BARIATRIC SURGERY
Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery has been recognised as the most effective treatment to combat severe obesity and maintain weight loss in the long term. Most studies demonstrate that more than 90 percent of individuals previously affected by severe obesity are successful in maintaining 50 percent or more of their excess weight loss following bariatric surgery. When combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, bariatric surgery acts as an effective tool to provide you with long term weight-loss and help you increase your quality of health. Bariatric surgery has been shown to help improve or resolve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more. Bariatric surgery typically will lead to 30-80% of excess weight loss, depending on the specific type of procedure.
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Sleeve Gastrectomy
The gastric sleeve procedure alters the size of your stomach by removing about 75% of the lower portion of the stomach, creating a thin, vertical sleeve – about the size and shape of a small banana.
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The new stomach tube holds a considerably smaller volume than the normal stomach and helps to significantly reduce the amount of food (and thus calories) that can be consumed. The greater impact, however, seems to be the effect the surgery has on gut hormones that impact a number of factors including hunger, satiety, and blood sugar control.
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Health benefits
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Induces rapid and significant weight loss that comparative studies find similar to that of gastric bypass.
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Requires no bypass or re-routing of the food stream
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Involves a relatively short hospital stay of approximately 2 days
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Causes favorable changes in gut hormones that suppress hunger, reduce appetite and improve satiety
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or often called gastric bypass is another bariatric procedure. There are two components to the procedure. First, a small stomach pouch, approximately one ounce or 30 milliliters in volume, is created by dividing the top of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Next, the first portion of the small intestine is divided, and the bottom end of the divided small intestine is brought up and connected to the newly created small stomach pouch. The procedure is completed by connecting the top portion of the divided small intestine to the small intestine further down so that the stomach acids and digestive enzymes from the bypassed stomach and first portion of small intestine will eventually mix with the food.
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The newly created stomach pouch is considerably smaller and facilitates significantly smaller meals, which translates into less calories consumed. Additionally the segment of small intestine that would normally absorb calories as well as nutrients no longer has food going through it.
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Health benefits
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Produces significant long-term weight loss (60 to 80 percent excess weight loss)
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Produces favorable changes in gut hormones that reduce appetite and enhance satiety
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Resolve type 2 diabetes in 83.8% of patients and often within days after the surgery
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Resolve high blood pressure in 75.4% of patients
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Improve high cholesterol issues in 95% of patients
Mini Sleeve Gastrectomy
Mini Sleeve gastrectomy is a modified version of the standard sleeve gastrectomy and is suitable for a person with a lower BMI range. It involves removal of the stomach fundus (fundectomy) and plication of the lower part of the stomach.
The end result of the mini sleeve procedure is similar to sleeve gastrectomy, where patients will end up with a smaller size of stomach and reduced hunger.
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The advantage of mini sleeve is it can induced a similar weight loss benefits but with a much lower complication rate, as only the fundus part of the stomach is removed.
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Health benefits
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Reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold
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Reduces Hunger
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Involves only cutting of the stomach fundus
Bariatric Surgery Steps
Our Strength: Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Expertise
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Consultation and preoperative assessment
Before the surgery, the patient begins with a preoperative assessment. During this consultation, the doctor explains the surgical options available, helping the patient choose the most suitable one based on their health and weight loss goals. The surgeon will also discuss potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes, ensuring the patient is well-informed and prepared.
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Surgery and Inpatient Stay
The surgery itself typically involves the following steps. The patient is placed under anesthesia to ensure they remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Depending on the chosen procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions or performs laparoscopic surgery to minimize invasiveness. During surgery, the doctor modifies the stomach and sometimes the small intestine to achieve the desired effect. After the surgery, patients usually spend about two nights in the hospital for observation and recovery. This ensures that the immediate postoperative period is managed safely, and any complications are addressed promptly.
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Preoperative Preparation (Diet and Optimising medical health)
Patients typically follow a prescribed preoperative diet that helps reduce the size of the liver and prepare the body for surgery, making the surgery safer. Patients will also work with their healthcare team to optimize their overall health and manage any pre-existing medical conditions. This may include stabilizing blood pressure, managing diabetes, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and improving other health parameters.
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Close Monitoring and Full Aftercare
Following bariatric surgery, the journey continues with attentive post-surgery care. Patients transition to a carefully planned postoperative diet that starts with liquids and gradually progresses to solid foods. A registered dietitian plays a crucial role in guiding patients on their nutritional journey to support optimal recovery and long-term success. Patients work on mindful eating habits, regular exercise, and the incorporation of a healthier daily routine. Patients also attend regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team. These appointments are essential for monitoring progress, assessing nutritional status, and providing ongoing support to ensure healthy weight loss post surgery.
