Obesity: Surgery and Treatment Options at Acıbadem Healthcare Group

Obesity is a growing health problem today. Obesity is associated with many health risk factors and can seriously affect quality of life. At Acıbadem Healthcare Group, we offer obesity surgery and various treatment options as an important step in the fight against obesity. 

Bariatric Surgery: A Solution

Obesity surgery is a treatment option that involves surgical procedures to promote weight loss in individuals with morbid obesity. Such surgical procedures aim to manage obesity through methods such as reducing the volume of the stomach or bypassing the intestines.

The degree of obesity is determined by a measure called body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. People with a BMI over 30 are considered obese, and those over 40 are considered morbidly obese. These people cannot lose weight through diet, exercise, and medication. They also have other serious health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Morbidly obese people experience emotional difficulties as well as physical difficulties. As a result, treating obesity often requires serious interventions such as bariatric surgery.

Acıbadem Healthcare Group has experienced surgical teams that specialize in bariatric surgery. These surgical procedures are personalized according to the patient’s health status and needs. Obesity surgery procedures offered at Acıbadem include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and endoscopic or swallowable gastric balloon. These surgical procedures promote weight loss through various mechanisms and reduce obesity-related health problems. 

Obesity Operation Types

Gastric Bypass is an important type of bariatric surgery. In this procedure, the upper part of the stomach is divided to form a small pouch, and the lower part of this pouch is connected directly to the lower parts of the intestines. In this way, some of the food eaten goes into the small pouch of the stomach and bypasses part of the intestine, speeding up the digestion process. As a result, the amount of food ingested is reduced and the number of calories absorbed by the body is reduced. Gastric bypass is considered an effective way to treat obesity-related health problems. It is often preferred when other weight loss efforts have failed or when there are serious obesity-related health risks.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a common method of treating obesity. In this procedure, the stomach is greatly reduced in size and turned into a longitudinal tube. This reduces the amount of food that can be taken in and makes the person feel full more quickly. Gastric sleeve surgery is preferred for individuals who have failed other weight loss methods or who have serious health problems related to obesity. This procedure is considered an effective method for permanent weight loss and improvement of obesity-related health problems.

Endoscopic or Swallowable Gastric Balloons are two of the minimally invasive procedures used to treat obesity. Endoscopic Gastric Balloon uses an inflatable balloon that is inserted into the stomach through an endoscope. The balloon partially fills the volume of the stomach, increasing the feeling of fullness and causing the person to eat less. This procedure is often used as part of a weight loss program and is removed after a few months. Swallowable Gastric balloon is a capsule-shaped balloon that the person must swallow. When the capsule reaches the stomach, it is filled with a liquid and increases the volume of the stomach, increasing the feeling of fullness. Unlike the endoscopic gastric balloon, the swallowable gastric balloon does not require endoscopy and is a simpler procedure. It can be excreted naturally from the body, so it does not need to be removed. Both procedures can help reduce obesity-related health risks and promote weight loss.

The Process After Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, patients usually spend 2-4 days in the hospital, depending on the surgical technique. Once the sutures heal, they transition to a liquid diet. Laparoscopic surgery minimizes discomfort and is managed with medications. For the first month, a soft, easily digestible diet is recommended. The smaller stomach size and reduced appetite promote satiety with smaller meals, monitored closely by a dietitian. Obesity treatment involves two stages: first, surgery halts and reverses the disease, while the second stage focuses on dietary changes for permanent weight loss, requiring effective adherence to the plan.

Bariatric surgery requires long-term follow-up after surgery. At Acıbadem, a “multidisciplinary approach” is used to monitor the health of patients after surgery and to support weight loss. Nutritionists, psychologists, and physiotherapists assist patients during the post-operative recovery process. Bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment option for individuals with obesity. Acıbadem Healthcare Group, with its specialized bariatric surgery teams, offers patients the latest technology and safe surgical procedures. A personalized treatment plan is created for each patient and comprehensive support is provided before and after surgery. You can trust Acıbadem in the fight against obesity for a healthy future.

Frequently asked questions

Which bariatric surgery is right for me?
This will be determined during your consultation with our specialist. The type of surgery depends on your degree of obesity, your medical history, and other factors.

Are Bariatric Surgeries Safe?
Bariatric surgeries are generally safe. However, as with any surgical procedure, it is important to consider the risks and benefits carefully.

What is the success rate for bariatric surgeries?
Acıbadem Healthcare Group, with its experienced surgeons and multidisciplinary team, has high success rates in obesity surgery according to international standards.

Does the weight disappear permanently after the surgeries?
Obesity surgery usually results in permanent weight loss. Successful weight loss and weight maintenance after surgery depend on healthy lifestyle choices and regular follow-up and support after surgery.

Why should you choose bariatric surgery in Turkey?
Choosing bariatric surgery in Turkey offers advantages such as a high standard of health services, affordable cost, experienced surgeons, and tourist opportunities. The high health standards of Acıbadem and the experience of its specialists in their field can be a reassuring option for patients. In addition, Turkey’s tourist attractions can turn the treatment process into a pleasant vacation experience.