Obesity surgery is the ideal solution for people for whom dieting and exercise have not achieved any results in losing excess weight. It is also a golden solution for those who suffer from diseases resulting from excessive obesity. In this article, here are the types of obesity surgeries and how to maintain their results.

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The types of obesity surgery are distinguished from each other, and each of them has disadvantages and risks. The person finds himself faced with several options, and the type of surgery is determined after discussing with the doctor and finding out what suits the case. This is based on several factors:

• An individual's body mass index determines the extent of obesity that an individual suffers from. 
• The individual's age, general health condition, and ability to tolerate surgery. 
• The presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. 
• The lifestyle and daily activity of the individual, as you must follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly after completing the surgery. 

Obesity surgery varies depending on the method used to reduce the size of the stomach or change the path of the digestive system. Obesity surgery options include the following::

• Gastric band surgeryA belt is placed around the stomach in the upper region, and then tied in such a way that it reduces the size of the stomach and makes the patient feel full after eating a small amount of food. The belt is adjusted several times based on the size of the stomach over time through certain adjustments.
• Gastric bypass surgeryPart of the stomach is merged with the small intestine, which makes the patient feel full in less time and the body is unable to absorb calories.
• Gastric sleeve surgery: The doctor removes part of the stomach so that the patient is unable to eat large amounts of food and feels full in less time, so the body can burn the fat present in it.
• Laparoscopic bipartite bypass surgery: One of the latest types of morbid obesity surgery, the surgery relies on combining two operations together: gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, where 80% of the stomach’s size is cut and then a connection is created between the stomach and the small intestine, thus reducing the amount of food eaten in addition to reducing the process of food absorption in the human body. 
• Biliopancreatic diversion surgery: It depends on bypassing the upper part of the small intestine, which is responsible for absorbing most of the fats and carbohydrates in food, by removing most of the stomach, leaving a small pocket in it that is connected to the last part of the small intestine. Simultaneously, the doctor redirects the bile and pancreatic ducts to the last part of the small intestine. 
• Gastric balloonIt depends on occupying stomach space and reducing the feeling of hunger by inserting an expandable balloon into the stomach.  
• Stomach capsule: It also depends on occupying the stomach space, but by swallowing a capsule containing a gelatinous substance. In the stomach, the capsule swells and occupies space in the stomach, which reduces the feeling of hunger. 

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Advantages and benefits of obesity surgery on health and quality of life

In addition to obesity surgery being a solution to get rid of excess weight, it is also a golden solution to improve the individual’s general health and significantly change the quality of life. It includes the most important features and benefits of undergoing obesity surgery, On the following:

• Controlling weight-related health conditions: Such as restoring normal levels of blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol, and reducing the incidence of heart disease. 
• Improving heart functions: Due to reducing pressure on the heart and improving blood circulation.
• Improve sleep: Due to  improving respiratory functions and relieving symptoms of sleep apnea. 
• Restore fitness and increase activity: Due to reducing weight that hinders movement and reducing joint pain associated with obesity. 
• Improving the patient's psychological state by improving his physical appearance, restoring self-confidence, and improving his social relationships. 
• Improving fertility and increasing the chances of childbearing for those who plan to. 
• Reducing the risk of cancer. 

You may also be interested in: The most prominent effects of obesity on the body and how to prevent it

How to prepare for the operation and the most important post-operative tips

Before performing obesity surgery, whatever its type, the doctor will discuss with you the instructions for preparing for the surgery and all the necessary tests. These preparations include the following:

• Blood tests: comprehensive tests of body functions and hormone levels. 
• Stop smoking because it affects the healing process. 
• Modifying lifestyle, including food quality and exercise, to achieve the goal of the process. 
• Psychological rehabilitation of the patient regarding the importance of surgery, its risks, and instructions for the new stage. 
• Determine the type of surgery appropriate for the patient's condition. 

Instructions after morbid obesity surgery to ensure the success of the surgery and speed of recovery also include the following:

• Do not eat for a day or two to allow the stomach and digestive system to recover.
• Follow a specific diet for a few weeks. The diet begins with liquids only in the first days after surgery, then moves to mashed and very soft foods, and then to regular foods.
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet rich in protein, vegetables and fruits. 
• Drink sufficient amounts of water and fluids.
• Dividing meals into small, frequent meals: throughout the day and not eating large, fatty meals that affect the process. 
• Follow up with the doctor regularly, conduct some medical tests, and analyze blood functions during the first few months after surgery.
• Patience and perseverance, as the stage after obesity surgery is a major challenge in the patient’s life to achieve the desired results.

Book your consultation now at Obesity treatment center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for morbid obesity surgery?

Obesity surgery is not suitable for everyone. Rather, there are specific criteria that must be met by the patient to ensure the success of the operation, and this is what the doctor decides after evaluating the patient’s condition. In general, the patient is eligible to undergo obesity surgery. In the following cases:

• Cases of severe obesity where the body mass index reaches 40 or higher.
• Obesity cases with the patient suffering from some weight-related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
• The age and health condition of the patient is able to tolerate anesthesia and surgery. 
• He must be able to follow the doctor’s instructions and change his lifestyle to achieve the goal of surgery.

In general, obesity surgery is effective and safe for those between the ages of 18 and 65 years, but some cases are prevented from undergoing obesity surgery. They are as follows:

• Patients with severe heart disease.
• Severe lung disease.
• The individual undergoes many surgeries in the abdominal area.
• When an individual suffers from obesity, the causes are unknown and untreatable. 

Is obesity surgery a final solution?

Although obesity surgery is a magic solution for many cases of obesity, it should not be considered the final solution, because success in this journey requires long-term commitment and effective cooperation with the medical team. It requires:

• Change in lifestyle: Even after undergoing surgery, the patient must still follow a healthy diet and also exercise regularly to maintain the new weight.
• The possibility of some complications occurring after surgery, such as nutritional deficiency or sagging skin.
• The patient may experience some psychological changes after surgery, such as anxiety and depression, which must be dealt with.
• Weight return in some cases, if the patient does not adhere to the necessary changes in his lifestyle.

Obesity surgery is just the beginning of the new journey, not the end of the story. It is a very effective tool to help achieve the goal of losing weight and improving health, but it requires commitment and resistance to temptations, and psychological support from the family is an important and influential factor in this journey.

​What are the potential risks of surgery?

With the progress of science in the field of obesity surgery, the safety rate has reached 90%, and this percentage increases with cooperation with a medical team and a skilled doctor, but like any surgical operation, it carries some risks and possible complications. And from her: 

• Infection.
•  Bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.
• Occurrence of intestinal obstruction.
• Malnutrition and permanent nutrient deficiency.
• Severe weight loss. 
• Hernia infection.
• The occurrence of adhesions.
• Symptoms associated with anesthesia.
• Heart disease and blood clots.
• Ulcers and acid reflux.
• Leakage of intestinal contents.

How can the results be maintained after the operation?

One of the biggest challenges for an obese patient after undergoing morbid obesity surgery is maintaining the results he achieved after surgery, and therefore the doctor always alerts the patient to the importance of following some important advice and instructions. Which is as follows:

• Changing the pattern of eating habits in terms of quality and quantity: Focus should be on foods rich in protein and diversity among vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, in addition to avoiding sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats. Meals should be divided into small, frequent meals throughout the day. It is necessary to chew food well and drink sufficient amounts of water and fluids.
• Follow an exercise regime and exercise regularly: You can start with light exercises and increase the intensity gradually, and regularly do aerobic and strength exercises to build muscle instead of accumulating fat. Also, brisk walking, swimming, or cycling are important exercises that should be included in your daily activity to stimulate blood circulation, improve breathing, and relieve stress and anxiety.
• Periodic examination and regular follow-up with the doctor: All necessary medical examinations must be performed periodically to ensure the safety of the operation and the safety of your health, while discussing any problems or challenges with your doctor.
• Avoid bad habits: Such as quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, while organizing a bedtime and wake-up routine to get enough rest and sleep.

In conclusion, all patients who have undergone obesity surgery have different experiences with different needs and results, but they all have the same opinion that cooperation with a skilled doctor specialized in obesity surgery and a cooperative medical team represents a significant percentage in the success of the operation and achieving the desired results. Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides distinguished medical services in Obesity treatment center You can contact us immediately for reservations and inquiries on our numbers listed on the website.