Obesity is defined as abnormal and excessive accumulation of fat in the body that may impair health. Fat tissue comprises 15-18% of body weight in adult men and 20-25% in adult women. Obesity is present when the rate of body fat increases to 25 percent in men and 30 percent in women. Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine the obesity level. To find out the Body Mass Index value, the weight of the person in kilograms is divided by the square of the height in meters. BMI (kg/m2): Body weight (kg)/Height2 (m).
There are several causes of obesity. Excessive and incorrect eating habits, genetic predisposition, hormonal and metabolic factors, psychological problems are just a few of the reasons. Many of these causes are commonly seen together in people who are treated for obesity.
All of the patients who have obesity problem are handled by a multidisciplinary approach by highly experienced doctors in the Obesity Surgery Centres equipped with advanced technology of the hospitals that Ibni Sinai Health Centre cooperates with.
Various treatment methods such as diet, physical activity, behavioural therapy (nutrition model), drug therapy, combined therapy and surgical treatment are applied with the physician’s decision in the treatment of obesity according to the characteristics and health status of the individual. However, in recent years, surgical methods are frequently preferred in the treatment of obesity. The operations in the scope of obesity surgery are performed by expert teams in the technologically advanced operating rooms. In the treatment of obesity, patients are given psychological support throughout the processes.
Which patients are good candidates for obesity surgery?
Obesity surgery is appropriate for patients who have a body mass index over 40, cannot lose weight despite regular diet and exercise, and those with a body mass index between 35- 40 and suffer from additional diseases such as obesity-related hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnoea and cannot lose weight despite regular diet and exercise. However, when a patient decides surgery and admits to the hospital, all investigations are performed in detail and surgery is performed upon the investigation of the obesity causes and the suitability for the surgery.
What happens after obesity surgery?
In order to achieve a successful outcome in obesity surgery, all of the programs given by the experts must be complied and regular follow ups must be done. Although it varies according to the person after surgery, the patient is kept under control in the hospital for 4 days. On the first day, the water is given as small sips so that the stomach gets accustomed. After starting with water, nutrition continues with liquid foods under the control of a dietician. After the operation, it is necessary to make sure that all the nutrients needed by the body are taken as the person eats very little food.
After obesity surgery, controls are carried out on the 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month and 1 year. The patient should come to the control once a year for the next 2 years and once every 3 months.
Patients can be fed with liquid for the first month and can consume mash between the end of 3 months. Patients can return to work 2-4 weeks after the operation and should avoid heavy physical activities and sports during the 2 months after the operation.
How much weight is given after obesity surgery?
Patients begin to consume reduced amount of food after obesity surgery and lose weight rapidly. Weight loss of 65-80% can be achieved in patients who eat in accordance with the diet program and perform the recommended exercises. In patients who cannot comply with their diet may regain weight at a rate of approximately 5%.
Assoc. Prof. Can Karaca, MD, General Surgery
