Overview
The surgical procedures, which are performed to patients who are unable to lose weight regardless of the treatments administered and of diets and who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or over 35 and suffering from chronic diseases, and therefore, to patients who have serious medical problems, are known as “Bariatric Surgery” or “Obesity Surgery”.
With obesity surgery, not only patients may get back to their normal weight, but also the prevalence of diseases related to obesity are reduced; that’s why bariatric surgery plays a crucial role for treatment of obesity. Laparoscopic surgery for obesity shortens the recovery period. The researches on bariatric surgery patients show that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are less likely to develop the types of cancer linked to obesity when compared to patients who did not undergo bariatric surgery. The reason for this is that while weight loss with dieting and exercise result in 7-10% of weight loss, bariatric surgery ensures 80% of weight loss, if supported by necessary life style changes.
With obesity surgery, not only patients may get back to their normal weight, but also the prevalence of diseases related to obesity are reduced; that’s why bariatric surgery plays a crucial role for treatment of obesity. Laparoscopic surgery for obesity shortens the recovery period. The researches on bariatric surgery patients show that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are less likely to develop the types of cancer linked to obesity when compared to patients who did not undergo bariatric surgery. The reason for this is that while weight loss with dieting and exercise result in 7-10% of weight loss, bariatric surgery ensures 80% of weight loss, if supported by necessary life style changes.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
In the pre-operative period, eating and drinking habits of patient, diabetes and life style and the status of other health disorders are taken into consideration. Especially, patients between 18 and 60 years of age may undergo this operation. There are several conditions for patients to undergo operation.
They include:
- Having body mass index over 40 or having body mass index between 35 and 40 and suffering from diseases linked to obesity.
- Suffering from an incurable obesity for at least 5 years.
- No change in the course of the disease as a result of drug treatment and dieting.
- Not suffering from endocrine diseases.
- Not suffering from alcohol or drug addiction.
- Not having a condition that prevents the surgical operation.
Why Have Obesity Surgery in Turkiye?
Turkey is known for offering high-quality medical services at relatively lower costs compared to many Western countries. The cost of obesity surgery in Turkey may be more affordable for individuals, making it an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective healthcare.
Quality of Healthcare
Turkey has invested in its healthcare infrastructure and has modern, well-equipped hospitals with highly trained medical professionals. Many facilities in Turkey are accredited by international organizations, ensuring the best standard of quality in medical care.
Experienced Surgeons
Turkish surgeons often have extensive experience in performing obesity surgeries. Many have received training and certifications from reputable institutions, contributing to the confidence of individuals seeking bariatric procedures.
Comprehensive Medical Facilities
Many hospitals in Turkey provide comprehensive medical services, including pre-operative evaluations, post-operative care, and rehabilitation. This ensures that patients receive holistic care throughout their weight loss journey.
Doctors
FAQ
1How do I know that I will be suitable for surgery?
Selection for surgery depends on your weight and height, the presence of other health or psychological problems, your age and readiness to go ahead with surgery. The final decision rests with the team but we will do our best to help anyone that we think will benefit from surgery
2How long does it take from being referred by my GP to having the operation?
This very much depends on how your assessments go with our team. Some patients have significant problems that need to be dealt with first before we can go ahead with surgery. This may take repeat visits to us over a number of months as well as other investigations (such as into sleep disorders).
3How much weight can I expect to lose, and how quickly?
The amount of weight lost after surgery depends on the type of operation, but more importantly on changing your lifestyle and eating habits. Weight loss requires reducing your food intake and increasing exercise. If you don’t stick to this then you will not lose enough weight and may even to put it back on again. It is important to be realistic about weight loss. The primary aim of weight loss surgery is to solve the problems caused by your obesity and not to get you to your ideal weight. If you lose more than 50% of your extra (excess) weight and it doesn’t come back on again this will be classed as a success. In general weight loss is faster after gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy surgery with most of the weight lost within the first 6 months and stabilising after 12-18 months. Gastric band surgery causes a slower more gradual but steady weight loss.
4Will I have loose or sagging skin after I lose weight?
After significant weight loss there will inevitably be some areas where the skin starts to sag (around the tummy, under the arms and thighs, and breasts). How bad this is depends on how much weight you lose, your age and skin tone (generally younger patients have a better skin tone). How much this effects you is personal with some patients not being bothered by it, and others finding it very difficult to cope with. Occasionally the skin folds can become infected or sore if they are difficult to keep clean and dry. The only way to effectively deal with loose skin is with plastic surgery although this is not routinely funded within the NHS unless there are exceptional circumstances. You will need to discuss this with your GP if you feel that it becomes a major problem.
5Are there any other side effects?
Some people notice that they lose some hair or that it becomes thinner after weight loss. This can be distressing, but it is only temporary and usually gets better after a few months. Many patients describe developing very dry skin when losing weight rapidly. You can combat this by drinking plenty of fluids, taking your multivitamin and applying a good moisturising cream daily.
6How much time will I need off work?
This depends on your type of work, but generally gastric band patients have 1-2 weeks off work and the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy patients have longer (up to 6 weeks)
7How much weight can I expect to lose, and how quickly?
The National Bariatric Surgery Registry, 2010 reported that the average excess weight patients lost after 1 year was approximately 40% for gastric banding, 50% for sleeve gastrectomy and 70% for gastric bypass. The amount of weight lost after surgery however varies greatly from person to person. Ultimately, it is down to the changes you make to your lifestyle and eating habits. Weight loss requires reducing your food intake and increasing exercise. If you don’t stick to this then you will not lose enough weight and may even to put it back on again.
It is important to be realistic about weight loss. The primary aim of bariatric surgery is to improve the problems caused by your obesity. If you lose more than half of your extra (excess) weight and it doesn’t come back on again this is regarded as a success.
Most of the weight lost after bariatric surgery happens in the first 6 months, a bit more until about 18 months when most people put a bit back on again. This is entirely normal and as long as the weight levels out again there is nothing to worry about.
It is important to be realistic about weight loss. The primary aim of bariatric surgery is to improve the problems caused by your obesity. If you lose more than half of your extra (excess) weight and it doesn’t come back on again this is regarded as a success.
Most of the weight lost after bariatric surgery happens in the first 6 months, a bit more until about 18 months when most people put a bit back on again. This is entirely normal and as long as the weight levels out again there is nothing to worry about.
8Will I have loose or sagging skin after I lose weight?
After significant weight loss there will inevitably be some areas where the skin starts to sag (around the tummy, under the arms and thighs, and breasts). How bad this is depends on many factors including how much weight you lose, your age and skin tone (generally younger patients have a better skin tone). How much this effects you is personal with some patients not being bothered by it, and others finding it very difficult to cope with. Occasionally the skin folds can become infected or sore if they are difficult to keep clean and dry.
The only way to effectively deal with loose skin is with plastic surgery although this is not routinely funded within the NHS unless there are exceptional circumstances. You will need to discuss this with your GP if you feel that it becomes a major problem.
The only way to effectively deal with loose skin is with plastic surgery although this is not routinely funded within the NHS unless there are exceptional circumstances. You will need to discuss this with your GP if you feel that it becomes a major problem.
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