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4 Things you get wrong about weight loss surgery
13 Nov, 2017

Choosing whether to get weight loss surgery can be a tricky and nerve-wracking decision, particularly as newspapers and magazines today are so full of often ill-informed and sensationalist stories about obesity and its associated health issues. Indeed, there are a number of myths proliferating about weight loss surgeries, as the following list demonstrates:

Myth 1: Weight loss surgery means consuming a liquid diet for the rest of your life

While liquids are recommended for the initial period after surgery, patients can expect to enjoy solid foods after a couple of weeks. Of course, they will not be able to consume the same amount of as before the surgery, but there are no real restrictions when it comes to the actual kinds of food they eat afterwards.

Myth 2: Weight loss surgery is an easy way out

Like all serious healthcare procedures and lifestyle changes, undergoing weight loss surgery does not mean patients will be able to go about their lives in the same way as they did before. Indeed, patients are urged to think about making dietary changes and take up exercise as part of their care plan, which will help prevent them from gaining weight again and undoing any positive changes that have been made.

Myth 3: Weight loss surgery will cause extensive scarring

All weight loss surgery is done with keyhole surgery (laparoscopically), meaning patients will only be left will a small mark. This is part of a wider trend for minimally invasive procedures across various parts of the healthcare system.

Myth 4: Having weight loss surgery prevents future pregnancies

While it is often advisable to wait a year or two after having surgery and to attain a lower weight before getting pregnant, weight loss surgery itself will not prevent women from having children. It should be noted, however, that having the surgery can cause some hormonal fluctuations, so it is a good idea to be patient if you are thinking of having children.

If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery and the ways in which it might you reach a healthier, happier weight, or just have questions about how we can help; get in touch.

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Written by Mr Ahmed Hamouda

Mr Ahmed Hamouda is The Director of Weight Loss Surgery Kent. He is a highly trained and experienced Consultant Bariatric and General Surgeon.