Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the use of surgical interventions for people who are overweight or obese. These surgical procedures are typically performed on patients who have not been successful with other weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise. Bariatric surgery can be an option for treating obesity-related health problems. For example, conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and heart disease may improve or become less severe after bariatric surgery . Today, obesity has become a public health threat. The prevalence of obesity has increased across all age groups, especially in children, and this increase has led to an increased prevalence of obesity-related diseases.

These surgical procedures typically work by reducing the size of the stomach or rerouting the intestines. Gastric bypass surgery is used to reduce the size of the stomach and cause the patient to eat less. This intestinal rerouting alters the way nutrients are absorbed, resulting in weight loss.

Bariatric surgery , like any other surgical procedure, carries risks. Surgical procedures can cause infections, bleeding, anesthesia-related problems, and other complications.

What are the Bariatric Surgery Treatment Methods?

Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy):  This procedure reduces the amount of food eaten by reducing the stomach volume. Reducing the stomach size allows patients to eat less and, consequently, consume fewer calories. In this gastric sleeve surgery, approximately 80% of the patient's stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is shaped into a long, thin tube. This reduces the stomach size and can no longer hold as much food. Furthermore, the stomach produces less ghrelin, the hunger hormone. This results in a decreased appetite after the surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery helps patients lose significant amounts of weight. One of the biggest advantages of this type of surgery is that it requires a shorter hospital stay than other surgical methods. 

Bypass surgery: This procedure bypasses a portion of the stomach and small intestine, reducing absorption. This reduces the number of calories patients consume. Compared to volume-restrictive techniques, it stands out for its greater weight loss and improved recovery from comorbidities. 

Gastric band surgery : In this procedure, a band is placed around the stomach, dividing it into two sections. This allows patients to eat less and consume fewer calories. This surgery is essentially performed in two steps. First, a small section of the upper stomach is separated from the rest of the stomach. Then, the beginning of the small intestine, to which the stomach is attached, and the rest of the small intestine are also divided into two sections. The middle section of the intestine is connected to the smaller section separated from the stomach. The remaining large portion of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine are then attached to the structure near the middle of the intestine. With gastric bypass surgery, the stomach size is reduced, allowing the patient to eat less in one sitting. Furthermore, because food consumed bypasses the first section of the intestine, nutrient absorption is reduced. 

Bariatric surgery can help prevent or improve health problems caused by obesity. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, and other health problems. However, bariatric surgery also carries risks and complications, so each procedure should be evaluated individually, taking into account the potential risks and benefits.

What Diseases Does Obesity Surgery Treat?

Obesity is a disease that involves excess fat in a person's body. While this condition is often perceived as a cosmetic concern, it is a medical condition that can underlie many illnesses. Bariatric surgery can help address many obesity-related health problems, including:

• Diabetes: Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Bariatric surgery can be an effective way to relieve diabetes symptoms, reduce insulin resistance, and control blood sugar levels.
• High blood pressure: Obesity is a major cause of high blood pressure. Bariatric surgery can be used to treat high blood pressure by reducing the use of blood pressure-lowering medications and preventing hypertension.
• High cholesterol : Obesity is one of the main causes of high cholesterol levels. Bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels.
• Sleep apnea: Obesity is one of the main causes of sleep apnea. Bariatric surgery can be an effective way to relieve sleep apnea symptoms.
• Heart disease: Obesity is a major cause of heart disease. Bariatric surgery can help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Joint problems: Excess weight puts extra stress on joints and can lead to joint problems like osteoarthritis. Bariatric surgery can help relieve symptoms of joint problems by losing weight.

Therefore, bariatric surgery can address many obesity-related health issues and significantly improve patients' health. However, bariatric surgery also carries risks and complications, so each patient should be evaluated individually.

Who is Suitable for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is not suitable for everyone and must be evaluated individually for each patient. Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for patients who meet the following criteria:

• Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher: BMI is calculated by dividing body weight by the square of height. Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher are considered extremely obese and are the best candidates for bariatric surgery.
• Individuals with a BMI between 35 and 39: These individuals are not severely obese, but they have obesity-related health problems (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease). These individuals may also be suitable candidates for bariatric surgery.
• People with obesity-related health problems: People with obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and heart disease may be suitable candidates for bariatric surgery.
• People who have failed other weight loss methods: If other weight loss methods such as diet, exercise, or medication have failed or if sufficient weight loss has not been achieved, bariatric surgery may be an option.

However, bariatric surgery is not suitable for everyone, and each patient needs to be evaluated individually. Patients should speak with their doctors to determine their suitability for bariatric surgery, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle, and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prices of stomach reduction surgery, obesity surgery prices, and obesity treatment prices?

 Stomach Reduction Surgery, Bariatric Surgery , and Obesity Treatment Prices can vary depending on many factors. You can visit our Private Ankara Magnet Hospital for a preliminary consultation with our General Surgery doctor and receive pricing information. To easily reach us and schedule an appointment, please call 0312 212 80 80.

At what weight does obesity surgery begin?

Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure performed to support weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity. However, because each individual's situation is different, the weight limit for surgery may vary depending on overall health and other factors.

Typically, the weight limit for bariatric surgery is determined using a measure called body mass index (BMI). BMI is an index that calculates a person's weight relative to their height. Individuals with a BMI over 30 are generally considered obese.

Suitable candidates for bariatric surgery include those with a BMI over 40, those with a BMI between 35 and 40, and those with obesity-related health problems. However, this is only a general guideline, and individual circumstances may vary.

Who is not suitable for obesity surgery?

Bariatric surgery can be an effective option for combating obesity. However, it may not be suitable for every patient. Some conditions that make bariatric surgery unsuitable include:

• Bariatric surgery can be risky for some individuals with serious health conditions. For example, conditions such as heart disease, lung problems, liver disease, or kidney failure can make bariatric surgery risky.
• Bariatric surgery may not be appropriate if individuals are not psychologically ready. Individuals with severe depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions should first address these issues and seek appropriate psychological support.
• Bariatric surgery is a procedure performed to promote weight loss. If a person does not meet the definition of obesity or is not overweight enough to warrant surgery, bariatric surgery may not be appropriate.
• Bariatric surgery is generally not recommended for women planning a pregnancy. It can carry risks for pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, women considering bariatric surgery should generally consider the option after pregnancy planning is complete.

This does not cover all situations where bariatric surgery is not appropriate. Each patient should be evaluated based on their individual circumstances and health history. Anyone considering bariatric surgery should consult with a bariatric surgeon or healthcare professional to learn more about their specific condition and evaluate appropriate treatment options.

Which department should I go to for obesity?

You can consult various healthcare professionals to address your obesity problem. Here are some healthcare professionals you can contact for help with obesity:

• Endocrinologist: Endocrinologists are specialists who study hormonal and metabolic disorders. Obesity can have several hormonal causes, so an endocrinologist can assess and treat your obesity.
• Bariatric surgeon: Bariatric surgery is a field in which obesity surgeries are performed. Bariatric surgeons specialize in obesity surgery and provide evaluation, treatment, and follow-up services related to obesity surgery.
• Nutritionist: A nutritionist or dietitian can provide nutritional counseling and guidance for obesity management. They can help you lose weight by creating a healthy diet plan and offer suggestions for improving your eating habits.
• Psychologist or psychiatrist: Obesity is often linked to psychological factors, so seeking psychological support is important. A psychologist or psychiatrist can work with the emotional and behavioral issues associated with obesity, increase motivation, and address the issues that contribute to obesity.
• General surgeon or internist: Obesity management can also be addressed through weight loss-promoting medications or nonsurgical approaches. In this case, a general surgeon or internist can evaluate the obesity and determine the appropriate treatment plan.