WHY IS OBESITY A DANGEROUS DISEASE?
Research shows that obesity can reduce life expectancy by 10-15 years. Obesity is known to lead to very serious diseases beyond just an aesthetic problem that needs to be addressed.
Diseases Caused by Obesity
These include:
- Cardiovascular Problems: Coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, obstructive vascular diseases, venous stasis in the legs, varicose veins.
- Type 2 Diabetes.
- Hypertension.
- Certain Types of Cancer: Uterine, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
- Stroke.
- Liver Fatty Disease.
- Gallstones.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
- Respiratory Problems.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage.
- Herniated Disc.
- Psychosocial Problems: Issues like disability, social discrimination, and depression affect many systems.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR METABOLIC SURGERY?
Metabolic surgery is suitable for patients who meet certain criteria. These typically include:
- A BMI over 40.
- A BMI over 35 with serious health issues related to obesity (e.g., type 2 diabetes or hypertension).
- Cases where other weight loss methods (diet, exercise, medication) have failed.
NON-SURGICAL METHODS FOR OBESITY TREATMENT
These methods offer effective solutions, especially for patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention or need to lose weight beforehand.
Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical method used in obesity treatment to support weight loss. A silicone balloon is placed in the stomach using an endoscopic method and inflated to reduce the stomach's volume. This helps patients feel full with less food. The balloon typically remains in the stomach for six months to a year, during which patients can adopt healthy eating and exercise habits to continue their weight loss journey.
Gastric Botox
This minimally invasive method involves injecting botulinum toxin (botox) into the stomach muscles via an endoscopic method to slow down their movement. This delays stomach emptying, allowing patients to feel full for a longer time. Gastric botox is generally used to support weight loss and is not a permanent solution; its effects can last 4-6 months.
METHODS USED IN OBESITY SURGERY
Obesity surgery can generally be examined in two categories based on their mechanisms of action:
- Restrictive Effect: Limits the amount of food intake.
- Malabsorptive Effect: Reduces the absorption of nutrients.
These surgeries are performed laparoscopically, meaning they are done without a large incision in the abdomen. Thus, all the advantages of laparoscopic surgery apply to obesity surgery as well. Post-operative pain is usually not a significant issue, and painkillers are generally sufficient for the first day. Consequently, patients can usually stand up the same day and be discharged within a few days; they can return to their work and daily activities within a week without any incisions. Since there are no incisions, the aesthetic results are excellent, and complications like incision infections and hernias are minimal.
Although not a standard method used in surgery, the most commonly performed obesity surgery is sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve). Other methods include gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and transit bipartition.
IN SUMMARY…
When applied to the right patients, obesity and metabolic surgery can be life-saving and enhance quality of life. However, it is important to note that this surgery is only a tool, and for long-term success, patients need to make lasting changes to their lifestyles. I believe that combating obesity is not only an individual effort but also a societal responsibility. Promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging regular physical activity, and raising awareness about obesity can help reduce obesity rates across society.
Obesity patients must first and foremost understand and believe that obesity is not their destiny.
