MS, DNB, FALS (IAGES)

Sr. Consultant GI, Laparoscopic, and Bariatric Surgery 

Chairman, Institute of Gastrointestinal Sciences,

Alchemist Hospital, Panchkula, Chandigarh Tricity 

Some myths of Bariatric Surgery

Myth: You’ll live on a liquid diet and protein shakes for the rest of your life & it will be difficult to eat with family and friends.

Truth: All patients put on a liquid diet for 10 – 14 days before and after surgery, to help with the operation and healing process. A couple of weeks post-surgery, they are weaned off liquid diet and soon all patients eat small quantities of home cooked food. Dieticians work with patients to show them the kinds of meals they can make that will fit in their new healthy lifestyle, which can actually be shared with family members and friends.

Myth: Bariatric surgery is the easy way out.

Truth: Bariatric surgery is only a tool to help patients follow a diet plan & achieve weight-loss faster and for a prolonged duration, and to prevent a rebound weight gain by reducing their appetite and inducing early satiety. If patients don’t follow a healthy diet, exercise, and take their vitamins, it won’t work.

Myth: You will be left with a big scar after weight loss surgery.

Truth: All weight loss surgeries are now carried out laparoscopically, meaning you will be left with a very small mark. The laparoscopic technique is a way that a surgeon can perform complex procedures that used to require the conventional large incisions through minimal access.

Myth: you cannot get pregnant after weight loss surgery

Truth: It is possible to have children after weight loss surgery, your fertility will improve. However, most doctors will advise you to wait 1-2 years before trying to get pregnant. This is because you need to wait until you have lost most of what you wanted to lose and your weight loss has stabilized