What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery, referred to as weight loss surgery, is a group of surgical procedures designed to assist individuals suffering from obesity in reducing their weight. In instances where alternative weight loss approaches have proven unsuccessful and obesity presents a higher health hazard, healthcare professionals may suggest bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery techniques function by altering the functioning of your digestive system, typically your stomach, and sometimes even your small intestine, in order to control the amount of calories you can intake and absorb. Additionally, they are capable of diminishing the hunger signals that travel from your digestive system to your brain.

These methodologies can assist in the management and prevention of various metabolic disorders associated with obesity, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. However, it is important to note that weight loss surgery is not a simple and immediate solution. It necessitates careful preparation beforehand and long-term alterations to one’s lifestyle in order to achieve success.

When should I consider bariatric surgery?

Typically, individuals who are severely overweight (with a body mass index exceeding 40) or who have a body mass index above 35 along with other major health issues such as diabetes or heart disease are eligible for bariatric surgery.

Before considering bariatric surgery, it is advisable to explore alternative options. Typically, the initial approach involves making modifications to your diet, fluid intake, and daily physical activity. Additionally, certain medications can assist in weight loss. Generally, surgery is regarded as a last resort, following the attempted utilization of these alternative methods.

Losing weight can lead to various health advantages such as ameliorating type 2 diabetes, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing heart wellbeing.

Procedure Types

If you are interested in bariatric surgery, a healthcare professional will assess your overall health, weight loss goals, and various factors to suggest the most suitable procedure(s) for you.

• Gastric balloon procedure involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach via the mouth using a flexible tool called an endoscope. The balloon is then inflated to decrease the stomach’s capacity. This is a temporary treatment and the balloon is typically taken out within six months.
• The process of adjustable gastric banding, also known as lap band, entails the insertion of a durable silicone band around the stomach. By doing so, the band decreases the size of the stomach, without the need for any surgical removal. Typically, this procedure is conducted through a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy. Additionally, a small opening is made just beneath the skin to enable adjustments to the band.
• Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, involves the removal of a section of the stomach, which leads to a decrease in its size. This minimally invasive operation results in the restructuring of the remaining stomach into a shape resembling a sleeve.
• Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure that involves disconnecting the opening of the small intestine from the lower part of the stomach and reconnecting it to the upper part of the stomach. This reduces the stomach’s capacity to hold food and also decreases the amount of time food stays in the small intestine, which limits the absorption of nutrients. The most frequently performed type of gastric bypass surgery is known as the Roux-en-Y bypass, and it is usually done using laparoscopic techniques. This procedure includes removing a portion of the stomach along with the bypass.

What does the preparation for bariatric surgery entail?

Prior to setting a date for your bariatric surgery, your healthcare professional will need to verify that you are in good physical and mental condition for the procedure. You will have a meeting with a group of experts who will discuss the potential risks and advantages, as well as assess your overall well-being.

In order to ensure your safety, it may be necessary for you to undergo medical screening tests before the surgery. If you consume tobacco, drugs, or excessive amounts of alcohol, it will be essential for you to stop using them before being eligible for the procedure. Your healthcare professionals can assist you in achieving this goal.

Prior to your bariatric surgery, your surgeon might request that you adhere to a specific diet for a few weeks. The purpose of this is to decrease the amount of fat in your abdomen, the area where the surgery will be performed. By doing so, it enhances the safety of the procedure and minimizes the possibility of any complications. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions to follow.

What can I expect after bariatric surgery?

After undergoing bariatric surgery, it is necessary to adopt substantial changes in your lifestyle to effectively shed weight and maintain it. These modifications include adhering to dietary recommendations and possibly relying on lifelong intakes of vitamins or other supplements. Furthermore, your weight loss regime will incorporate enhanced engagement in physical activities.

Following the operation, your diet will initially consist of fluids. In the following weeks, you will gradually transition to pureed and eventually solid foods. Your portion sizes will be significantly smaller, and you may be advised to avoid drinking during meals due to the reduced capacity of your stomach.

There are instances where individuals may experience an initial reduction in weight, but over time, their body adapts to the alterations brought about by the surgery, and they may regain a portion of the weight lost.

Recovery

The recovery duration can differ depending on the type of bariatric procedure undergone. If a portion of your stomach or small intestine was surgically removed, the recovery period tends to be lengthier.

After being discharged from the hospital, you will need to visit a healthcare provider for a follow-up appointment shortly. This visit will be repeated every few weeks for some months. During these appointments, your drain and stitches will be taken out, your wound will be examined, and your surgical dressing will be changed.

What benefits does bariatric surgery offer?

• Substantial and continuous reduction in weight is achieved through surgery, which has been established as the sole effective treatment for long-lasting class III obesity.
• Improvement in metabolism and decrease in hunger hormones. Surgery is the sole method of treating obesity that restructures the body’s metabolic programming following obesity, aiming to prevent the return of weight.
• The management of cholesterol and blood sugar is improved by weight loss surgery, as it can often lead to the remission of diabetes symptoms and the cessation of medication use for people with metabolic syndromes.
• Losing weight through surgery not only helps prevent obesity-related health issues and discomfort, but it also has the potential to increase your lifespan. Extensive research has proven that undergoing bariatric surgery can reduce the probability of mortality from any cause by more than 40%.

Treatment in Türkiye:

The medical staff of surgical teams, doctors, and consultants at REHABTÜRK can provide the best treatment options and free consultations, striving to stay up-to-date on the latest medical technologies and methods.

Ask for a free consultation.