Obesity Surgery
Obesity is a disease that negatively affects health in many ways, especially cardiovascular diseases. Today, it is seen in many societies at high rates. Especially due to the movement habits we have lost in the modern lifestyle, many people are considered to be at risk for obesity. However, incorrect eating habits also increase this risk. The most commonly used methods in the treatment of obesity are surgical methods. Bariatric surgery, or obesity surgery, seriously accelerates the weight loss process. You can contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alp Yıldız to get detailed information about obesity surgery in Ankara.
What is Obesity?
Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “fat accumulation in adipose tissues at a level that negatively affects health”. It is a disease that can be seen in both children and adults worldwide.
Obesity negatively affects a person’s health as well as their appearance. Today, it is known that many serious diseases are triggered by obesity. Since excess weight strains the heart and causes the metabolism to slow down, obesity also negatively affects the functions of the internal organs.
How is Obesity Understood?
Obesity is definitely diagnosed with body mass index (BMI). BMI analysis, also known as “body mass index”; is obtained by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. In this analysis, values accepted as underweight, normal and overweight are classified. If the result is between 30 and 35, it is obesity; if it is 35 – 40 and above, it is advanced obesity.
Another factor considered important in the evaluation of obesity is waist thickness. Waist thickness is an important factor especially for the risk of central obesity (abdominal obesity). Abdominal obesity; occurs as a result of fat accumulation in the abdominal region and is considered the most dangerous type of obesity. According to the measured values, a waist circumference of 88 cm and above in women and 102 cm and above in men indicates central obesity.
How is Obesity Treated?
Diet, exercise and surgical methods can be used in the treatment of obesity. Whether it is surgical or not, diet and exercise are the most important parts of the weight loss process. Because if the person cannot resist their will after the surgeries, the stomach can grow again. In this case, surgical treatment has no meaning.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Surgery is a method that provides sustainable and effective results in the treatment of obesity. If the person supports this process with diet and exercise after surgery, he/she can reach his/her ideal weight.
Who Can Have Bariatric Surgery?
According to the American Metabolic and Bariatric Association;
People with a body mass index of 40 and above
People with a body mass index of 35 and above, who have comorbidities (one or more accompanying diseases) related to obesity, bariatric surgery can be performed.
How is Bariatric Surgery Performed?
Today, there are different methods applied in the field of bariatric surgery. Each method has its own pros and cons. Techniques used in obesity surgery:
Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery
It is one of the most frequently used methods in the treatment of obesity. It is also known as “Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy”. Sleeve gastrectomy surgery is performed with laparoscopy, that is, with a closed surgery technique. The main purpose of the application; is the reduction of stomach volume.
How is Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery Performed?
In sleeve gastrectomy surgery, a large portion of the stomach, 75-80%, is removed. The remaining part of the stomach has a tube-like shape. In order to prevent stenosis in the stomach, the remaining part of the stomach is calibrated with the help of a nasogastric tube. This is why the procedure is called sleeve gastrectomy surgery.
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery works by both reducing the stomach and hormonally suppressing the feeling of hunger. A large part of the stomach is removed along with the region called the “fundus”. This region is the region where the hormones that stimulate the feeling of hunger are secreted.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass has the feature of both reducing the stomach volume and reducing absorption. In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach volume is also reduced. At the same time, the absorption of the stomach is reduced. Reducing absorption means preventing the absorption of high-calorie foods such as sugar and carbohydrates. It can be examined in two groups as “Mini Gastric Bypass” and “Roux En Y Gastric Bypass”.
How is Gastric Bypass Performed?
In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach volume is reduced to 15-30 CC. At the same time, the absorption path in the small intestines is shortened. In other words, the initial part in the regions we call the duodenum (duodenum) and jejunum (small intestine) is disabled.
What is Roux En Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)?
The difference of the Roux En Y Gastric Bypass procedure is that after the stomach is reduced, a new stomach pouch is created at the entrance of the stomach. Thus, a part of the stomach remains passive and nutrients directly reach this newly created pouch. In other words, the absorption of nutrients is partially prevented.
Mini Gastric Bypass
Mini Gastric Bypass, Roux En