Myths and truths about gastric bypass that you need to know

Are you considering gastric bypassBut you hear a lot of things that don't convince you? Be careful, because there are many myths surrounding gastric bypass that can confuse you about the procedure. 

That is why, in this post, we gather some of the most frequent myths and clarify them for you so that you know what to expect from a gastric bypass.

You may be interested in: How much does a gastric bypass cost?

1. I will lose too much weight after gastric bypass surgery.

One of the most common myths about gastric bypass is that it will make you lose weight in a very drastic way, that is, that you will lose more weight than you should. However, this is not usual in most cases. 

With bypass you can lose about 80% of your excess weight, and after that the weight loss will slow down to the point of stopping in most cases.

Basically, you will not lose weight without control, but you will lose excess weight.all together with the constant monitoring of your bariatric physician and your team, who will ensure that the loss remains within the normal range.

2. I will always have to be on a diet

Although you will have to watch your diet after gastric bypass surgery, as your body gets used to it (usually after a year), you will be able to eat any type of food. 

You will just have to be careful with the portions and the type of foods you eat, avoiding abusing the most harmful ones (such as highly processed foods or those with a high sugar content).

Logically, the bariatric surgery must be accompanied by a change in your eating habits, but that does not imply that you have to follow a diet once your stomach has become accustomed to the bypass changes.

3. I will suffer from stomach problems for the rest of my life.

Although it is a good idea to be clear about what are the risks of gastric bypassIt is important to clarify that if you adhere to your bariatrician's indications, go to all your medical check-ups and maintain healthy habits, the probabilities of suffering from stomach problems are very low.

4. Only with gastric bypass will I lose all the weight I want to lose.

Gastric bypass can help you lose much of your excess weight, but it won't do all the work. If you want optimal weight loss, you will need to change your eating habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

This way you will not only lose more weight, but you will also reduce the chances of regaining the lost weight.

5. I will become intolerant to many foods

Gastric bypass will not make you intolerant to any food. 

After the operation, your digestive system will spend some time getting used to the changes of the surgery. 

But, once you have recovered from the procedure, you can eat anything, as long as it does not go against your bariatric surgeon's instructions and you eat in moderation.

6. Practically, I won't need to eat anything to fill me up.

Eating too small portions, or skipping meals too often, is just as harmful as eating more than you should.

It is normal that after a bypass you feel less hungry and get full more easily, but that does not mean that you should forget to eat or start skipping meals. 

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is an essential part of your weight loss, and will ensure that you do not develop any long-term health problems.

7. I won't be able to exercise again

As long as your bariatric surgeon says it is safe, you can begin very low-impact exercise one month after your gastric bypass surgery, such as short walks. 

After 2 months you can increase the intensity of the exercises, you can do activities such as swimming or cycling. 

After 6 months, you can do almost any exercise, with your doctor's prior approval. 

8. I will feel weaker after a bypass 

If you adhere to your bariatric surgeon's instructions, don't skip checkups and have a balanced diet with proper supplementation, there is no reason for you to feel weaker after a bypass.

In fact, the weight loss is sure to make you feel much better.

9. Sticking to my doctor's orders will be very complicated.

On the contrary, the indications are not as strict as you imagine, and as long as you don't skip check-ups and you have an experienced bariatrician, it will be easy for you to stick to them in your daily life.

10. I will be able to eat as much as I want and I will not get fat.

Gastric bypass is not a pass to eat whatever you want without consequences, if you do not watch your eating habits, you will probably not lose as much weight as you could and even run the risk of regaining some of the lost weight. That is why it is crucial that you follow a balanced diet. 

Now that we have cleared up some of the most common myths about gastric bypass, you can get an idea of what this procedure has to offer.

However, remember that to know if it is the surgery you need, you have to evaluate your case with a specialist, and with that we can help you. Contact us today and we'll tell you what we can do for you. to lose your excess weight for good.