Weight Loss Surgery in İstanbul, Turkey

Obesity surgery is an important treatment method for overweight individuals. It is often chosen when diet and physical activities do not provide sufficient results. These surgical methods support the weight loss process by altering the digestive system. Bariatric procedures generally work by restricting stomach capacity or reducing fat absorption. Although there are many benefits, these surgeries carry serious risks. Patients must maintain their diet and exercise regularly in the postoperative period to ensure the long-term success of bariatric surgery.

Obesity Surgery: What Health Issues Does It Protect Against?

Obesity surgery is an effective method for preventing serious health problems related to weight. Patients usually resort to this surgery when other weight loss methods fail. This procedure is particularly important in reducing the risk of the following health issues:

• Various types of cancer:
  • Breast cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Prostate cancer
• Heart diseases and stroke risk
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes

Who Can Undergo Obesity Surgery?

Obesity surgery can be an effective solution for individuals who meet certain health criteria. These criteria include:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, which is defined as severe obesity.
• Individuals with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 who have serious weight-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea may also be candidates for this surgery.

Additionally, individuals with a BMI between 30 and 34 who have severe weight-related health issues can also be considered suitable candidates for bariatric surgery. Patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation process to confirm the medical conditions required for eligibility for surgery. This process examines whether the patient is physically and psychologically suitable for the surgery.

Individuals considering bariatric surgery should be prepared to make permanent lifestyle changes after the surgery:

• Adjustments in eating habits,
• Regular exercise programs,
• Behavioral therapies.

Long-term success is possible with the maintenance of these changes and regular medical follow-ups. Patients should check whether their health insurance covers such surgery, as bariatric surgery is a costly procedure.

What Are the Risks of Obesity Surgery?

Bariatric surgery can carry some health hazards. These risks can arise both during and after surgery. Problems encountered during surgery include excessive bleeding and infection risk. Serious reactions to anesthesia and blood clots may also occur. Respiratory problems or lung issues are not uncommon. Leaks in the gastrointestinal system can occur. Such incidents can have very serious consequences and can rarely be fatal.

In the postoperative period, different risks may arise:

• Bowel obstruction
• Dumping syndrome, which is severe discomfort after eating
• Gallstones
• Hernias
• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
• Malnutrition, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies
• Ulcers
• Frequent vomiting
• Acid reflux
• Weight regain in the long term may require revision surgery.

Preparations Before Bariatric Surgery

Patients deemed suitable for bariatric surgery go through a careful preparation process before the operation. Your healthcare team provides detailed information about the preoperative period and emphasizes the importance of this process. There are some obligations that patients must fulfill before the surgery date:

• Laboratory tests and physical examinations are conducted.
• Restrictions on food and drink consumption are imposed.
• Medications that need to be taken or avoided are determined.
• Starting a physical activity program is mandatory.
• The use of tobacco products must be completely stopped.

Plans should also be made for the postoperative recovery process. Patients should arrange in advance for the help they will need at home. These preparations are crucial to ensure a more comfortable and successful postoperative period.

What to Expect from Obesity Surgery?

During obesity surgery, patients are put under general anesthesia, meaning the patient will be unconscious. The surgical process varies for each patient according to their personal health conditions and the chosen surgical method. The procedure is usually completed within a few hours. In the postoperative period, patients are kept under observation in a special recovery room. The medical team closely monitors the patient for possible complications.

Surgical Methods:

• Traditional open surgery is performed with large incisions.
• Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions in the abdominal area.

The laparoscopic method accelerates the recovery process and can shorten the hospital stay. However, this method may not be suitable for every patient. The patient’s postoperative recovery process varies depending on the type of surgery and their overall health condition. The hospital stay usually lasts a few days. During this period, it is essential to regularly monitor the patients’ health.

The postoperative recovery period is shaped according to the precautions that need to be taken before and after the surgery. Especially, dietary and physical activity adjustments play a critical role in the success of long-term results. Patients need to strictly follow their doctor’s recommendations during this process.

Which Bariatric Surgery Type Is Suitable for You?

Obesity surgery can be performed with different methods. Each procedure has specific characteristics and outcomes. It is important to choose the most suitable method according to the patient’s lifestyle and health condition.

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: One of the most commonly preferred methods. This procedure both restricts the capacity to eat by reducing stomach size and decreases calorie absorption by bypassing a part of the intestines. It transforms the stomach into a pouch the size of a walnut and directly connects a part of the intestines to this pouch.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: This method involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped stomach. The smaller stomach volume leads to less food intake and reduces the secretion of the ghrelin hormone, controlling appetite. Sleeve gastrectomy requires a shorter hospital stay compared to other methods.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): This is a complex two-stage surgery. The first stage consists of a sleeve gastrectomy. The second stage involves restructuring the intestines. This procedure restricts the capacity to eat and significantly reduces nutrient absorption, providing very effective weight loss.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy with Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass (SADI-S): This method also consists of two steps. The first step starts with a sleeve gastrectomy. The second step involves closing a part of the duodenum and connecting it to the ileum. This shortens the passage of food in the small intestine, reducing the time for fat and calorie absorption.

Each surgical method uses different mechanisms to promote weight loss. These procedures differ in physically restricting stomach capacity, reducing nutrient absorption, or both. However, each procedure has potential risks and side effects. Therefore, a detailed evaluation should be conducted before deciding on which surgery is suitable.

Patients need to develop healthy eating habits and engage in regular physical activity in the postoperative period. These approaches enhance the long-term success of the surgery and minimize possible health complications. The advantages and limitations of each procedure should be evaluated according to personal health status and weight loss goals.

What Process Awaits You After Bariatric Surgery?

The recovery process after bariatric surgery requires careful follow-up. Initially, you cannot eat anything for one to two days to allow your stomach and digestive system to fully heal. After this period, your diet gradually changes:

• The first weeks are limited to liquid consumption only.
• Then, pureed foods are recommended.
• Soft foods are introduced.
• Finally, you return to normal foods.

There are restrictions on how much and what you can eat at each stage. Your diet plan must be meticulously planned to adapt to your body’s new condition. In the first months after surgery, your health is closely monitored. During this period, frequent doctor visits are necessary. Various laboratory tests and blood tests are conducted during these visits to assess your overall health status. These controls are vital for understanding the effects of the surgery and how your health is progressing afterward.

Obesity Surgery Outcomes: What Are the Health Benefits?

The effects of obesity surgery extend beyond weight loss and can contribute to the improvement of many chronic diseases. Individuals who undergo surgery can successfully lose a significant portion of their excess weight within two years. This process is proportional to the lifestyle changes of the patients.

The positive effects of weight loss on health include:

• Reduction in heart disease risk.
• Control of high blood pressure.
• Decrease in cholesterol levels.
• Alleviation of sleep apnea.
• Regression of type 2 diabetes.
• Improvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Reduction in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• Relief of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
• Improvement in skin conditions, especially acanthosis nigricans and psoriasis.

These health benefits allow patients to perform daily life activities more comfortably, resulting in a significant improvement in overall quality of life. However, to sustain these results, patients must review their diet and physical activity routines in the postoperative period and adopt this new lifestyle. Thus, bariatric surgery can offer lasting improvements in health conditions beyond weight loss.

What to Do If Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Provide the Expected Results?

The weight loss process may not always proceed as expected after bariatric surgery. Some patients may not experience sufficient weight loss despite the success of the operation. In this case, the following actions should be taken:

• It is essential to regularly attend follow-up appointments after the operation. These appointments ensure continuous monitoring of health status.
• If weight loss stalls or is insufficient, it is necessary to consult the doctor. The healthcare team may conduct the necessary tests to determine the underlying causes of the weight loss plateau.

Adhering to the recommended lifestyle changes is also of great importance:

• Regular physical activity
• Healthy eating habits

Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in not reaching weight loss goals and an increased risk of weight gain. Therefore, the long-term success of bariatric surgery requires patients to adhere strictly to these changes.