Bariatric Surgery

World Health Organization defines obesity as excessive fat accumulation in body, which is known to cause severe health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Thus, obesity treatment is of prime importance for a healthy life.

Bariatric Surgery

1. What Is Bariatric Surgery?
2. What Are Types of Bariatric Surgery?
   
   • Gastric Band (Stomach Staple)
   • Sleeve Gastrectomy
   • Gastric Bypass
   • Duodenal Switch Surgery
   • Mini Gastric Bypass
3. Who Are Suitable for Bariatric Surgery?

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

World Health Organization defines obesity as excessive fat accumulation in body, which is known to cause severe health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Thus, obesity treatment is of prime importance for a healthy life.

The bariatric surgery is a medical solution changing the lives of overweight people and offering them a new beginning. These advanced surgical procedures basically include the interventions performed on digestive system to struggle against effects of the obesity. These surgical methods, silver lining for overweight individual, are performed for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or BMI between 35 and 40 as well as people with obesity-related health issues.

The bariatric surgery not only helps you lose weight, but also reduces the obesity-related health problems or takes them away completely. However, patients need to change their lifestyle after the surgical intervention for a successful outcome. It is important to follow a diet plan regulated by dietitians, do exercises regularly and get a psychological support. These kinds of changes increase the chance of the surgical intervention and support weight loss process.

The bariatric surgery is a medical solution approaching the obesity problem in a modern and effective way while supporting the individuals during weight loss process. This method opens the door for a healthy future and improves the health and life quality of the individuals.

What Are Types of Bariatric Surgery?

• Gastric Band (Stomach Staple):

Gastric band surgery or stomach stapling is a surgical method, in which a band is placed around top part of the stomach to tighten it. This particular band divides the stomach into two sections and reduces food intake. Additionally, the degree of tightness can be regulated easily as the band is adjustable. Compared to other methods, the gastric band procedure is less risky and reversible. The band can be removed or loosened, in this way, it can be adjusted when needed. However, weight loss ratio may be more limited compared to other methods.

• Sleeve Gastrectomy:

The sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgery method, in which a large portion of the stomach is removed and the rest of the stomach is reshaped in the form of a tube. Volume of the stomach is reduced and the portions secreting hunger hormones are also removed in this procedure. Limiting the volume of the stomach, sleeve gastrectomy operation induces weight loss with hormonal changes. This procedure is generally a permanent surgical method and can provide long-term weight loss because of substantial reduction of the stomach.

• Gastric Bypass:

Gastric bypass is a bariatric surgery method, in which size of stomach is reduced and a portion of small intestine is bypassed. Initially, upper portion of the stomach is divided and a smaller pouch is created in the stomach. Afterwards, this newly created pouch is connected to small intestine. Thus, the consumed food bypasses a large portion of the stomach and directly goes to small intestine. The gastric bypass procedure limits both the volume of the stomach and absorption of food. In other words, less food intake becomes possible by reducing the gastric volume as well as amount of absorbed food decreases. Therefore, weight loss process accelerates and recovery chance of obesity-related diseases increases.

• Duodenal Switch Surgery:

Duodenal switch surgery is a bariatric surgery method performed to remove a large portion of the stomach and modify the small intestines. In this procedure, the stomach is reduced and given a tube shape. And some portions of the intestine are bypassed. This procedure limits both the volume of the stomach and absorption of food. Duodenal switch surgery is a more advanced option for obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. Restricting gastric volume and allowing less food intake, this method reduces the food absorption and induces weight loss.

• Mini Gastric Bypass:

Mini gastric bypass is a bariatric surgery method performed by reducing the size of stomach similar to the gastric bypass operation and bypassing the small intestine. In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is removed and a smaller pouch is created in the stomach. Afterwards, this newly created pouch is connected to further zone of small intestine. The mini gastric bypass surgery is an option preferred as an alternative to gastric bypass method. Restricting gastric volume and allowing less food intake, this method reduces the food absorption and induces weight loss.

Who Are Suitable for Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a medical solution used to enable weight loss in overweight or obese individuals and treat obesity-related health problems. However, the bariatric surgery may not be suitable for everyone and requires a detailed evaluation in advance of its performance. Patients are evaluated by a bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist, dietitian and psychologist, and the most proper treatment option is determined as well as a surgical plan suitable for the patient is prepared.

For the bariatric surgery candidates, following factors are taken into consideration:

• BMI (Body Mass Index): The body mass index (BMI) is an important criterion for the bariatric surgery candidates. Individuals with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or above are generally considered as appropriate for the surgery. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms to the square of height in meters. For instance, an individual with a BMI of 40 and weight of 120 kg should be 1.75 mt. in height (BMI= 120 / (1.75 x 1.75) = 39.2). The surgery can also be considered in case of presence of obesity-related health problems in individuals with a BMI between 35 and 40.
• Obesity-Related Health Problems: Obesity can cause a range of severe health problems. The bariatric surgery candidates may be the individuals with obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, cardiac disease, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, asthma, joint problems, depression and some cancer types. These health problems can be improved or managed with weight loss.
• Failure of Other Treatment Methods: Bariatric surgery is generally considered as a last resort. Nonsurgical methods such as weight loss programs, diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and some medication treatments can be tried at first. However, if no weight loss occurs or health problems persist despite these treatments, the bariatric surgery can be taken into account.
• Suitability For Surgery: The bariatric surgery is decided based on the evaluation of individual’s overall health condition, suitability for surgery and resistance to risks. Some patients may not be suitable for the surgery because of some health problems and complications risks.
• Age and Health Condition: Age and overall health conditions of the candidates are evaluated for the bariatric surgery. Age can cause some surgical risks. Some health problems, on the other hand, can cause suitability for the surgery or increase complication risk. Thus, patient’s medical history and current health condition are evaluated in detail by a bariatric surgeon
• Diet and Lifestyle Changes: The bariatric surgery should be regarded as a mean of lifestyle change. The surgery is a mean to accelerate the weight loss process and treat obesity-related health problems. However, the patient should follow a diet under regular dietitian follow-up, do exercise and adopt healthy lifestyle habits after the surgery. These measures play a vital role to maintain success of the surgery and optimize the long-term outcomes.
• Psychological Condition: The bariatric surgery candidates should be psychologically ready in regard of adopting lifestyle changes and supporting weight loss process after the surgery. Psychological support can help patients adopt the surgical process and support their emotions before and after the surgery.