Obesity Surgery

Today there are many bariatric treatment methods with high success rates. Gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass and gastric balloon operation are the most preferred and sustainable methods. These methods are divided into two as surgical and non-surgical. The most preferred bariatric surgery methods are sleeve gastrectomy (also known as gastric sleeve surgery and vertical gastrectomy) and gastric bypass. In recent years, gastric balloon operation also can be preferred as a non-surgical bariatric treatment method. In our clinic, we first conduct a detailed consultation to get to know you and learn about your complaints. Then we decide on the most suitable obesity treatment method for you with comprehensive tests and analyzes.

What is a gastric sleeve weight loss surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgery performed on obese patients who require significant weight loss in order to regain health. The main idea behind gastric sleeve is to remove 70-80% of the stomach. The small pouch that remains is shaped like a sleeve.

The goal of sleeve gastrectomy appears to be to limit the amount of food that can be held in the stomach. All functions, including the stomach’s digestive function, are preserved. The surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means that the surgeon views the inside of the abdomen with a small video camera (called a laparoscope). To begin, a surgeon makes 5-6 small incisions in the abdomen through which the long narrow instruments are inserted. A surgeon performs the procedure using these instruments and a laparoscope. The operated area is also cleared and inflated by introducing harmless CO₂ gas, allowing a surgeon to perform the surgery.

Gastric sleeve surgery itself does not make a person slim. It is only the first, yet milestone, stage. After the stomach is reduced, a patient is able to eat an amazingly small amount of food to be full and it causes a rapid, fast and effective weight loss.

How does sleeve gastrecomy work?

Like any bariatric stomach surgery, gastric sleeve surgery causes weight loss. There are three main aspects showing how does the gastric sleeve surgery work.

• reduction of a stomach volume, which makes that patients are full after a tiny meal and physically are not able to eat more;
• the stomach motility is increased, thanks to which food passes the stomach and intestine smoothly and quick;
• the change of hormonal receptor responsible for hunger (after the surgery, the secretion of a hunger hormone called ghrelin is reduced, thanks to which patients feel much less hungry and their appetite is suppressed)

Who is gastric sleeve surgery suitable for?
If your body mass index is between 35 and 40 and you have obesity-related diseases such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, it may be appropriate for you to have sleeve gastrectomy surgery.

Why is gastric sleeve surgery done?
The purpose of sleeve gastrectomy surgery is to reduce the volume of the stomach and limit food and fluid intake.

Is gastric sleeve surgery a permanent procedure?
Yes. This procedure permanently reduces the size of the stomach. So it is irreversible. The procedure is usually done laparoscopically. It is made by making 5-6 incisions in the abdomen. With the help of these incisions, the surgeon performs the operation with a small surgical camera called a laparoscope.

What is the biggest advantage of having sleeve gastrectomy surgery?
Patients report that they were less hungry after the surgery. Of course, the biggest reason for this is that the stomach volume has been reduced. Thus, the patient feels full faster by eating less. As the food passes through the stomach and intestines more easily and quickly, the gastric motility is accelerated. After gastric sleeve surgery, the secretion of the hunger hormone called ghrelin also slows down. In this way, those who have surgery feel less hungry.

How long will I stay in the hospital after sleeve gastrectomy?
The duration of the laparoscopic operation is approximately 45-60 minutes. The hospital stay is between 2-3 days.

What is the recovery process like after sleeve gastrectomy?
Within 24 hours after sleeve gastrectomy surgery, you will consume liquid foods allowed by your doctor in the hospital. The full recovery period is about 3-4 weeks. Solid food should not be taken within 5-6 weeks following the operation. If you follow the diet prepared by your doctor and experts, you will start a healthy weight loss process. During this period, protein and vitamin supplements suitable for your body will also be given.

How much weight is lost after sleeve gastrectomy?
It depends on your diet and how well you adhere to healthy living conditions. When you do everything right, you are likely to lose about 60-70% of weight in a year.

How soon after sleeve gastrectomy can I return to my daily life?
Under normal circumstances, you can walk with support within a few hours immediately after surgery. When you are discharged from the hospital, you will be able to meet your essential personal needs. You will be able to sit and work in about 1-2 weeks. You will start to feel better in a few weeks. Healing of laparoscopic wounds takes approximately 2-3 weeks, and complete healing of abdominal incisions takes between 6-8 weeks.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

In gastric bypass surgery (also known as Roux-en-Y/RNY Bypass Surgery), the stomach is divided into 2 main parts. One of them is formed in the form of a rather small pouch (pocket). This is an morbid obesity and metabolic operation method in which the newly created pouch is directly attached to the small intestines. The two intestines that will allow your bile and pancreatic secretions to reach the 100-150 cm area that continues are reunited and a new connection is created and the system is regulated.

With the newly created small pouch, the amount of food taken is reduced. On the other hand, foods meet with pancreatic and bile fluids later. In this way, calorie intake is also restricted.

Gastric Bypass Procedure

A gastric bypass procedure is stomach surgery and is done under general anaesthetic. As with all major operations the patient cannot eat for about 6 hours before the operation and only drink up to 2 hours before the operation. Admittance to the hospital will be the evening before or the morning of the operation. Gastric bypass surgery time is 1-3 hours depending on a variety of different factors. A mini gastric bypass will take up to about 2 hours.

How long does gastric bypass operation take?

Gastric bypass takes approximately 2 hours under normal conditions. It takes longer than sleeve gastrectomy because there is an extra process in the stomach.

How many days is the hospital stay for gastric bypass operation?

It is sufficient to stay in the hospital for about 2-3 days.

What is a gastric balloon?

Stomach balloon (called intra gastric balloon or orbera balloon – which is the popular brand of gastric balloons) belongs to the non-surgical weight loss procedures. It is also a short-term treatment, but the results are long-lasting of course. The main tool for the procedure is a soft and flexible silicone balloon. Such a deflated balloon pill is put into the stomach endoscopically (alternatively, the balloon can be placed via the food pipe). Once it is inserted, the surgeon inflates the balloon to the size of a grapefruit with the use of saltwater. The stomach is filled in ⅓, so you feel full faster and are able to eat less food.

The whole balloon surgery takes about 30-60 minutes and is done under either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. The time when the balloon can remain in the stomach is limited to either 6 or 12 months because stomach acid tend to damage the balloon material gradually. However, it is enough time to lose much weight and get used to eating smaller portions even without having a balloon inside..

Who is the gastric balloon applied to?

Gastric balloon can be applied to people with a body mass index of 30 and above who are diagnosed with overweight and/or obesity.

What is the age group limit for gastric balloon procedure?

Gastric balloons are suitable for patients between the ages of 18-70. After the health tests and necessary examinations are done, the final decision is made by the doctor. Underage patients can have this operation with parental consent.

Is a gastric balloon a permanent implant?

No. Gastric balloon can remain in the stomach for 6 months or a year. At the end of this period, it is removed in the same way.

How is gastric balloon operation done?

The balloon is applied endoscopically, without surgery. General anesthetized patient does not feel anything during the operation. The process takes about 15 minutes.