3rd July, 2025
Bariatric and metabolic surgery has transformed the lives of countless individuals struggling with obesity. For many, it offers a medically proven solution when conventional weight loss methods such as dieting and exercise have not delivered sustainable results. Despite its rising success and well-established safety profile, weight loss surgery remains surrounded by a number of persistent myths and misconceptions. These misunderstandings often prevent people from considering an option that could significantly improve their health and quality of life.
If you are thinking about weight loss surgery or simply wish to understand it better, it is vital to separate fact from fiction. Here, we address the most common myths and offer clear, evidence-based information to help you make an informed decision.
Reality:
This is perhaps the most common and damaging misconception. Many believe that people who opt for weight loss surgery are simply unwilling to eat healthily or exercise. This could not be further from the truth.
Bariatric surgery is not a shortcut, nor is it a passive approach to weight management. It is a serious medical procedure, recommended for individuals who have struggled with obesity for years and whose weight poses a threat to their overall health. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and joint issues often accompany long-term obesity.
The surgery itself is only the beginning. Afterwards, you must adhere to strict dietary guidelines, adopt regular physical activity, attend follow-up appointments, and commit to lifelong behavioural changes. Without these, the chances of long-term success diminish. In reality, those who choose surgery demonstrate a significant commitment to transforming their lives.
Reality:
While early guidelines restricted surgery to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 (or over 35 with related health conditions), modern medical understanding recognises that obesity affects people in a variety of ways. In India, eligibility now considers not just BMI, but also the presence of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
If you have a lower BMI but suffer from obesity-related health conditions, you may still qualify for surgery. The goal is not merely to reduce weight but to improve overall health and prevent complications.
All surgeries carry some level of risk, but weight loss procedures today are far safer than many people assume. With the advancement of minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques, the risk of serious complications has fallen dramatically. Mortality rates are low, and most patients recover quickly with minimal hospital stays. Furthermore, the risks associated with untreated obesity-including stroke, diabetes complications, and heart disease-often far outweigh the surgical risks.
Choosing a well-established hospital with a multidisciplinary team improves safety and outcomes significantly.
Reality:
Bariatric surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Several procedures are available, each with its own advantages, limitations, and suitability depending on your medical history, eating habits, and health goals.
Common types include:
Your surgeon will assess which option aligns best with your health profile. Personalised care is essential, and you should feel encouraged to ask questions and understand every aspect of your chosen procedure.
Reality:
Post-surgery, your diet will change-but not in the restrictive, miserable way some imagine. In the initial weeks, you will need to follow a strict progression from liquids to soft foods to solid meals. Over time, you will adapt to a new normal.
Portion sizes will be smaller, and you may need to avoid certain high-sugar or high-fat foods. However, you will still enjoy a wide variety of nutritious meals. The goal is not deprivation but balance. A qualified dietitian will guide you through the transition and help you build habits that promote long-term satisfaction and health.
Reality:
The belief that bariatric surgery is a cosmetic procedure is a common myth that misrepresents the true purpose and importance of the surgery. Unlike cosmetic surgery, which is performed to enhance appearance, bariatric surgery is a medically necessary intervention aimed at treating severe obesity and the serious health conditions associated with it. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, and joint problems, among others.
Bariatric surgery is covered by health insurance, which typically does not pay for cosmetic procedures. This further illustrates that it is recognized within the medical community as a necessary and evidence-based treatment, not a form of body enhancement. The process leading up to surgery involves thorough medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and ongoing follow-up - all signs of a serious medical approach rather than elective cosmetic care.
Weight loss surgery is not a decision to take lightly, nor is it a cure-all. It is a well-established medical intervention that offers real hope to those facing serious health risks due to obesity. Dispelling myths is the first step towards empowering yourself to consider all available options.
If you are struggling with weight and related health problems, speak to your doctor or consult the best bariatric surgeon in Kolkata. Accurate information, thorough medical advice, and a supportive healthcare team will help you determine whether surgery is right for you.
You do not have to walk this journey alone, and with the right tools and guidance, lasting health and vitality can be within reach.
You can explore our department of bariatric and metabolic surgery in Kolkata. We have the best bariatric surgeons in Kolkata. Our team consists of the best endocrinologists, dieticians, physical medicine specialists and cardiologists. We provide patients with comprehensive care through lifestyle management programs, diabetes surgery and advanced bariatric surgery in Kolkata.
