There is so much information out in the world about bariatric surgery that it can be confusing to decipher what is true and what isn’t. But how do you filter through the noise and find the information you are looking for? We have talked to a few PatientPartner mentors who have recovered from bariatric surgery to provide information from first-hand experience and help clear some of the myths or misconceptions around bariatric surgery.

Myth #1: Bariatric surgery is a last resort option for weight loss

You shouldn’t have to try diet after diet to realize that bariatric surgery is an option for you. What many people don’t realize about weight loss surgery is that it is a tool that many people use successfully to get back to a healthier life. It is not only a tool for those who are morbidly obese. To qualify, a person typically has a body mass index, or BMI, or 35+ or 40+ with related co-morbidities. Here is a BMI Calculator to help you determine your own BMI.

Myth #2: Bariatric surgery cures obesity

As mentioned, bariatric surgery is a tool that helps people lower their BMI. The procedure essentially shrinks the size of your stomach limiting food intake and allowing for natural weight loss. Though historically it may not have been deemed safe, bariatric surgery today is now considered an effective and safe procedure with the potential to change the lives of obese individuals for the better. As a tool, a person can create healthy habits and goals to help achieve health goals overall.

Myth #3: You don’t have to make any dietary changes after surgery

In going through with bariatric surgery, the biggest thing our mentors talk about it is that it is a lifestyle change. Because surgery shrinks the size of your stomach, it is required that you eat smaller meals throughout the day so that you fuel your body with the proper nutrients and satisfy your hunger. This is easily attainable with a balanced diet! We recently hosted a conversation with Registered Dietitian Rachel Macam about nutrition before, during, and after surgery. CLICK HERE to listen in on Rachel’s expertise on:

— Fad diets and why they don't work
— 4 stages of the pre-op & post-op diet
— Common myths of what you can and can’t eat after surgery
— Helpful tools and resources along the journey
— Perspective from a recovered patient on what dieting was really like

Myth #4: Recovery is painful and takes too long

This is most often not the case. Patients generally require less than 24 hours of professional care following bariatric surgery. The following days after surgery, it can be normal to experience discomfort, nausea, loss of appetite, and emotional changes.

The most suitable way to shorten recovery time is to be active. You can walk short distances and breathe deeply so that the blood circulation within the body remains constant. In addition, you can also increase the distance or time duration of your walk. By the sixth week of recuperation, try to walk 30 to 45 minutes a day.

Always follow the advice from your healthcare professional. This blog is based on experience from those who have been through weight loss surgery, but should not replace the medical advice from your healthcare professional.

You also need to avoid tough activity for almost three to six weeks after the operation. Avoid lifting heavy objects than 15 to 20 pounds. It is quite convenient to work through the entire process, and you should have no problems debunking this myth.

Myth #5: Weight regain is inevitable

This is a dubious myth in terms of non-activity and unconventional diet plans. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 50% of patients regain 5% of weight within the first two years, while a smaller count of individuals may gain even more. To keep it stagnant at a particular point, you need to make specific changes in your lifestyle that matter.

Build support around you

While having family and friends to lean on, you can learn a lot about the weight loss journey from others who have been through it. By talking to similar people who have gone through the same experience can be who are on a similar journey to discuss concerns, expectations, and challenges with others. And a PatientPartner mentor is just that, someone who helps provide advice related to the weight loss journey, moral support, and encouragement. Match with your PatientPartner mentor here!

Create healthy eating habits

It is important to listen to your medical professionals about what they recommend is best for your diet. One of the easiest ways to find the results after bariatric surgery is consistency. There is a 4-stage diet plan that is helpful to follow after surgery to ease back into a healthy diet. By sticking to a routine around your food consumption,

Assemble a health team

A team of experts, including doctors, therapists, and nutritionists, is important. PatientPartner has an entire database of vetted doctors who are here to help educate and build treatment plans for you. A quick & easy questionnaire will match you with a doctor near you that also accepts your insurance. From there, you can directly message their practice or even schedule a consultation to learn more about your treatment options!

PatientPartner is here to support you on your weight loss surgery journey. Here are some of the ways we can support you on your journey!
Talk to someone who has already been through a similar procedure
Contact a vetted doctor near you that accepts your insurance
Get in touch with an entire community of people who understand what you are going through and want to support you on your journey
We are so excited you are here, create your free PatientPartner account today!