After waiting years for gastric bypass surgery which is now only a matter of weeks away, I’ve done a lot of research into the process. I’m no medical expert of course, but have a pretty good idea of what to expect.
So, if you’ve ever heard people suggest, even in jest, that gastric surgery is “cheating” at weight loss, here’s my take on it.
Support, not a Shortcut
Firstly, gastric bypass is absolutely not cheating. Would you accuse someone of cheating for using nicotine patches to help quit smoking? Of course not. Products like nicotine patches and gum help curb cravings so quitting is more manageable, but people still have to fight the habit and stay disciplined. The same is true with deal with gastric bypass: it helps with hunger and portion control, but patients still need to follow strict nutrition plans, take supplements, and stay active.
Bariatric surgery such as the gastric bypass is not a magical shortcut where people wake up slim without any effort. It’s a tool, just like those nicotine patches. Sure, it makes the process more manageable, but success still requires commitment, hard work, and major life-long lifestyle changes.
“The Easy Way Out” and other myths
Some people believe that weight loss should be all about discipline – just eat less and move more, right? Well, that might work for some, but for others, it’s much more complicated. Things like genetics, slow metabolism, emotional eating, and medical conditions can make traditional weight loss methods frustratingly ineffective. I explored my personal reasons for truly needing this surgery in my previous post.
Gastric bypass isn’t a cheat code; it’s a lifeline for people who’ve tried everything and still struggle. Yes, the surgery makes weight loss physically easier by reducing hunger and limiting food intake, but that doesn’t mean patients can throw out all the rules and still get results. Losing weight and maintaining a new healthy weight takes hard work and sacrifices every day for the rest of your life.
The real hard work that comes with a gastric bypass
Preparing for and recovering from a gastric bypass comes with some intensive work in the short-term, including:
- Before surgery, I’ll spend 2-3 weeks of liquid-only liver reduction dieting, consisting of 850 calories a day – this helps soften the liver and makes it easier for the surgeon to operate
- After surgery, the first two weeks are spent on a liquid-only diet again, only eating food that could pass through a straw
- In weeks 3-4 post-surgery you can start to introduce soft solid food
- By six weeks post-op, I should be able to eat small, solid meals several times a day
After that, here are some of the lifelong changes I’m preparing myself for after my bariatric surgery:
- Small, frequent meals – never more than 3-6 tablespoons per meal
- A high-protein, low-fat, and low-sugar diet is essential for weight loss and to avoid pain and digestive issues
- Essential vitamin and mineral supplements including injections
- Avoidance of certain foods altogether which can vary person to person
- Low to no alcohol tolerance
- No longer able to take certain medications including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
- No longer able to take tablets
- Hydration becomes more challenging due to needing to drink slowly, regularly, and away from consuming food
These lists aren’t by any means conclusive, and I expect to discover quirks of my very own when I start the journey in July!
Why such stigma around weight loss surgery?
So why do people judge gastric bypass so harshly? I think it mostly boils down to how society sees obesity. Too many people still believe that weight gain comes purely from making bad choices when in reality, it’s a complex health issue. Surgery isn’t an “unfair advantage” or “cheating”; it’s a medical intervention: not unlike like taking insulin for diabetes or using an inhaler for asthma.
Brushing off weight loss surgery as the “lazy way” ignores the real struggles involved. Patients fight for their health just as hard – if not harder – than those who lose weight the traditional way.
Changing the narrative
If you ever find yourself feeling judgemental about people like me taking the surgical route to support weight loss, keep in mind the hard work and permanent life changes they’re taking on. Think about those nicotine patches or asthma inhalers.