Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a type of gastric surgical procedure for those markedly overweight, who struggle with obesity, or those at high risk of obesity-related diseases. Bariatric surgery utilizes gastric surgery procedures (Sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty) to decrease the size of the gastric reservoir and alter the levels of gut hormones that control hunger and satiety, making you feel full faster and less hungry, resulting in better overall health. Bariatric surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment option for achieving long-term weight loss, reducing obesity-related complications, and improving overall physical health and well-being.
How many types of bariatric surgery?
The Gastrointestinal team of specialists, utilizes minimally invasive laparoscopic gastric weight loss surgery based on the principles of gastric volume reduction to cause early satiety ad to limit the amount of food entering the body, reduce caloric intake, and altering the hormones that control hunger. There are 3 surgical approaches for reducing stomach size:
1. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG)
Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a restrictive procedure with 75–80% of the stomach removed, decreasing its size to approximately 150 cc. The medical team utilizes a laparoscope and specialized surgical devices to perform sleeve gastrectomy with precision, efficiency, and safety. The stomach is cut and sewed into a long tube similar to a sleeve, reducing its capacity and production of the gastric hormone ghrelin, also known as "the hunger hormone," which stimulates appetite. The surgery results in effective weight loss without affecting calorie and nutrient absorption in the intestines.
2. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB)
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) reduces the size (restrictive procedure) as well as the absorptive capacity of the stomach (Mal-absorptive procedure), in which the surgical team divides the uppermost proximal stomach into a small pouch, approximately 1-2 ounce sizes, and connecting it to a diverted, 180-200 cm long of a limb of the upper small intestine to fashion a Y-shape intestinal bypass of the lower stomach and the proximal upper small intestine. As a result, the surgery makes you feel full faster, reduces appetite, and helps lower the volume of food entering the gastrointestinal tract. The medical team will perform Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery using laparoscopic techniques and specialized surgical devices to help make the surgery accurate, efficient, and safe.
3. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is the newest bariatric surgery for weight loss that utilizes an endoscope inserted through the patient's mouth into the stomach to decrease its lumen down to the size of a banana by sewing together its opposing walls with specialized surgical devices (Endoscopic suturing system) under anesthesia. It is a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) with no external abdominal scars, resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications. This treatment method is another recognized option for weight loss that is effective, safe, and offers good outcomes.
Top 5 Bariatric Hospitals in Thailand
Thailand has emerged as a leading destination for medical tourism, particularly in the field of bariatric surgery. The country boasts world-class facilities, highly skilled surgeons, and competitive pricing. If you are considering weight loss surgery, here are the top 5 bariatric hospitals in Thailand:
- Bumrungrad International Hospital: Renowned for its comprehensive range of bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric band surgery. Bumrungrad has a dedicated team of bariatric surgeons with extensive experience and a track record of successful outcomes.
- Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital: Offers a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss surgery, with a team of bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, and psychologists working together to provide personalized care and support throughout the patient's journey.
- Bangkok Hospital: One of the largest private hospital networks in Thailand, Bangkok Hospital offers a wide range of bariatric procedures at its various locations across the country. The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified medical staff.
- Phyathai 2 Hospital: A leading center for bariatric surgery in Thailand, Phyathai 2 Hospital is equipped with advanced technology and a team of experienced bariatric surgeons. The hospital offers a variety of weight loss procedures tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
- Yanhee Hospital: Specializes in cosmetic and plastic surgery, Yanhee Hospital also offers a range of bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. The hospital is known for its affordable pricing and experienced surgeons.
Top Med World Company: Your Partner in Bariatric Surgery
Top Med World Company is a leading medical tourism agency specializing in connecting patients with the best bariatric hospitals and surgeons in Thailand. We offer a free consultation service to help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your weight loss surgery. Our team of experienced medical professionals will guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right hospital and surgeon to arranging travel and accommodation. Contact Top Med World Company today to start your journey towards a healthier and happier you.
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Before surgery
Candidates considering bariatric surgery for weight loss undergo a physical examination and medical readiness assessment by a specialist doctor to learn about the treatment plan, surgical method, and rules of healthy eating regimens before and after surgery. The doctor will perform an endoscopic examination of the stomach, a liver ultrasound to diagnose fatty liver, cirrhosis, or gallbladder stones, and blood tests to assess readiness and plan for surgery.
During surgery
Anesthesiologists will administer general anesthesia to patients undergoing bariatric surgery, utilizing a minimally invasive laparoscopic or an endoscopic surgery technique for the first two weight loss surgery options and the third option, respectively. The surgery will take approximately 2-3 hours, and you will recuperate at the hospital for 4-5 days to assess the conditions after recovery from the surgery before returning home.
Post-surgery
Physicians, dietitians, and nutritionists collaborate to provide post-surgery instructions and guidelines for eating habit adjustments. The diets recommended for the first four weeks are only liquid or soft food, easy to digest and help to condition the stomach and digestion process, such as porridge, soup, and poached eggs. After four weeks, the patient can consume a regular diet in the appropriate amount, enabling an effective treatment outcome and preventing obesity recurrence.
Bariatric surgery for weight loss utilizing endoscopic or laparoscopic, minimally invasive surgical techniques, with no or minimal wound size, lessens pain and speeds up recovery by surgical specialists collaborating with a multidisciplinary team resulting in high-precision, and reducing the risk of complications. Most people who have undergone bariatric surgery have successful treatment outcomes.
Patients undergoing bariatric surgery for weight loss will experience rapid weight loss in the first years after surgery, particularly the first 1-2 years when the weight decreases the most. Weight gain may occur after a couple of years due to age factors, diet, and lack of exercise. However, compared to gaining better long-term health, bariatric surgery is a clinically efficacious and cost-effective treatment option for obesity and related diseases.
Infection can occur after bariatric surgery if the gastric suture line leaks due to poor anastomosis. However, with the superior quality of a modern laparoscope and specialized surgical devices, patients can be sure of a secured stomach suture line with no leakage or infection. The doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements for a patient with a vitamin deficiency.
Bariatric surgery for weight loss aids in the recovery from obesity and obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, infertility, snoring, and irregular menstruation, as well as those who have body image, personality issues and a lack of self-confidence. Bariatric surgery also reduces the risk of cancer and helps improve agility in activities of daily life as well.
