Obesity is a pathology associated with various diseases that shorten life expectancy and impair its quality. The cause of this disease is an increase in adipose tissue. Bariatric surgery refers to a combination of basic interventions for patients with obesity. It aims not only to eliminate excess adipose tissue, but also to prevent and/or treat the pathologies that accompany this disease.

Pathologies Associated with Obesity:

Metabolic diseases: Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels Cancers: Breast cancer, colon rectal cancer, uterine cancer, esophageal cancer, gallbladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer and thyroid cancer Cardiovascular Pathologies: Hypertension, cardiovascular diseases Respiratory Pathologies: Shortness of breath (even with light effort), Pickwick syndrome (tendency to fall asleep easily during activities of daily living), sleep apnea More than 2.8 million people die each year due to overweight or obesity. Different treatments are possible to deal with overweight conditions (under medical supervision), but when it comes to grade 2 or 3 obesity, the best solution is bariatric surgery (obesity surgery)

What is Obesity Surgery?

Approaches adopted by overweight or obese individuals can vary widely and can be quite harmful to health. Some people may resort to extreme diets, while others may try weight-loss pills, herbal teas, or exercise. Obesity should be considered a disease, and overweight or obese individuals should be monitored by a specialist. When all options are exhausted, modern medicine offers highly effective solutions, which can help prevent serious illnesses. The basic idea behind bariatric surgical interventions is to limit the amount of food the stomach can hold, and these interventions vary depending on the patient’s body mass index.

The obesity surgery interventions offered are as follows: Gastric bypass is a surgery that changes how your body processes food by creating a small pouch in the upper stomach and connecting it to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach. It is suitable for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (severe obesity) or a BMI of 35 and above with weight-related serious issues (Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea). Sleeve gastrectomy aims to reduce eating habits by removing 75% to 80% of the stomach. It may be suitable for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher (severe obesity), a BMI of 35 and above with weight-related serious issues (Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea), or in some cases, individuals with a BMI between 30 and 34 with serious health problems related to weight. Gastric balloon is a spherical-shaped medical device placed in the patient’s stomach. It is valid for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or higher. Each operation has its advantages and disadvantages. We will examine each option tailored to you to determine which type of obesity surgery is most suitable for you.

Gastric Bypass Obesity Surgery

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is one of the most common and effective bariatric procedures. It involves creating a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach and connecting it directly to the lower part of the small intestine, bypassing the remaining stomach and duodenum. This effectively reduces the amount of food that can be absorbed by the body, leading to significant weight loss.

Advantages of Gastric Bypass Obesity Surgery:

Substantial Weight Loss: Patients can typically lose 60-80% of their excess weight.

Improved Comorbidities: Gastric bypass can significantly improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol.

Long-Term Weight Control: Gastric bypass can provide long-term weight control with proper diet and lifestyle modifications.

Sleeve Gastrectomy Obesity Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is another effective bariatric procedure. It involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach along its greater curvature, leaving a banana-shaped sleeve. The remaining stomach is then connected directly to the small intestine.

Advantages of Sleeve Gastrectomy Obesity Surgery:

Significant Weight Loss: Patients can typically lose 30% of their body weight within the first 6 months.

Improved Comorbidities: Sleeve gastrectomy can effectively manage obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Reduced Risk of Complications: Sleeve gastrectomy is associated with lower rates of complications compared to gastric bypass.

Gastric Balloon Obesity Surgery

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss option for individuals with moderate to severe obesity (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²). It involves placing an inflatable silicone balloon into the stomach via endoscopy. The balloon occupies space in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing food intake.

Advantages of Gastric Balloon Obesity Surgery:

Non-Surgical Approach: Offers a non-surgical alternative for weight loss.

Moderate Weight Loss: Suitable for individuals seeking moderate weight loss.

Rapid Results: Patients can experience noticeable effects quickly.

Minimal Invasiveness: The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Reversible Procedure: The balloon can be removed after 6-12 months.

Choosing the Right Bariatric Procedure

The choice of bariatric procedure depends on individual factors such as overall health, weight loss goals, and personal preferences. Consulting with a qualified bariatric surgeon is crucial to determine the most suitable option for each patient.

Disclaimer:

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on bariatric surgery (obesity surgery) options.