Obesity and Metabolism Surgery

Obesity and metabolism surgery are surgical methods used in the treatment of excessive obesity or metabolic disorders caused by obesity.

These surgical procedures can be applied when other treatments such as diet and exercise programs have failed. Surgery leads to weight loss by altering or bypassing the digestive tract and can also help treat other obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and heart disease.

Obesity and metabolism surgery can involve many different procedures, but the most common are procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric bandage, sleeve gastrectomy, and biliopancreatic diversion (BPD).

These procedures are usually performed under the close supervision of a multidisciplinary team (such as surgeons, endocrinologists, dietitians, and psychologists). However, because such surgical procedures carry risks of serious complications, careful patient selection and appropriate follow-up and support are essential.

Which Methods Are Used in Obesity Surgery?

Obesity surgery is a form of treatment in which different methods are used. These methods can be classified as follows:

Restrictive surgery: These methods aim to reduce food consumption by reducing the size of the stomach. In this way, the patient’s eating habits are changed and weight loss is achieved. Procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bandage are examples of restrictive surgery.
Malabsorption surgery: These methods provide weight loss by reducing the absorption of food. In these methods, the intestines are restructured and the absorption processes in the digestive system are changed. Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and duodenal key (BPD-DS) procedures related to biliopancreatic diversion are examples of malabsorption surgery.
Combined surgery: These methods combine restrictive and malabsorption surgery techniques. These methods are used both to reduce food consumption and to reduce the absorption of food. Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), sleeve gastrectomy and BPD-DS procedures are examples of combined surgery.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most appropriate method for each patient is determined by the person’s obesity status, general health status and personal preferences. The important thing is that patients determine the most appropriate treatment methods for weight loss and treatment of metabolic disorders together with their doctors.

Prof. Dr. Erşan AYGÜN

General Surgery Specialist

Bakırköy/ İstanbul

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