Myth 1: Solve the Obesity magically

Bariatric surgery is not magic. It is simply a tool to help tackle excess weight. No "cure" obesity but also allows control. Since it is a chronic disease, the tendency to gain weight will be present throughout life. Therefore, surgery should be followed by an awareness and a change in eating habits forever.

Myth 2: The surgery is so risky it is best to stay healthy with obesity

All surgery involves risk. In the case of obesity surgery increases the medical problems that are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, respiratory and cardiovascular problems. However, in a patient qualifies for surgery the risk of surgery is NOT> the risk of the operation. It is important that the patient is well evaluated and prepared by a team to get to the surgery with a "controlled risk".

Myth 3: Any surgery solves the problem

There are several surgeries described for severe and morbid obesity that act through different mechanisms. Furthermore patients have different habits and associated diseases. The important thing is to choose the best surgery for each patient individually.

Myth 4: After the operation I will address my obesity on my own

The best weight loss occurs in the first months. But there is evidence that patients are not monitored at this stage lose 30% less of their excess, compared to those who do. It is therefore essential management and support of the multidisciplinary team and change habits.

Myth 5: When the stomach gets smaller, I will not have any more desire to eat

Not all surgeries work the same. Most surgical techniques reduce the volume of the stomach, but some do not act on the desire to eat. Some surgeries work to decrease sharply the level of the hormone ghrelin, which relate to the desire to eat.

Myth 6: The faster the lower the better

Weight loss should ideally be slow and progressive. Most of the operated patients achieved a sharp initial loss of kilos, but this stage should be gradual. Ideally a patient should lose 50% of their excess weight in the first six months after the operation and the rest is lost up to 18 months.

Myth 7: The surgery can not be deceived

It is not correct, any patient can "boycott" the surgery. When the stomach is reduced, the volume of food you can eat less. However, high-calorie foods like ice cream, milkshakes, chocolates and sweets in general have no problem using this new stomach and the results are not expected..

Myth 8: Only with a certain amount of kilos off I conform

Many patients say "I lose 20 kilos in'll be fine." However this will depend on the initial weight, weight goal and weight. For example if a patient is 80 kilos overweight, you should at least lose 40 kilos, so it is recommended better to talk about percentage reduction of overweight, ideally 75%.

Myth 9: By losing weight quickly will return all sports and physical activity

Laparoscopic surgery (through small incisions), provides a shorter and shorter recovery: three days of hospitalization and a period of 1-2 weeks of rest later. However, surgery is complex and requires time to adapt. Regarding physical activity, the return should be gradual and monitored to prevent muscle injuries.

Myth 10: As I lost weight, I can eat what you want

After losing weight and achieve the target weight, the main objective is to maintain it. Obesity is a disease in which hereditary influence, eating habits and physical as well as psychological factors. Therefore, the change must be controlled for changes in habits for life.