Bariatric Surgery

Obesity Center & Bariatric Surgery

At Acıbadem Obesity Clinic, we treat obesity with personalized plans. These include diet, exercise, non-invasive methods, and bariatric surgery.

What is obesity?

Obesity is when you have too much fat that harms your health. In the last 50 years, obesity has tripled worldwide. It’s not just about looks; it’s a serious health issue.

Too much fat in your body makes you hungry and feel full less. This makes it hard to lose weight without help. But, obesity is preventable and treatable with the right motivation and medical team.

Causes of obesity

Obesity happens when you eat more calories than you burn. This extra energy turns into fat. Eating too much and moving too little can lead to obesity.

Genetics, medical conditions, and some medicines can also cause weight gain.

Obesity risk factors

Many factors can lead to weight gain. These include:

Sitting too much. Lack of exercise leads to weight gain.
Eating unhealthy. Too much sugar, fat, and salt can add pounds.
Genetics. Some genes make you hungrier or store more fat.
Age. As you get older, your metabolism slows, making it easier to gain weight.
Stress. Stress can make you eat more and hold onto extra weight.
Medical conditions. Certain diseases can slow your metabolism or make you hungry.

How is obesity measured?

Body mass index (BMI) is a common way to check for obesity. It uses your weight and height. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters, then dividing that result by your height again.

The result is matched to a BMI chart to see if you’re underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

Classification of obesity according to body mass index

Value Interval		Result
BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m²		Underweight
BMI between 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m²		Normal (healthy weight)
BMI between 25 – 29.9 kg/m²		Overweight
BMI between 30 – 34.9 kg/m²		Class I Obesity
BMI between 35 – 39.9 kg/m²		Class II Obesity
BMI over 40 kg/m²		Class III Obesity (Morbid obesity)

Complications of obesity

Being overweight or obese can cause serious health problems. It can lead to high cholesterol and blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Extra weight also puts pressure on your joints, causing musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis. It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and certain cancers.

Obesity can also lower your quality of life, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

How to prevent obesity

Preventing obesity is easy with the right choices. Eating lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and legumes helps. Avoiding processed foods is also key.

Regular exercise and walks can also help. Cooking at home and eating more plant-based foods are good ideas. Getting enough sleep and managing stress are important too.

If you’re struggling to keep a healthy weight, seek help. A team at an obesity center can create a plan just for you.

Obesity screening

Everyone should get a BMI check yearly. If your BMI goes up, your doctor might suggest diet and exercise to stop more weight gain.

Obesity diagnosis

BMI is a good first step for weight checks. But it doesn’t account for age, gender, muscle, or fat distribution. Knowing where fat is stored is key.

Fat around the belly is risky, increasing heart disease and diabetes risk. Men with a waist over 94 cm are at risk. Women with a waist over 80 cm are also at risk.

Health history and current health are important for diagnosis. A team of experts can create a tailored treatment plan.

Obesity treatment

Obesity is a complex disease needing a team approach. Treatment plans are made just for each patient. They might include:

Custom diet and exercise plans. Specialists can help with steady weight loss.
Medications. Doctors might prescribe drugs to help with appetite or fullness.
Nonsurgical treatments. Some procedures can help when diet and exercise fail.
Bariatric surgery. This involves stomach volume reduction or food absorption changes.

Nonsurgical weight loss procedures

These methods are quick and don’t require surgery. They’re best for those with a BMI of 27–35. Acıbadem Obesity Clinic offers:

Gastric Botox. It takes 20–25 minutes and limits stomach contractions.
Gastric balloon. It takes 20–30 minutes and reduces stomach volume.

Gastric Botox and balloons lead to similar weight loss. Patients can lose 7–15% of their body weight in six months. These methods aren’t for those needing to lose more than 40% of their body weight.

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a treatment for obesity. It’s also called obesity surgery or weight-loss surgery. It changes the digestive system to help with weight loss.

There are different techniques used. These include reducing the stomach size or limiting nutrient absorption. Or, a combination of both.

Candidates for bariatric surgery

People with a BMI over 40 might consider bariatric surgery. It’s also for those with a BMI over 35 and health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure. This surgery is also used to treat type 2 diabetes in some cases.

But, it’s not for everyone. It’s not for those with serious heart issues, drug or alcohol addiction, or cancer. Pregnancy is also a reason to avoid it. Those considering obesity surgery must be ready for big lifestyle changes.

Types of bariatric surgery

The type of surgery depends on the patient’s needs. At Acıbadem Obesity Clinic, there are a few options:

Sleeve gastrectomy. This is often the first choice. It reduces stomach size and limits hunger hormone production. The stomach is made into a long, narrow pouch. It’s done laparoscopically, lasting about an hour. The patient can drink clear liquids after four hours and must follow a strict diet. The hospital stay is three days, with follow-up exams at one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year.
Mini gastric bypass. This is a lighter version of the traditional gastric bypass. It restricts the stomach and limits nutrient absorption.
Gastric bypass. Also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, it creates a small stomach pouch and attaches part of the small intestine. This reduces food intake and calorie absorption. At Acıbadem Obesity Clinic, it’s done laparoscopically, through small incisions.

Patients need to stick to a regular diet and exercise after surgery. The success of the surgery depends on making lasting lifestyle changes.

Benefits of bariatric surgery

Patients can lose 60–80% of excess weight within two years. These results are permanent if they follow their recommended program. About 80–90% of patients reach their weight-loss goals.

Obesity surgery also improves many health conditions. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

High blood pressure is regulated. 70% of patients stop taking hypertension drugs.
Blood cholesterol improves. Over 80% of patients report normal levels 2–3 months after the operation.
The risk of developing cardiac diseases is reduced due to the decreased workload of the heart.
Diabetes is reversed. About 70–85% of patients with type 2 diabetes are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without medications.
Asthma and respiratory problems are improved, with some patients recovering completely.
Obesity-related sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are cured.
Joint and back pain caused by excess weight is relieved.

Is bariatric surgery safe?

Obesity surgery can be lifesaving for people with severe obesity. It’s a major surgery with risks like blood clots, infections, and bleeding. But, the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery are greater than the risks. At Acıbadem Obesity Clinic, we carefully evaluate each patient with a team of experts.

We ensure each patient gets the right medical procedure. Bariatric surgery is safe when done in an experienced center that can handle complications.

Why choose Acıbadem Obesity Clinic?

Patients from all over the world come to Turkey for bariatric surgery. They are drawn by the chance to get obesity treatment quickly, affordably, and with top-notch results. Acıbadem Obesity Center is a top choice for several reasons.

Experienced multidisciplinary team. Obesity treatment is a team effort. At Acıbadem Obesity Center, a team of specialists works together to achieve success rates above 90%.
State-of-the-art equipment. Acıbadem invests in the latest tools and devices. This helps surgeons perform bariatric surgery with advanced techniques.
A-class patient service. Our International Patient Center offers full service, including medical appointments, travel, and language support.

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ACIBADEM Obesity Center

For those fighting obesity, bariatric surgery is a game-changer. It not only helps you lose weight but also boosts your health and happiness. This surgery is a proven way to manage weight and improve life quality.

In this guide, we’ll dive into weight loss surgery. We’ll look at the different types, who can get it, and its many benefits. If you’re thinking about surgery or supporting someone who is, knowing the details is key.

Let’s explore how bariatric surgery can change your life. It’s a step towards better health and well-being. Join us on this journey, one step at a time.

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery, also known as metabolic surgery, is a group of surgical procedures. They help people with severe obesity lose a lot of weight. These minimally invasive surgeries change the digestive system. This limits food intake and reduces nutrient absorption, leading to effective long-term obesity treatment.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery includes various techniques that change the stomach and/or intestines. The most common procedures are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. These surgeries aim to restrict food intake, reduce hunger hormones, and improve metabolism. This results in substantial weight loss and improved overall health.

Who is a Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

Candidates for bariatric surgery usually have a BMI of 40 or higher. Or, they have a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. Patients must also have tried traditional weight loss methods without success. They must be committed to making lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes to maintain their weight loss after surgery.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Beyond significant weight loss, bariatric surgery offers many health benefits. Metabolic surgery can lead to the remission or improvement of obesity-related conditions. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. These minimally invasive surgeries also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Successful obesity treatment through bariatric surgery can improve quality of life, increase mobility, and boost self-esteem.

Types of Bariatric Surgery Procedures

Bariatric surgery offers several procedures to help people lose weight. The main types are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. Each method has its own way to help with weight loss and better health.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is very common. It makes a small pouch at the stomach’s top and connects it to the small intestine. This limits how much food you can eat and absorb, leading to weight loss.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy removes about 80% of the stomach, leaving a thin, banana-like stomach. This smaller stomach limits food intake and reduces hunger hormones, helping with weight loss and feeling full.

Adjustable Gastric Banding

Adjustable gastric banding uses a silicone band around the stomach’s top. This band can be adjusted by adding or removing saline solution. The smaller stomach pouch helps control food intake, leading to weight loss over time.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) is a complex procedure. It combines sleeve gastrectomy with intestinal bypass. This limits food intake and nutrient absorption, causing significant weight loss. It’s often chosen for those with severe obesity or who haven’t seen results with other surgeries.

Each bariatric surgery has its benefits and considerations. They all aim to help patients achieve a healthier weight and better well-being. It’s important for those thinking about bariatric surgery to talk to their healthcare provider. They can help choose the best procedure for their needs and goals.

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Getting ready for bariatric surgery is a big step in your weight loss journey. It’s a detailed process to make sure you get the best results. You’ll go through medical checks, psychological tests, and nutrition advice to see if you’re ready.

Meeting the weight loss surgery needs is a big part of getting ready. These needs can change based on your situation and the surgery type. Usually, you need a high BMI, like 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 with health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.

You also need to show you’re serious about changing your life for the long term. This means eating healthier, moving more, and joining support groups. Your team will help make a plan just for you, focusing on your needs and goals.

Before surgery, you might have to do some tests and screenings. These could be blood tests, imaging, and checks on your heart and lungs. These tests help find any health issues that could affect the surgery’s success.

By thoroughly preparing for bariatric surgery, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and a smoother recovery. Your bariatric surgery team will support you every step of the way. They’ll help you reach your weight loss goals and improve your health and life quality.

The Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Bariatric surgery is a big step that needs careful thought and planning. It involves several stages, from before surgery to after recovery. Knowing what to expect at each step can make patients feel more ready and confident for their health journey.

Pre-Operative Considerations

Before surgery, patients get a detailed check-up to see if they’re ready. This includes medical tests, blood work, and talks with a team of doctors. They also get advice on diet and lifestyle changes to help them do well.

Anesthesia and Surgical Techniques

Bariatric surgery often uses laparoscopic methods, which are less invasive. This means small cuts in the belly and special tools for the surgery. Patients are under general anesthesia for comfort and safety. The surgery type, like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, decides the exact method.

Post-Operative Recovery

After surgery, patients start their recovery in the hospital. Managing pain and watching vital signs is key. They move from liquids to soft foods as they heal. Comprehensive post-operative care and support from the medical team are vital for success and health after surgery.

Life After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a big change that lasts long after the surgery. It’s important to keep a healthy lifestyle for lasting success. Patients will see big changes in their diet, exercise, and health.

Diet and Nutrition Changes

After surgery, patients follow a special diet. It starts with liquids, then moves to soft foods, and eventually regular foods. Eating small, frequent meals and chewing well is key.

It’s also important to take vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies. A dietitian helps with personalized nutrition plans. This ensures patients get the right support for their weight loss journey.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise is key for health and weight loss after surgery. Start with easy activities like walking or swimming. Then, add more intense exercises as you get stronger.

Find fun activities and set goals to stay motivated. Working with a fitness expert who knows about post-bariatric exercise can be very helpful.

Follow-Up Care and Support

Regular check-ups are vital for monitoring progress and making sure everything is going well. Patients see their surgeon, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals often. These visits help track weight loss and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

Emotional support is just as important as medical care during the post-operative journey. Joining support groups or talking to others who have had surgery can be very helpful. It provides motivation and a sense of community. Mental health professionals can also help with emotional changes.

Potential Risks and Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a proven way to treat obesity. But, it’s important to know it comes with risks and complications. These can affect a patient’s health and life quality in the short and long term.

Right after surgery, patients might face infections, bleeding, or blood clots. Following the surgeon’s advice on wound care and activity can help. Some may also deal with nausea, vomiting, or acid reflux as their body adjusts.

Long-term, patients might face nutritional deficiencies because of less vitamin and mineral absorption. Regular check-ups and supplements are key to staying healthy. Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation, can be managed with diet and medication.

Another long-term risk is hernias or adhesions, which might need more surgery. Rarely, patients could face serious issues like ulcers or blockages in the digestive tract. This shows why ongoing care with a bariatric specialist is vital.

People thinking about bariatric surgery should talk openly with their surgeon about risks. Knowing these risks and taking steps to avoid them helps patients make informed choices. This way, they can get the best results from their weight loss journey.

Success Stories: Real-Life Transformations

Thinking about bariatric surgery? Real-life success stories can inspire and motivate you. These stories show how surgery can change health, confidence, and life quality.

Patient Testimonials

Sarah, a 45-year-old mom of two, has a powerful story. She battled obesity for over a decade, trying many diets and exercises. After gastric bypass surgery, she lost 120 pounds in a year. She says it’s changed her life, giving her more energy and the ability to keep up with her kids.

Michael, a 55-year-old businessman, also found success. He was hesitant but chose sleeve gastrectomy. He lost over 100 pounds and reversed his type 2 diabetes. Now, he enjoys hiking and playing sports with his grandkids.

Before and After Photos

Seeing before and after photos of bariatric surgery is compelling. These photos show the huge changes in body composition. Patients look slimmer, healthier, and more confident.

These success stories prove the power of bariatric surgery. They inspire and encourage those thinking about this journey. We share these stories to motivate and support.

Choosing the Right Bariatric Surgeon

Choosing the right bariatric surgeon is a big decision. A skilled surgeon can make your surgery safe and successful. They will support you every step of the way.

Qualifications and Experience

Look for a surgeon who is board-certified in general surgery and has a bariatric surgery fellowship. This shows they have the right training and skills. Also, ask about their experience and success rates.

An experienced surgeon will have a good track record. They can handle any problems that might come up.

Accreditation and Facility Quality

The facility where you’ll have surgery is also important. Make sure it’s accredited by groups like the American College of Surgeons. This means it meets high standards for safety and care.

Check the facility’s complication rates and patient satisfaction. This will help you understand their quality of care.

Choosing the right surgeon and facility is important. Do your research and ask questions. With the right team, you’re on your way to a healthier life.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery?

A: Bariatric and weight loss surgery are often used the same way. They are surgeries to help people with severe obesity lose weight. These surgeries change the digestive system to limit food intake or reduce nutrient absorption.

Q: How do I know if I qualify for bariatric surgery?

A: You might qualify if your BMI is 40 or higher. Or if your BMI is 35 or higher and you have health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. You also need to be ready to make lasting lifestyle changes and keep up with follow-up appointments.

Q: What are the most common types of bariatric surgery procedures?

A: The most common surgeries are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Gastric bypass makes a small pouch at the stomach’s top and reroutes the small intestine. Sleeve gastrectomy removes part of the stomach, leaving a thin stomach. Adjustable gastric banding uses a band to limit food intake.

Q: What are the possible risks and complications of bariatric surgery?

A: Bariatric surgery is usually safe, but there are risks. These include infections, bleeding, blood clots, and nutritional deficiencies. Long-term issues might include hernias, ulcers, and weight regain. Always talk to your surgeon about these risks and follow their advice to avoid complications.

Q: How long does it take to recover from bariatric surgery?

A: Recovery time varies by procedure and individual. Most stay in the hospital 1-3 days and can get back to normal in 2-4 weeks. It’s key to follow your surgeon’s diet, exercise, and care instructions for a smooth recovery.

Q: What lifestyle changes are necessary after bariatric surgery?

A: After surgery, you need to make lasting lifestyle changes. Follow a specific diet, start with liquids, and then move to solids. Regular exercise is vital for keeping weight off and improving health. Ongoing care, including nutrition counseling and support groups, helps you stay on track.

Q: How do I choose the right bariatric surgeon?

A: Look for a board-certified surgeon with weight loss surgery experience. Check their qualifications, success rates, and patient feedback. Make sure the facility is accredited by a group like the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). Ask questions and get a second opinion to find the best surgeon for you.