Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric, or obesity surgery, is an effective treatment for some individuals who are overweight or obese. Weight loss surgery can lead to significant weight loss and help improve obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. However, this is an effective operation and should consider in most cases only after trying to lose weight with a healthy diet and exercise. For example, weight loss surgeries, known as bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bands or bypass, work by changing the stomach and the process of normal digestion and absorption of nutrients, helping people lose weight and gain quality of life.

Weight loss surgeries are indicated for people with a BMI above 35 or 40 as they are considered obese or morbidly obese, and surgeries usually help to lose 10 to 40 percent of the weight. Bariatric surgery can perform on people who meet specific criteria. You may have this procedure if you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more or a BMI of 35 to 40 and an obesity-related condition that may improve if you lose weight. If you’ve tried other weight loss methods like diet and exercise but have had trouble losing or keeping weight off, the procedure is for you!

After surgery, you should make healthy lifestyle changes and accept long-term follow-ups, such as attending regular checkups. Talk to your doctor if you think losing weight might be an option. If you are eligible for treatment, they may refer you for an evaluation to check whether surgery is appropriate.

Experts recommend weight loss surgery when no other strategy has had an effect. In other words, it is recommended by the doctor when the person cannot lose the determined weight even with diet, physical activity, nutritional supplements, or medications. The type of surgery varies depending on the weight loss goal:

• Improving health: In these cases, bariatric surgery recommends reducing the stomach size so that the amount of food eaten is less and promotes weight loss. This operation indicates for people with morbid obesity.
• Aesthetics: It is where liposuction is applied, aiming to remove the fat layers. Since this operation doesn’t support weight loss, it not consider a weight loss surgery but rather an aesthetic process where it can quickly remove a large amount of local fat.

The doctor should specify the performance of the surgeries according to the individual’s needs and the relationship between weight loss and improved health. In addition to surgeries, other aesthetic methods such as lipo cavitation and radiofrequency help destroy localized fat without surgery. Generally, bariatric surgery performs under general anesthesia. Surgeons can make some holes with laparoscopy, where a large incision opens the patient’s abdomen, leaving a scar approximately 15 to 25 cm above the umbilical scar. Perform the weight loss surgery, a tiny spot of about 1 cm left in the abdomen, where the instruments and the video camera pass.

Before surgery, the patient should evaluate by the doctor, a blood test should perform, and an upper digestive endoscopy should perform to assess whether he can perform bariatric surgery. In addition, the operation can typically take between 1 and 3 hours, and the length of stay in the hospital can vary between 3 days and a week.

What is weight loss surgery?

Weight loss is the collective name for interventions that address more severe degrees of obesity or indicate for patients with milder obesity who also have diabetes or another metabolic disorder. First of all, a patient with obesity should always try the so-called conservative treatment. These are diet adjustment, general lifestyle changes, and regular exercise. However, if, for any reason, conventional therapy doesn’t bring results, it is possible to consider weight loss surgery. But even surgery weight loss doesn’t guarantee a slim figure for life, especially if you don’t follow the recommended rules regarding diet.

Bariatric surgery is an umbrella term for procedures used to treat severe obesity. Although not all bariatric surgeries involve only the stomach, in general terms, they are called stomach reduction.

Surgery is already considered for grade one obesity if you suffer from other associated diseases such as diabetes in addition to obesity. Otherwise, bariatrics refers to those with 2nd or 3rd-degree obesity (BMI 35 or more). However, those interested in surgery must also meet other conditions.

First, they must pass all pre-operative examinations, get the green light from doctors for surgery, and want to change their situation. Even obesity surgery doesn’t guarantee a slim figure for life, especially if you don’t follow the recommended rules regarding diet.

How to get weight loss surgery?

The preparation process for weight loss surgery is critical. For a long-term effect without complications, a series of examinations is necessary, which must complete at the pre-operative stage. With the study and treatment, the doctor can tell a lot from the life weight chart. Preparation for a nutritional examination or bariatric surgery is essential and often very simplified preparation in the form of leaflets. It plays an irreplaceable role in the practice. Usually, a nutritional therapist knows better than a surgeon if a patient is ready because the patient spends significantly more time with the nutritional therapist.

Psychological examination and preparation are also often neglected or underestimated steps. During this examination, the clinical psychologist will verify your eating habits. The psychologist decides whether you will have surgery and prepares you for the procedure. Finally, the surgeon clarifies the surgery date by examining you for bariatric surgery. Remember, you will be under general anesthesia in weight loss surgery and not feel anything.

In weight loss surgery, the surgeon starts the procedure by making a small incision. The specialist performs the process laparoscopically. The doctor generally shrinks it by bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Thus, food passes through a small portion of your gut directly from the esophagus into the small intestine. The operation works by changing the secretion of intestinal hormones that regulate appetite, inhibiting appetite and consuming fewer calories. Finally, the surgeon stitches up your minimal incisions.

After surgery, you need to take vitamin supplements. If you have type 2 diabetes after weight loss surgery, you will usually experience improvement within a few days of the operation.

You will achieve your maximum weight loss approximately 18 months after the operation. Complications can occur after obesity surgery. But fortunately, this is rare. The advantage of the procedure is that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases reduces, and the operation reduces mortality.

Most patients with type 2 diabetes will see their diabetes go away 1-2 weeks after the process. That’s why taking advantage of the increased mobility and energy that comes with losing weight is essential to exercise more to prevent weight gain. Bariatric surgery cannot stand alone but should always follow by lifestyle changes with dietary changes and increased exercise.

What is the safest form of weight loss surgery?

Of course, starting a conservative procedure (diet, physical activity, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy) is always necessary under the professional guidance of an experienced doctor, even before weight loss surgery. However, it makes sense to consider bariatric surgery for conservatively treated unsuccessful patients with a higher degree of obesity and those who lose much weight. According to experts, the safest weight loss surgery is the gastric sleeve and gastric balloon procedures. This is because the complications are less than with the gastric bypass procedure.

However, all bariatric surgery methods are very effective as they can help you achieve significant weight loss that not usually achieve with conservative obesity treatment. Also, we must emphasize from the outset that not every patient is a suitable candidate for treating obesity using this surgery. However, many patients believe the best weight loss surgery method is the gastric sleeve procedure. After this procedure, patients lose half their weight. However, you should still consult your doctor to learn about the best weight loss surgery.

What are the types of weight loss surgery?

In general, weight loss surgery options can divide into restrictive and combined, with relatively more significant modifications. All weight loss procedures are widely used and have been performed thousands of times by many doctors. However, your doctor will give you information about different types of weight loss surgery.

Many patients who ask ‘what is the safest weight loss surgery’ are likely to call them gastric sleeve surgery. This is because the procedure involves relatively few complications compared to other weight loss surgery options. Gastric sleeve is the most widely used and safest obesity surgery in the world. As with any major surgery, gastric bypass and other weight loss surgeries carry potential health risks in the short and long term. The risks associated with the surgical procedure can include many different factors. This will vary depending on your weight before you had the surgery and how you looked after yourself after the surgery. In short, if you ask, ‘what weight loss surgery is best for me,’ we recommend you examine the gastric sleeve surgery procedure in detail.

Whatever surgery you and your doctor choose, it is essential to understand that you should not take the weight loss procedure lightly. Once this surgery does, it isn’t over; it is a lifestyle change you should maintain for a lifetime. Now check out some obesity surgery options.

What qualifications should you have for weight loss surgery?

If you say you can have surgery, you must meet the weight loss surgery requirements. As with any procedure, requirements for weight loss surgery are essential for the success of the process. To enter bariatric surgery, you must meet certain conditions. Only some people are a good fit or candidates for obesity surgery. Weight loss surgery requirements are essential to the success of the procedure.

The following question may come to your mind: What makes a good candidate for weight loss surgery? You may also be wondering the answer to the question, ‘can I get weight loss surgery.’

Of course, your goals are one of the most critical factors in your decision to have obesity surgery. For example, sleeve gastrectomy or bypass may be the best option if you want to be healthy and lose weight. If your goal is to lose much weight or if your main goal is to eliminate diabetes, you should go in the opposite direction. In addition to the situations mentioned, consulting a doctor and performing the relevant tests are very decisive in selecting the type of bariatric surgery suitable for the applicant.

For this reason, the doctor has given the final opinion, and the final decision belongs to the treating surgeon. Of course, the presence of certain dietary habits can be decisive in determining the type of obesity surgery. For example, if you have bulimia nervosa, you should have gastric sleeve surgery. In addition, if you are selective in eating, you should prefer gastric bypass over other surgical methods.

On the other hand, none of the weight loss surgeries created preferred over the other, and the circumstances of each applicant differ. Therefore, you should do the relevant tests individually. The doctor will determine the appropriate procedure, taking into account your circumstances. The meaning of the above conditions also includes eating habits, small or large diet, BMI, previous abdominal surgery, and the doctor’s opinion.

How to qualify for weight loss surgery?

If you are wondering ‘how to get weight loss surgery approved,’ keep reading! Check out some of the most critical and essential conditions for weight loss surgery:

• Having at least 45 kg of excess weight: The first condition of losing weight is to be overweight. Those at least 45 kg heavy can be candidates for obesity surgery. Their weight and height determine the average weight of each person. If you want to know how much your average weight should be and how overweight you are now, you should calculate your Body Mass Index.
• Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher (one of the most critical conditions for surgery): If your Body Mass Index is 40 or higher, you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery. With some problems and diseases, the doctor can show tolerance. Your Body Mass Index may be below 40, but you can still have bariatric surgery in some cases. At the same time, people with one or more diseases, such as obesity-related type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatty liver, and digestive disorders, can also undergo bariatric surgery.
• Between 18 and 60: What is the best age for weight loss surgery that many wonders? In our answer, we say that reputable institutions consider the appropriate age to perform this procedure between 18 and 60. Therefore, another condition for obesity surgery is between 18-60. But the following question may come to your mind, why is this procedure not performed under the age of 18 or over 60? The answer is straightforward. Completing this process requires adhering to some nutritional and sports principles. Since children still need to commit to something fully, their actions will likely fail. On the other hand, some children may become obese during childhood. But after puberty and youth, they lose weight on their own. Therefore, it is better to wait until 18. For people over 60, you should know that this procedure is a considerable risk for them, and their lives may be in danger.
• Diet and exercise: In addition to the above, the candidate must have tried to lose weight before the operation. For example, she tried dieting or exercising but could not lose weight.

All of the above cases were general conditions for bariatric surgery. So before you see a weight loss surgeon, you can find out if you are a good candidate with their help. If you meet the above conditions, it’s time for the next step. You should see a good weight loss surgeon to assess you physically and mentally thoroughly. In the first session, the slimming surgeon examines the following items in the initial evaluation:

• First reviews
• Your medical history and current physical condition, including the presence or absence of any health problems (such as bleeding disorders or heart arrhythmias) that may worsen with surgery
• Your current nutritional status, including your usual eating habits, exercise habits, and medications you take
• Examination of cigarette and alcohol consumption and consumption

What should the body mass index (BMI) be for weight loss surgery?

The Body Mass Index calculator is an excellent criterion for weight control in different people. In addition, weight loss surgeons have used this factor for years to determine the best candidate for weight loss surgery. By calculating the patient’s BMI and finding its range, they decide who can or cannot have obesity surgery.

Calculating people’s body tissue and fat mass according to three crucial factors: Height, weight, and gender is called BMI or Body Mass Index. One of the most important criteria for selecting you as a candidate for weight loss surgery is this BMI. If the Body Mass Index is shallow, the risks of the surgery will outweigh the benefits. The best candidate for surgery is the one with the best Body Mass Index or the most suitable Index. Reputable international centers believe that the best bariatric surgery for those with a BMI of 30 to 35 is gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery, and gastric band surgery.

What are the reasons for the rejection of weight loss surgery?

Generally, when you go to your surgeon’s office for weight loss surgery, ready to commit to a life change, you will often be reluctant to go. You will also want to have surgery as soon as possible. The diet, exercise, many different weight loss programs, and more you have been following for years have pissed you off that surgery feels like a breath of fresh air and excitement.

Therefore, you may experience some seriously depressing moments when news comes back that you may have a hiccup in your qualifications for weight loss surgery. So, what are the reasons for the rejection of weight loss surgery? Here are the reasons why:

• BMI: First and most obviously, you may need a higher BMI. This is the most important of the conditions related to obesity.
• Health concerns: The procedure can put a very significant strain on your body. Both surgical procedures and anesthesia come with risks to a large extent. If your general health is terrible, this increases your chances even more.
• Smoking: This bad habit can cause severe complications during or after surgery. It would be best to stop smoking at least six weeks before the procedure.
• Other reasons: Sometimes, there are some intangible reasons why you might not be eligible for weight loss surgery. The most important of these are emotional and psychological problems. This is a situation that experts generally take very seriously.

Of course, while it’s hard to hear about being denied the opportunity for bariatric surgery, there’s a good reason. The most important is the safety of the procedure, along with its effectiveness. Without them, obesity surgery would be less effective and safe.

What are the pros and cons?

Weight loss surgery is necessary for some people and even saves lives because their excess weight damages the heart. These extra pounds remove by surgery. But you need to know the pros and cons of weight loss surgery.

Having obesity surgery will help you lose weight, which has other benefits for your overall health. After this surgery, the problems you experience due to obesity (diabetes, heart problems, blood pressure, etc.) improve or disappear. Your self-confidence will increase significantly, and you will start to be healthy.

However, weight loss surgeries also have disadvantages. Usually, these problems only cause discomfort to the person. However, in some cases, these problems can cause pain and discomfort in the person and may even require surgery. These may include issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, wound infection, abdominal hernia, and more severe problems can occur. However, these are rare and occur about 3% of the time. Examine the pros and cons of obesity surgery in detail.

Pros of weight loss surgery

The pros of weight loss surgery are innumerable. Weight loss surgery has many advantages and can benefit the patient differently. Check out some of the top benefits of weight loss surgery:

• Reducing mortality (increasing life expectancy): People suffering from obesity generally have a shorter life expectancy. Compared to an average-weight person, the life expectancy of an obese person should be about 15 years less than a healthy person. Bariatric surgery has proven to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack and extend your lifespan by reducing your excess body weight.
• Long-term permanent weight: One of the most important benefits of weight loss surgery is that it allows you to lose weight significantly. Many studies have shown that most obese people can maintain 50% of their weight loss and should not worry about regaining weight after weight loss surgery. In addition, people with extreme obesity will retain 50 to 80% of the weight they lost after surgery.
• Healing many diseases: Weight loss surgery can cure obesity-related diseases through significant weight loss. Gastric reflux involves backing up stomach acid into the esophagus and pharynx. This causes irritation and damage to the lining of the esophagus. Excess fat around the abdomen puts pressure on the stomach, causing gastric reflux. Losing weight reduces this pressure and usually stops stomach reflux.
• Increases fertility: Since most of us know the relationship between obesity and pregnancy, losing weight can regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce high levels of androgen hormones. Weight loss also helps reduce the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and reduces infertility in many women.
• Increased metabolism: By losing weight, you naturally engage in more physical activities such as cycling, walking, and swimming. This increases your body’s ability to burn fat. Hormones such as insulin and cortisol (stress hormones) also decrease after weight loss surgery. This, in turn, helps reduce body fat storage.
• Improving the quality of life: This surgery can change your personal life with significant weight loss and advance you in various areas. Some of these improvements are common to most patients, and others will differ for each person. For example, you get more job opportunities, and you can improve your shortness of breath. So you can increase your energy. You can increase your self-confidence by having a more comfortable sleep.

Cons of weight loss surgery

Of course, as with any procedure, weight loss surgery has its cons. After the operation, you will face additional wrinkles on the skin. To remove them, you may need other surgeries that cost more. Also, check out the cons of weight loss surgery:

• After surgery, you may not be able to get enough vitamins and minerals from your diet due to diet and decreased appetite. After surgery, you may need to take supplements for the rest of your life.
• Sometimes, you may have gallstones (small and hard stones that form in the gallbladder).
• There may be blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• It’s also possible for a gastric band to slip out of place, food leaking from the connection between the stomach and small intestine, or a blockage or narrowing of the intestine. Before surgery, talk to your surgeon about this procedure’s benefits and possible risks.
• Dumping syndrome: In most weight loss procedures, the doctor reduces your stomach volume. Therefore, if you overeat, food enters your intestines without being digested. In this case, you take in nutrients beyond your gut tolerance and capacity. Some digestive issues also occur if you eat mindlessly. All these unpleasant digestive problems are called dumping syndrome. In particular, it is one of the side effects of gastric bypass surgery. You experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps in this case. Dumping syndrome after weight loss can also increase your body’s blood sugar levels and insulin secretion. The sum of these two events can lead to hypoglycemia.

Attention: For Information Purposes Only

Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.

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