Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, is a medical procedure aimed at treating severe obesity. This surgical procedure is often considered a last resort for people who are morbidly obese and have failed to lose weight through other means, such as diet and exercise.
Obesity has become a global epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is associated with numerous health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory problems. For people whose obesity seriously jeopardizes their health and quality of life, bariatric surgery may offer a glimmer of hope.
It is generally recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or those with a BMI of 35 or greater who are experiencing serious weight-related health problems.
Bariatric surgery works by altering the anatomy of the digestive system, resulting in a reduced capacity of the stomach to accommodate food and impaired nutrient absorption. Different bariatric surgery procedures include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and adjustable gastric banding.
The different types of bariatric surgery:
Gastric Bypass : This is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgery procedures. The main goal of gastric bypass is to reduce the size of the stomach and modify the digestive system, resulting in significant weight loss in patients. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires an incision in the abdomen. There are different gastric bypass techniques, but the most common is called the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Here are the main steps of the procedure:
- Creation of a small gastric pouch: A portion of the stomach is separated to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. This pouch has a capacity of approximately 30 ml to 60 ml, which limits the amount of food the patient can consume.
- Intestinal transection: The surgeon transects the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) some distance below the stomach, creating a short segment of the small intestine called the "biliopancreatic loop."
- Small Intestine Connection: The upper part of the biliopancreatic loop is then attached directly to the newly created gastric pouch, thus creating a bypass of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
Gastric bypass surgery works in two main ways to promote weight loss. First, the small stomach pouch limits the amount of food the patient can eat at each meal, leading to early feelings of fullness. Second, by bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine, the procedure reduces the body's absorption of nutrients and calories.
Gastric Sleeve : Also known as sleeve gastrectomy or longitudinal gastrectomy, gastric sleeve surgery aims to reduce the size of the stomach to help patients lose significant weight.
Here is a general description of the gastric sleeve procedure:
- Preparation: Gastric sleeve surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Once the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts surgical instruments, including a camera, to view the inside of the stomach.
- Stomach resection: The surgeon removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a thin, sleeve-like tube. Approximately 75% to 80% of the stomach is removed, significantly reducing its capacity. The removed portion of the stomach is permanently removed.
- Suture: The remaining edges of the stomach are carefully sutured or stapled to form the new gastric sleeve. This new stomach shape is smaller and has a reduced capacity of approximately 100 to 150 ml.
- Closing the Incisions: Once the stomach reduction is complete, the surgeon closes the small incisions made in the abdomen using sutures or surgical tape.
Gastric sleeve surgery works by limiting the amount of food the patient can eat at each meal and reducing hunger. Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the procedure does not alter the normal path of food through the digestive system.
What are the risks of bariatric surgery?
Although these procedures are generally considered safe, it is important to understand the risks before making a decision.
Here are some of the risks associated with bariatric surgery:
- General Surgical Risks: As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks such as infections, excessive bleeding, allergic reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, breathing problems, and complications related to incision healing.
- Nutritional deficiencies: After bariatric surgery, the stomach's ability to absorb nutrients may be reduced. This can lead to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and folate. Lifelong nutritional supplements may be necessary to compensate for these deficiencies.
- Changes in digestion and elimination of food: Patients may experience changes in how their body digests and eliminates food after surgery. This can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, sensitivity to certain foods, and fat malabsorption.
Recovery after bariatric surgery:
It varies from individual to individual, but here are some general aspects that can be observed:
- Hospital stay: After bariatric surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days. During this time, they are closely monitored by the medical team to ensure their stability and recovery. Pain medication and intravenous fluids may be administered during this time.
- Progressive Diet: After surgery, patients must follow a specific diet, which is usually progressive. Initially, they start with a clear liquid diet, then progress to thick liquids, purees, and finally solid foods. It is important to follow the dietary recommendations provided by the medical team to allow proper healing of the stomach and to adapt to anatomical changes.
- Physical activity: Light physical activity is generally encouraged as soon as possible after surgery to promote circulation, healing, and prevent blood clots. Patients can start with short walks and gradually increase their level of physical activity as tolerated.
- Adjusting to lifestyle changes: Bariatric surgery requires significant lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss long-term. Patients are encouraged to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take nutritional supplements as recommended by their doctor. Psychological support can also be beneficial to help patients cope with the emotional and behavioral changes associated with surgery.
What is the waiting time for bariatric surgery in Quebec?
Wait times for bariatric surgery in Quebec can vary depending on various factors such as the availability of medical resources, the severity of the patient's obesity, and the specific policies of each hospital. Typically, wait times for bariatric surgery in Quebec can range from several months to several years.
Medcare Vacances offers an efficient way to benefit from bariatric surgery at very attractive prices and with no waiting times. By partnering with experienced medical centers in Tunisia, they offer highly specialized and personalized treatments, conducted by a dedicated team of surgeons and healthcare professionals.
This tailor-made approach allows the patient to benefit from the best available care and achieve their weight loss goals in optimal and secure conditions and at a very attractive price.
Don't hesitate to make an appointment to learn more about bariatric surgery with Medcare Vacances.