Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is the general term for surgical procedures used to treat severe obesity and obesity-related health problems. It is chosen to achieve lasting weight loss and improve quality of life when diet, exercise, and medication fail to produce sufficient results.
Obesity today is not merely an aesthetic issue; it is also one of the underlying causes of many serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases, and joint problems. Bariatric surgery can help bring these conditions under control and, in some cases, even lead to their complete resolution.
The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
- It promotes lasting and effective weight loss.
- It can significantly improve the management of Type 2 diabetes.
- It helps lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- It may help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
- It improves mobility and quality of life.
- It contributes positively to self-confidence and psychological well-being.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
1. Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery today. Approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed to create a smaller, tube-shaped stomach.
Advantages:
- It helps you eat less.
- It reduces levels of ghrelin, known as the hunger hormone.
- Technically, it is simpler than some other methods.
- It promotes effective weight loss.
2. Gastric Bypass
In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is reduced in size and a portion of the small intestine is rerouted. This reduces both the amount of food consumed and partially limits calorie absorption.
Advantages:
- It yields particularly successful results in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Long-term weight loss rates are high.
- It may offer benefits to patients with reflux.
3. Mini Gastric Bypass
Mini gastric bypass is a procedure that can be performed in less time than traditional bypass surgery. The stomach is reduced in size, and the small intestine is connected to the stomach via a single anastomosis.
Advantages:
- Shorter surgery time.
- Powerful weight-loss effect.
- Successful results in diabetes management.
4. Revision Surgery
These are revision surgeries performed on patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery but have not achieved sufficient weight loss or have regained weight.
Who is eligible?
- Patients who have regained weight
- Patients who develop complications
- People who did not experience sufficient benefits from their first surgery
5. Gastric Balloon
Although it is not a surgical procedure, it plays an important role among weight-loss treatments. The balloon, which is placed inside the stomach using an endoscopic method, helps the person feel full sooner.
Advantages:
- It is a non-surgical method.
- It does not require hospitalization.
- It can be implemented quickly.
Who Is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is generally:
- People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher,
- People with a BMI over 35 who have additional conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea,
- It is being evaluated for individuals who have been unable to succeed in long-term weight loss efforts.
However, the appropriate method varies from patient to patient. For this reason, a detailed medical evaluation is of great importance.
Postoperative Process
For successful outcomes, the postoperative period is just as important as the surgery itself. Patients should:
- Sticking to the meal plan,
- Engaging in regular exercise,
- Taking vitamin and mineral supplements,
- He needs to go for regular checkups with his doctor.