Everyone has their reasons for trying to lose a few pounds once in a while. People usually gain weight after a period of inactivity or merely after feasting on good food during holidays. Most healthy people can get back to their normal weight with some exercise and a few weeks of a strict diet. But unfortunately for some, weight loss is not an easy process even with workouts and diets.
A recent study by the World Health Organization revealed that around 30% of the world’s population suffers from obesity, with the numbers, especially on the rise in the Middle East region. For instance, in the UAE alone, obesity levels are around 37%, which is quite alarming. The statistics further showed that the number of people who are contracting type 2 diabetes is also increasing, with around 19% of the country’s population already suffering from the condition as a direct result of obesity.
While people are aware of the repercussions of obesity, most of the sufferers are still sceptical about the various treatment options available. Even after being on diets for years and hitting the gym every day, weight loss can become a distant dream for many without the right weight-loss treatment like bariatric surgery.
So, in this blog, we will explore some facts and common misconceptions that surround the bariatric surgery.
Myth 1: Obesity is a lifestyle disease that is seen in lazy people
Fact: People suffering from obesity are usually the targets of many judgemental opinions. Although an unhealthy lifestyle can lead to weight gain, obese and morbidly obese people suffer from the medical condition of obesity. These people find it hard to lose weight through other weight loss programs and are often recommended bariatric surgery as a last resort.
Myth 2: Bariatric surgery is a quick and easy way to lose weight
Fact: This is one of the most common misconceptions about weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery is not an easy fix to lose weight. It is a medical procedure that is administered on people who are clinically obese to help them lead a healthier life. The procedure requires complete commitment from the patient who has to follow certain dietary and lifestyle changes to ensure long term results. If a person goes back to his or her old lifestyle, chances are that they will gain weight over time.
Myth 3: Bariatric surgery is all about stomach ‘banding’
Fact: Bariatric surgery is not the name of a single process. There are various surgical treatments within the department like Gastric balloons, Gastric banding, Gastric bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. All these weight loss surgeries have different procedures, results and require specific lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgeons recommend procedures depending upon the patient’s unique needs and the severity of the condition.
Myth 4: Bariatric surgeries are extremely dangerous
Fact: All surgeries have certain risks attached to them. However, like any other medical procedure, bariatric surgery for weight loss is a necessary treatment to help an obese patient lead a healthier life. As long as the individual follows the diet and lifestyle as recommended by the bariatric surgeon in Dubai, he or she will have higher chances of staying in good shape and health for long.
Follow up care is also quite necessary to keep the results of the weight loss surgery successful. In rare conditions, the patients will have to undergo minor surgical corrections to ensure better results from the treatment.
Myth 5: Weight loss surgery can lead to malnutrition
Fact: As mentioned before, there are different bariatric surgical procedures, some of which can limit, or more specifically, inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Bariatric surgeons usually provide dietary advice and prescribe vitamin supple after the surgery, which will help the patient ingest necessary nutrients. In most cases, the patient will see an overall improvement in their health and wellbeing after the surgery.
In a nutshell, bariatric surgery is a very useful treatment procedure for weight loss. At the core of this treatment, it’s the commitment of the patient and the expertise of the surgeon that ensures the success of the treatment. If you suffer from obesity issues, it is best to consult with a bariatric surgeon in Dubai and start early with your treatments.