypass surgery, we can share the numerous clinical trials and studies that have consistently demonstrated it is a safe weight loss procedure.

Myth 3: Gastric Bypass Surgery Is Only About Weight Loss

Not all patients come to us to lose weight. Of course, it is often the outcome but, for some, gastric bypass surgery is also prompted by the symptoms of obesity-related illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. It is also occasionally prompted by a desire to improve a patient’s mental health by enhancing overall health and quality of life.

As part of our preoperative care, we will talk to you about your motivation for surgery. We will discuss embracing lifestyle changes, setting goals and tracking your ability to follow recommended changes to your diet and exercise routine. Knowing any previous patterns in your weight loss and weight gain will help us understand challenges for you and, whatever your reason for coming to us, we can recommend strategies for your post-surgical life.

Myth 4: You Can Eat Whatever You Want After Gastric Bypass Surgery

This is a particularly unhelpful and misleading myth. A reduced stomach size means it is more important to control your diet. It is far from a licence to eat whatever you wish, consequence-free. For gastric bypass surgery to succeed, patients need to adopt more controlled eating habits, not less. Any post-operative plans need to include portion control, mindful eating and supplementary nutrients. High-calorie, high-sugar, or fatty foods can lead to poor digestion and discomfort following gastric bypass procedures too. There is no guarantee poor diets won’t lead to weight regain either.

One of the most important gastric bypass surgery facts to understand is that a smaller stomach means fewer nutrients enter your body naturally. These nutrients, such as iron, folic acid and vitamins B12, C and D, therefore become a crucial part of a post-surgery diet. They can be found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Many customers also use supplements to make sure they get enough.

Myth 5: Gastric Bypass Surgery Is Reversible

A gastric bypass is typically considered permanent by reputable medical professionals. This is because, during the operation, the surgeon cuts across the top of the stomach, sealing it off and creating a small pouch for food. The procedure also reroutes digested food straight to the middle of the small intestine. These are major changes to a patient’s digestive processes.

Reversal is technically possible, but it would require an operation of the same or greater magnitude than the original without a guarantee of success.

Patients who are worried about the effectiveness of gastric bypass surgery can normally improve outcomes through changes to diet and lifestyle rather than have more surgery.

Myth 6: All Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery Is Permanent

While it is true that gastric bypass surgery often leads to substantial weight loss, there are no guarantees this loss will be permanent. Sustaining positive outcomes demands an enduring dedication from the patient to ongoing dietary adjustments, physical activity, and lifestyle adaptations. Achieving lasting success hinges on strict adherence to post-surgery recommendations. Veering from these recommendations will potentially lead to a regain of weight.

It is most useful to view gastric bypass surgery as a catalyst for transformation. The responsibility for maintaining a healthy weight extends far beyond the operating table. A lifelong commitment to wellness practices, including mindful eating habits and regular physical exercise, is essential.

Myth 7: Gastric Bypass Surgery Is a Cosmetic Procedure

This is another unfortunate myth that needs to be challenged. Gastric bypass surgery stands as a medically endorsed intervention for severe obesity and its associated health concerns. This is distinctly set apart from cosmetic procedures related to fat removal or body-shaping. Weight loss surgery’s primary objective is not aesthetic enhancement. It can be an effective treatment for many symptoms stemming from being overweight or obese from Type 2 Diabetes to heart disease.

A surgical approach is not to be taken lightly. The truth about gastric bypass surgery is it is entirely therapeutic. Gastric bypass procedures and other weight loss surgery procedures have developed over the years to combat severe obesity and its consequential health issues.

Dispelling popular myths with accurate information surrounding gastric bypass surgery is paramount for the team at Obesity Solutions. We want our clients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. By demystifying the procedure, we hope our patients will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies, outcomes and fundamental lifestyle adjustments required for sustained success.

Informed individuals are better positioned to actively participate in their healthcare journey, enhancing the likelihood of positive outcomes. If it feels like you’re on that journey, why not give our experts a call?

Chris

My name is Chris Deprez and I am the founder of Obesity Solutions. Before I became an entrepeneur I used to work as an OR-assistant within the bariatric surgery. During the years I have seen over a thousand bariatric operations. Even though the hospital takes good care of their patients, I realized that the most important thing was the aftercare and support after their surgery. Support is of the essence due to the change bariatric surgery can bring to someones life!