Another common misconception (see my blog on psychology) is that patients who have a gastric bypass are “cured” of weight problems. This belief is not only held by patients but also some (ill informed) health professionals.
It’s a belief that somehow absolves the individual of the need to practice healthy weight loss behaviours such as portion control, avoidance of energy dense snacks or the need to be physically active. This is an unfortunate mistake.
Evidence clearly shows that up to 20% of people will regain a significant amount of weight within 3-5 years of a bypass if they fail to comply with good lifestyle practices. So, I don’t want to be the harbinger of doom because I think gastric bypass is a fantastic life transforming operation for some people – but “cure” it is not.
Dr David Ashton
27th May 2010
