Obesity Surgery

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Obesity Surgery

 

Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a collection of procedures designed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight when traditional methods like diet and exercise have not been effective.

About Obesity Surgery

Obesity surgery works by either limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or a combination of both gastric restriction and malabsorption. These procedures not only aid in significant weight loss but also improve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

 

Obesity Surgery Before After

Obesity Surgery Before After

Types of Obesity Surgery

Gastric Bypass Surgery: It involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a large part of the stomach and duodenum.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: This involves removing about 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-like portion of the stomach in place, and eliminating the portion that produces the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin.

Adjustable Gastric Band: This procedure involves placing a band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch to hold food, limiting the amount of food that can be consumed at a time.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): A more complex procedure that removes a large part of the stomach and bypasses a significant portion of the small intestine.

 

Benefits 

  • Effective Weight Loss: Most patients experience significant and long-term weight loss, helping improve quality of life.
  • Improved Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels often improve or resolve completely.
  • Increased Energy and Mobility: Weight loss can lead to increased energy levels and greater mobility.
  • Enhanced Psychological Well-being: Many patients report improvements in mood, self-esteem, and quality of life.

Candidates for the surgery typically include those with a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. The decision to undergo the surgery should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the potential benefits and risks.

For more detailed information and to evaluate if you are a candidate for obesity surgery, please contact Aktif International Hospitals.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is obesity surgery?

Obesity surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to help individuals with severe obesity lose weight by making changes to their digestive system.

Who is a candidate for this surgery?

Candidates for obesity operation typically have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

What are the different types of obesity surgery?

Common types of obesity surgery include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each type works differently to help patients lose weight.

How does obesity operation help with weight loss?

Obesity operation works by reducing the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food that can be eaten at one time, and/or altering the way food is digested. This leads to reduced calorie intake and often significant weight loss.

 

Obesity

Obesity

What are the risks and complications associated with the surgery?

Risks and complications can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, gastrointestinal leaks, and nutritional deficiencies. It’s important for patients to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider.

What lifestyle changes are necessary after obesity surgery?

After surgery, patients must make significant lifestyle changes including adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and attending regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team.

How much weight can I expect to lose after obesity surgery?

Weight loss varies depending on the type of surgery and individual factors such as starting weight and adherence to post-surgery guidelines. On average, patients can expect to lose 50-70% of their excess body weight within the first 2 years after surgery.

Is obesity surgery reversible?

Some types of obesity surgery, such as gastric banding, are reversible, while others, like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are generally considered permanent. Reversibility depends on the specific procedure and individual circumstances.

 

Author: Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz

Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz

 

For more information about this surgery, please visit the websites of our doctors listed below:

Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz – Obesity Surgeon

Mehdi Deniz – Obesity Surgeon

İbrahim Ağaçkıran – Obesity Surgeon

Cihan Şahan – Obesity Surgeon