Obesity Surgery (Bariatric)

What is Obesity (Bariatric) Surgery?

Obesity surgery is a permanent procedure for weight loss via surgery for patients who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise. 

Obesity, which can be defined as fat accumulation at a rate that disrupts body health, prepares the ground for many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, joint and spine problems, cancer, infertility (infertility). Poor exercise and diet, low water intake, hormonal changes and genetic factors can all be the leading factors in the causes of obesity.

Obesity surgery is an effective procedure for individuals who are morbidly obese with a body mass index of 35 and above. Patients with excess weight are first encouraged to include a healthy diet and exercise to their lifestyle, if this fails, surgery can then be considered as an option. 

It’s very important that patients comply with the criteria for obesity surgery. The patient’s  body fat and muscle ratio, as well as the body mass index, are calculated and the results are examined. If the results show a situation in which it affects the health of the patient, an obesity surgery may be operated. 

The success of this operation depends on how much the patient changes their lifestyle and eating habits after the surgery. It is advised that the patient follows a diet program provided by a dietician and includes exercise in their life. 

Who Is Suitable For Obesity Surgery?

With changing living conditions and eating habits, obesity has become a global health problem. Obesity is the cause of many health problems, including the risk of early age death. Patient profiles that are suitable for obesity surgery, are as follows;

• People who have been obese for 5 years or more
• Those who cannot achieve results despite habits such as diet and exercise.
• People between the ages of 18-55 who do not have an other issues affecting surgery

People with a body mass index of 35 and above, Type 2 diabetes, infertility, NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis – a clinicopathological condition similar to alcohol-induced fatty liver disease in people who do not consume alcohol and usually asymptomatic), sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and obesity-related diseases such as joint disease are due to being overweight.

Individuals who suffer from these conditions may be able to benefit from bariatric surgery to lose excess weight and have a better , healthier, quality of life. However it is vital that the necessary examinations and controls are carried out by expert doctors in the field before this application is considered.

How Is An Obesity Surgery Performed?

Obesity surgery is considered the only treatment that is effective, especially for individuals who cannot reach their goals from diet changes and exercises under the guidance of a doctor. 

With the developing technology today, there is more than one method that is available in this field. These methods are listed below in order:

• Gastric Botox
• Gastric balloon
• Gastric band (stomach clamp)
• Gastric sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
• RY gastric bypass
• Mini gastric bypass

The suitability of these procedures are dependent on the health conditions and status of the patient. The right procedure will be determined by the physician at the consultation.

Recovery Process After Treatment

The recovery process after an Obesity surgery varies depending on the method applied, however patients should be kept under observation for 2-3 days after surgery. It may take approximately 4-6 weeks to see the full healing effects. During this time it is important to follow the diet and exercise plan recommended by the doctor, to ensure that the result is achieved in a short time. 

It is common to see the physical and psychological effects in patients who have undergone a major change with this operation.

Benefits Of Obesity Surgery

An obesity surgery is the process of surgically removing excess weight that wont shift from normal dieting or exercise. The main advantages of this surgery include:

• Hypertension that occurs due to obesity improves and the use of medication decreases in the first month after surgery.
• Risk of heart diseases is minimized.
• Patients with peripheral edema experience a significant loss of edema after surgery.
• As well as reducing the volume of the stomach, hormonal changes in the body are also reduced to normal levels.
• As this condition can cause reflux, the risk of reflux is reduced when followed with the diet also. 
• Snoring issues disappear after surgery. 
• Mobility increases and breathing becomes more comfortable.
• Joint and spine health improves as body weight decreases.

When taking these benefits into consideration, it shows that obesity surgery can actually offer patients a healthier life.