Obesity is not just a condition of excess weight or high body fat percentage. It is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach. The idea that one treatment method can provide a definitive solution for every patient is incorrect. Therefore, obesity treatment should be approached in a multidisciplinary way and tailored to the individual.
The treatment process is a long journey that requires patience. For successful results, the patient’s determination is crucial. Throughout the process, the patient should adhere to the prescribed treatment methods, follow the set goals, and collaborate with specialists like doctors, dietitians, and psychologists.
Before creating a treatment plan, various factors such as the root causes of the disease, the patient’s lifestyle, character, body mass index, obesity class, and waist circumference fat ratio should be thoroughly analyzed. Based on these assessments, the most suitable treatment method is determined by the doctor. However, relying on a single method may not be enough; combining multiple methods can lead to more effective results.
For example, while surgical intervention may lead to weight loss, this alone is not sufficient. The patient must change their eating habits post-surgery, follow a diet program, and engage in exercise to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Understanding the root causes of obesity and being aware that the condition is treatable are also important parts of the process.
In conclusion, obesity treatment is not just about losing weight, but about adopting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining it. The patient’s awareness and consistency throughout the process are key factors that directly affect the success of the treatment.
The goal in the treatment of obesity is for the patient to reach their ideal weight and consequently their Body Mass Index (BMI). This will eliminate the complications caused by obesity or excess weight. Therefore, in the first step, weight gain should be immediately stopped, and weight loss should begin.
As expected, the first step of treatment will be a proper nutrition plan. Exercise or an active, energetic lifestyle also supports the treatment. However, this may not always be possible for obese patients.
In the first six months, significant weight loss is important not only to maintain the patient’s determination to continue the treatment but also to eliminate the health problems caused by obesity.
Additionally, as mentioned in the causes of obesity, if obesity is triggered by another health problem, the patient may also need to take regular medication for the treatment of that health issue.
In obesity treatment, achieving significant weight loss in the first 6 months is crucial. Various methods are used to restrict calorie intake, and one of the most common non-surgical applications is the gastric balloon.
A gastric balloon is an application that is endoscopically placed deflated into the stomach, and after being inflated, it creates a feeling of fullness in the stomach, reducing food intake. It is a widely used, easy-to-apply, effective, and reliable method in obesity treatment.
The decision to have a gastric balloon is entirely up to the individual and is typically preferred by those who want rapid and effective weight loss.
The Allurion Intragastric Balloon has the same effect as an endoscopic gastric balloon. It takes up space in the stomach, restricting food intake and providing continuous fullness, helping with weight loss. This method also offers personalized follow-up and dietician support as part of the Allurion program, along with smart scales, smart watches, and mobile app support.
Due to the ease of this application, it has become one of the most preferred gastric balloon treatment methods in recent times.
The prevalence of morbid obesity is increasing worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2 billion people are overweight globally, and 650 million of them are classified as obese.
Obesity is a disease and can be treated. However, it is wrong to view obesity only as excessive fat tissue and weight gain. Treating obesity is of vital importance because it can lead to serious health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, joint disorders, asthma, sleep apnea, respiratory failure, certain types of cancer, stroke, psychological issues, and skin diseases.
In patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, achieving weight loss as soon as possible is critical because the diseases caused by obesity can become chronic over time. For patients with a BMI of 35 or higher, if serious health problems exist, surgical treatment should be considered.
Surgical methods for obesity treatment are among the most successful and permanent treatment options. After surgery, the patient’s metabolism changes; the stomach shrinks, reducing appetite and food intake, and weight loss accelerates.
However, surgical treatment is irreversible. Obesity surgery is a serious operation, and non-surgical treatment methods should be considered first, taking into account the patient’s psychology and health condition.
An important point to note is that the belief that surgery alone can completely cure obesity is incorrect. After the surgery, patients must adhere to a prescribed diet and incorporate physical activity into their lives.
These surgeries, also known as bariatric surgeries, are referred to as stomach reduction or weight-loss surgeries. The general aim is to reduce food intake and absorption. Obesity surgery is performed using laparoscopic methods.
Surgical treatments are divided into three main categories:
Sleeve gastrectomy is one of the most commonly performed obesity surgery methods in the world. In this laparoscopically performed surgery, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed to create a tube-shaped stomach.
Since a large portion of the stomach is removed, the secretion of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, decreases. As a result, the patient’s appetite is reduced, and they begin to lose weight by eating less. Since there is no intervention to the intestines in this method, the risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies is lower. It has been observed that patients lose an average of 60% of their excess weight.
Gastric banding involves the placement of a titanium alloy silicone-covered band around the upper part of the stomach. The band creates a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach, giving the patient an early feeling of fullness. However, nowadays, gastric band surgery is less preferred compared to other methods.
Gastric bypass surgery is an effective surgical method that has been used for many years in obesity treatment. In this method, called Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, a small pouch is created in the upper part of the stomach, and a section of the small intestine is connected to the stomach, bypassing part of the intestines.
This surgery both reduces the stomach volume and shortens the absorption process of food, thus reducing calorie intake. However, it is a more complex operation compared to sleeve gastrectomy and has a higher risk of complications. Research shows that there is no significant difference in excessive weight loss between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. However, gastric bypass may be more effective, particularly in controlling comorbid conditions such as Type-2 diabetes.
The selection of surgical methods should be determined based on the patient’s overall health status, BMI, eating habits, and comorbid conditions. Obesity surgery is not only a weight-loss method but also a process that requires long-term lifestyle changes.
Among the most serious complications of obesity surgery are leaks and bleeding. Advancing technology and the quality of surgical equipment used have significantly reduced these risks. Especially in sleeve gastrectomy, where the remaining part of the stomach is closed using staplers after the stomach is cut, it is crucial that the staplers are of the highest quality and original to minimize the risk of leakage.
In our surgeries, we use the world-renowned TRI-STAPLE™ staplers from the Covidien brand without compromising on quality.
Since the surgeries are performed using minimally invasive methods (laparoscopic or robotic), the rate of wound infections and pain in patients is very low.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery is a more complex procedure because it involves bypassing both the intestine and the stomach at multiple points. Therefore, the risk of leakage and bleeding is higher. Additionally, this surgery can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies because it reduces nutrient absorption in the intestines, which may require lifelong supplementation. Due to the shortening of the small intestine, conditions such as dumping syndrome can occur, which is caused by excessive sugar consumption.
In case of treatment failure with gastric bypass surgery, revision surgery is very difficult. On the other hand, revision surgery after sleeve gastrectomy is easier and can be performed successfully.
Determining the most suitable treatment for an individual depends greatly on the factors causing obesity and the patient’s commitment to changing their lifestyle. Additionally, factors such as body mass index (BMI), existing obesity-related health conditions (comorbidities), and the patient’s willingness to undergo surgery are evaluated.
For patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery but did not achieve the desired results, revision surgery may be necessary.
In general, surgical or non-surgical treatment options are considered for individuals who meet the following criteria:
✅ Individuals who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise
✅ Morbidly obese patients with a BMI of 40 or higher
✅ Individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher who have obesity-related health problems (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, respiratory difficulties, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, joint disorders, heart conditions, etc.)
The expected weight loss after bariatric surgery varies depending on the individual, but up to 80% of excess weight can be lost within the first two years.
The gastric balloon procedure, which does not require surgery, is expected to help patients lose 10-15% of their body weight within six months.
The information, images and comments on the surgical operations mentioned on this website are for informational purposes only. The decision on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up methods will be made by the doctor.