Bariatric Surgery (Stomach Reduction)
Bariatric surgery is a surgical treatment method aimed at reducing excess body weight and helping control health problems associated with obesity. Depending on the type of surgery selected, the procedure reduces the size of the stomach and/or alters the path food takes through the digestive system. As a result, the patient consumes smaller amounts of food, feels full more quickly, and, with certain procedures, the mechanisms of nutrient absorption and appetite regulation are also altered.
Stomach reduction is not simply an operation performed for weight loss. It is used to treat obesity when there are appropriate medical indications and after a detailed assessment of the patient’s health by specialists.
Bariatric surgery is intended for patients with obesity who have not achieved sufficient and sustainable results or weight loss through diet, physical activity, or other non-surgical methods.
There are different types of bariatric surgery. Common procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, in which a significant portion of the stomach is removed and a narrow, tube-shaped stomach is formed, as well as various gastric bypass procedures, in which the path of food through the digestive system is also altered.
The type of surgery is not selected solely based on how much weight the patient wishes to lose. Body mass index, age, coexisting diseases, eating habits, previous treatments, and a number of other factors are taken into account.
When Are Bariatric Operations Performed?
The need for bariatric surgery is assessed individually. It may be considered in cases of severe obesity, particularly when excess weight is associated with other health problems.
Indications for surgery may include a high body mass index, long-standing obesity, unsuccessful attempts to achieve sustainable weight loss through non-surgical methods, as well as obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, arterial hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, problems related to excessive load on the joints, and certain metabolic disorders.
The decision regarding bariatric surgery is made after a medical evaluation. The patient must also be prepared to change their diet and lifestyle after surgery and follow the physician’s subsequent recommendations.
Contraindications to Bariatric Surgery
Surgery may be contraindicated or postponed, for example, in cases of uncontrolled severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease, active infections, certain severe blood clotting disorders, pregnancy, as well as certain psychiatric conditions or alcohol and drug dependence.
How Is Stomach Reduction Surgery Performed?
Before the procedure, the patient undergoes the necessary examinations. These may include blood and urine tests, ECG, appropriate chest and abdominal examinations, gastroscopy, and other tests as prescribed by the physician. Consultations with a cardiologist, endocrinologist, and other specialists may also be performed when necessary.
Bariatric operations are generally performed under general anesthesia using a laparoscopic approach. Several small incisions are made in the abdominal wall, through which a camera and surgical instruments are introduced. The laparoscopic approach is usually associated with less surgical trauma and faster postoperative recovery.
Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
After surgery, the patient remains under medical supervision for a certain period. During the initial stage, early mobilization, adequate fluid intake, and adherence to the diet prescribed by the physician are particularly important.
The diet is restored gradually. Initially, liquid foods are consumed, followed by soft foods and later foods of normal consistency in small portions. The duration of these stages and the diet are determined individually.
After bariatric surgery, it is necessary not only to reduce the amount of food consumed but also to develop new eating habits. After certain procedures, vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements may be required. Regular medical follow-up is important for assessing weight changes, nutritional status, and the course of coexisting diseases.
Bariatric Surgery at Nairi Medical Center
At Nairi Medical Center, a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health is carried out before bariatric surgery in order to determine the indications for surgery, possible contraindications, and the most appropriate method for the individual patient.
The center provides the necessary diagnostic examinations, specialist consultations, surgical treatment, and postoperative follow-up. At Nairi Medical Center, bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically, thanks to which patients do not experience postoperative complications and return to their normal lives very quickly.
If you are interested in bariatric surgery, stomach reduction, and general information about this procedure, you can call 8900 or visit 21 Paronyan Street. To clarify the cost of bariatric stomach surgery, it is necessary to contact Nairi Medical Center, as the final cost is determined individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bariatric surgery is a surgical treatment for obesity. Depending on the type of procedure, the size of the stomach is reduced and/or the path of food through the digestive system is altered. As a result, the patient consumes smaller amounts of food, while some procedures also affect mechanisms involved in satiety, appetite, and metabolism.
The cost of bariatric stomach surgery depends on the surgical method selected, the patient’s health condition, preoperative examinations, and the required scope of treatment. For the same reason, the cost of stomach reduction is not the same for every patient. The exact price can be determined after the appropriate consultation and necessary examinations.
The amount of weight loss is individual and depends on the starting weight, type of surgery, adherence to the dietary plan, physical activity, and individual characteristics of the body. Before surgery, the physician can estimate the expected weight loss based on the selected procedure and the patient’s individual data.
In cases of an active gastric or duodenal ulcer, the ulcer disease usually needs to be treated first and its cause identified. After treatment and follow-up examination, the possibility of bariatric surgery is reassessed. The presence of an ulcer may also affect the choice of the appropriate surgical method, so the decision is made by the surgeon based on the results of gastroscopy and other examinations.
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