It’s 2022. But there’s a stigma on bariatric surgery as of today.
People will say you took the easy way out. Wondering why you can’t lose the weight with dieting and exercise alone. Well guess what…
You’ve probably tried every diet in the book before making the decision for bariatric surgery. And most importantly – it’s your body, it’s your life. You decide what’s best for you.
Surgery shaming and the stigma around bariatric surgery can manifest in a lot of misconceptions – and words that hurt.
Today we’re looking at 3 common myths about bariatric surgery and we’ll explain why they’re simply not true.
Myth #1. Bariatric surgery is the easy way out
There’s nothing easy about having weight loss surgery.
Yes, the weight will come off faster than with dieting and exercise alone. But this doesn’t mean that bariatric surgery is easy.
Although the risks of having bariatric surgery often outweigh the positive health outcomes for many bariatric patients, it’s still an invasive way to promote weight loss.
Bariatric surgery is a lot of hard work:
- Commitment to protein and hydration goals
- Taking bariatric vitamins for the rest of your life
- Dealing with body dysmorphia
- Unraveling the root cause of your weight issues
- Not being able to use food for comfort in a way prior to bariatric surgery
- Dealing with head hunger
- Doing extensive lab work
- Committing to your follow-up appointments
- Dealing with the complications of bariatric surgery like hair loss, food intolerance or dumping syndrome
And the list goes on.
Myth #2. You’ll never be hungry again after Bariatric Surgery
This is not true. You may even be taken by surprise that you can experience hunger even days after surgery. Bariatric surgery alters gut hormones like PYY, GLP-1 and ghrelin.
All of these hormones affect appetite – which is reduced after bariatric surgery. You’ll be less hungry, and feel full faster.
This doesn’t mean that you won’t experience appetite again. You most likely will – and this is completely normal.
As you’re further out of surgery, your portions increase and you’ll be able to tolerate more foods. Which can actually be good thing (hello nutrients!).
Also, we have to keep in mind that you can experience head hunger too. Head hunger can be experienced through all post-op stages after bariatric surgery.
Head hunger is typically a sudden urge to eat something that’ll satisfy another need besides a physical one.
Myth #3. Bariatric surgery is just like having a strict diet
This is a misconception. Bariatric surgery means changing your entire lifestyle in order for your tool to work best.
Yes, you have to commit to certain nutritional guidelines. But this doesn’t mean that you’re on a diet. The only 2 diets you’ll be following are the pre-op liquid diet and the post-op diet slowly introducing new foods and textures to your palet.
Removing 80% of your stomach requires a 180 degree lifestyle change.
Allow yourself time to change. Allow yourself time to become a version of yourself you’ve never been before. Be patient and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!
The real transformation after Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is so much more than weight loss alone. The real transformation takes place in your mindset. If you continue to sabotage your own success and continue to let self-limiting beliefs get in the way – we have some inner work to do.
Your Onederland is your friendly bariatric community to remind you that in fact, you ARE capable of success. No matter how stuck you feel right now in changing your habits, it’s never too late to start again.
Log in to our community platform today to stay connected and know that you’re not alone. And feel free to send us a message anytime!
We’re here for you, because we care!
Resource:
- Mechanik J.I., Youdim, A. Jones, D.B., et al. Clinical practice guidelines for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of the bariatric patient: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013;21Suppl 1:S1-27.
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