Is low-carb bad for you? Is weight loss surgery dangerous? Can you just skip the diet and work out in order to lose the weight? There are a lot of questions out there and a lot of people answering them—some of them not qualified to do so. We gathered a few of the most pervasive weight loss and weight loss surgery myths out there and set the record straight once and for all!
Top 3 weight loss myths:
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All carbs are bad for you and will make you gain weight.
While we do advocate a low-carb diet, we do not advocate a no-carb diet! Complex carbohydrates like veggies and legumes contain fiber, minerals and vitamins that your body needs to thrive. Our expert team of dietitians is here to help you navigate which foods are best and which ones to do in moderation
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If you switch to all low-fat options, you’ll lose weight.
While you might initially lose weight from eating your new food selections, switching to a low-fat-only diet can be harmful to your weight-loss plan. In order to make some less-than-appetizing low-fat options palatable, many companies increase the amount of sugar in the food, which then increases the calorie content. In the end, portion control is always a better option!
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If you want to get serious about weight-loss, you need to hit the gym as much as possible.
Exercise is great for you in many ways, but it can actually harm you if done improperly. The healthiest and most effective way to lose weight via exercise is to gradually introduce it into your schedule to help build muscle and tolerance over time. Jumping straight into difficult workouts can cause injury and burnout, which, in turn, make you want to steer clear altogether. Why not start out with a nice walk and save that spin class for a little farther down your journey? Keep in mind, exercise alone will make it very difficult to get to your goal weight. Dietary changes are 80% of the equation to help you lose weight.
Top 3 myths about weight loss surgery
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A gastric bypass or a sleeve operation can be very risky.
While there is inherent risk in all surgical procedures, the risk of serious injury or death is remote. Here are some stats that will help put you at ease:
- The risk of leaking after a gastric bypass or sleeve operation is only 1percent.
- The chance of death during gastric bypass surgery is very rate—about 0.2% – 0.5%.
- In the 30 days following surgery, only 3.4% of patients experience any kind of complication
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After you have your surgery, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything that you could before.
While there are special after-surgery diets that you will be put on to aid your recovery, you will not be banished forever from eating foods that you love. Our expert team of physicians and dietitians is here for every step of your transformation and will provide coaching and plans for your pre- and post-op diet.
Remember that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, it’s a lifestyle change!
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Having a weight loss surgery may hurt your ability to have a baby.
We have not known this to be an issue! We do advocate that patients wait a full year after their procedures before getting pregnant in order to allow their bodies to fully heal and adjust to their new diet.
Are there any questions you have? Be sure to contact our experts and let us help you get on the right path!
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