 |
| Dr Amit Bhambri |
Ludhiana, March 03, 2026 (News Team): For many people struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery is often viewed through a lens of hesitation, half-truths and fear. Conversations around it are filled with dramatic weight-loss stories, but also with whispers of ‘shortcuts’, ‘risks’ and ‘regret’. There are some common myths and facts associated with Bariatric Surgery.
One of the most popular myths is that bariatric surgery is a quick escape route. The truth is that there is nothing quick about it. Gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy is not a cosmetic procedure; it is a medically advised procedure for people who are severely obese or have conditions like diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. Surgery is just the first step in a long process that also involves nutritional and psychological advice. Patients have to adhere to very strict dietary regimens and exercise regularly. Surgery alone cannot provide long-term solutions without the right amount of discipline.
Another common misconception is that bariatric surgery is very risky. Although all surgeries carry some risk, the latest bariatric surgeries are done using highly advanced minimally invasive methods, which are much safer than most people think. In fact, the risk of complications is no different from that of very common surgeries like gallbladder surgery. More importantly, the long-term risks of not treating serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, joint problems, infertility and even cancers may be much higher than the risks of surgery in people with severe obesity.
Many people also believe that individuals gain all the weight lost after the surgery. The truth of the matter is that bariatric surgery is one of the most successful methods of weight loss when accompanied by lifestyle changes. Research has shown that there is substantial weight loss and improvement and even remission, of type 2 diabetes. The issue with weight loss is that if healthy lifestyle changes are stopped, weight can be gained. The surgery alters the physiology of the body but does not eliminate individual accountability.
There is also a misconception that bariatric surgery is only about looking slimmer. But its primary goal is improving health and quality of life. Patients often report better mobility, improved fertility, enhanced mental well-being and reduced dependence on medications. For many, it means being able to play with their children without breathlessness or sleep peacefully without a CPAP machine.
Moreover, it is also believed that bariatric surgery is only for the ‘extremely obese’. However, medical standards have defined the eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery, which is based on the body mass index and health conditions of the person, not on how he or she looks. A complete medical checkup is required to decide whether a person is suitable for the surgery or not.
Bariatric surgery is not magic, nor is it a failure. It is a scientifically backed medical tool, one that, when used appropriately and responsibly, can transform health outcomes. The key lies in separating myths from facts and making informed decisions under expert guidance.
