Obesity is one of the most important public health problems today; cancer, liver, joint and cardiovascular diseases, it also causes psychological problems with its effect on hormones. Although there are many treatment methods in the fight against obesity, surgical methods have become more common in recent years. Surgical methods that provide permanent weight control not only increase the quality of life but also prolong life, and also eliminate the risk of many life-threatening diseases. Memorial Dicle Hospital General Surgery Department Op. Dr. Volkan Yigit gave information about the surgical treatment of obesity.
Attantion If BMI is over 30 !
It is not enough just to look at weight to decide whether a person has obesity. Accordingly, the height and weight of the person should be calculated and evaluated according to the rate to be released, that is, the body mass index. Body mass index over 30 is obesity, over 40 is called morbid obesity and over 50 is called super morbid obesity. Such obesity patients are very likely to develop many life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome.
Obesity is a major cause of many diseases
Health Risks Linked to Obesity
- Diabetes (type 2 diabetes)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Lung disorders (COPD, asthma)
- Hypertension
- Joint pain
- Gallstones
- Sleep apnea
- Reflux
- Digestive disorders
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Exclusion
- Lack of self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
Dietary and lifestyle changes are of great importance of fighting against obesity. However, this is not enough for permanent weight control in morbid obesity patients and many patients fail to get rid of their excess weight. Obesity surgery is an extremely effective method for permanent weight control for overweight patients. Obesity surgery consists of stomach tubing and bypass operations called “gastric sleeve”. which surgery will be performed is determined according to the condition of the patient.
Stomach regains full function after surgery
In tube stomach surgeries, also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, the volume of the stomach is reduced so that the patient feels fullness with very little food. For this purpose, a certain part of the stomach is removed surgically and a tube shaped stomach is left behind. In addition, the patient does not feel stomach hungry because the part of the stomach that releases the hunger hormone is removed. With this operation, only the amount of food taken is restricted; The patient does not need to take supplemental vitamins or minerals as the absorption of food continues in the same way.
Doctors advice should taken into account
The risk of re-gain weight after sleeve gastrectomy surgery is very low, but the eating habits should be changed and in order to obtain the maximum benefit from this physiology, the patient should be fed only as prescribed by the doctor and at the specified meals. In almost all cases where the weight is regained long after the operation, there is no increase in meal capacity. The reason for regaining weight is high-calorie snacks between meals. Therefore, the recommendations of the doctor or dietitian should not be ignored.
Diabetes, blood pressure and sleep problems disappear
Patients who have surgically treated and lost weight have extend life expectancy up to 10 years. It also allows healing of many diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure and sleep apnea. In addition, the possibility of developing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, endocrinological disorders, infectious diseases, and psychiatric disorders are reduced in patients who have undergone surgery and recovered from obesity. Of course, regular follow-ups after surgery should not be disrupted, the nutrition plan determined with the expert should be strictly followed and improper exercise should be avoided.
Prepared by Memorial Medical Editorial Board.
25 March 2021
15 June 2020
