A person who suffers from obesity and whose excess weight is now causing other problems such as hormonal, blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea may undergo stomach reduction surgery.
This procedure, also known as bariatric surgery, may include four different types of procedures and the way these procedures are performed is different. However, the most commonly associated with ‘stomach reduction surgery’ is ‘gastric sleeve’ surgery.
Your doctor decides what is right for you according to your needs. After the surgery, you will have a new body, a new you, and even a new mental and physical health. It can be called a stomach reduction surgery and a lifestyle change surgery.
Here’s a recap of the article:
- Stomach reduction surgery limits the amount of food the stomach can hold.
- There are four types of stomach reduction surgery.
- A lifetime diet can be needed after the surgery.
- You will have to stay in the hospital for two or three days.
- The success rate of stomach reduction is 90%.
- It takes 4-6 weeks to recover from the surgery fully.
What is Stomach Reduction Surgery?
Stomach reduction surgery, also known as Bariatric surgery, is intended to help people with obesity lose weight. It involves shrinking the stomach, which limits the amount of food it can hold. This aims to achieve early satiety and helps patients eat smaller portions.
This surgery is of primary importance for people struggling with obesity-related problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. It is also recommended for people who have tried but failed to lose weight with other weight loss methods.
Types of Stomach Reduction Procedures
There are four different types of stomach reduction surgery. Although the purpose of all four is common, the way they are performed differs. Your doctor decides which surgery you will have according to your health evaluations and weight loss goals.
Here are the four types of stomach reduction:
- Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
Gastric Sleeve (Sleve Gastrectomy)
Gastric Sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a type of stomach reduction surgery in which a large part of the stomach is removed. What remains is a narrow, sleeve-shaped stomach, which greatly restricts the amount of food a person can eat. The feeling of satiety is reached immediately. In addition, it not only reduces calorie intake but also reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
Weight reduction of up to 50-60% is seen within two years. Strict diets and long-term lifestyle changes after surgery are also essential for this surgery. In addition, it can be observed that health problems caused by obesity disappear rapidly.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Gastric Bypass is a bariatric surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y. It restricts food intake and changes the digestion process. Thus, it initiates weight loss. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach, significantly reducing its capacity. The surgeon then redirects part of the small intestine, allowing food to bypass most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. So, this method not only restricts eating. It also reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients.
Gastric Bypass reduces body weight by 60-70 percent in the first 18 months. Lifelong change in eating habits is important. It solves problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. However, you may also experience digestive problems such as dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the intestines, causing nausea and fatigue. It is important to pay close attention to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
Adjustable Gastric Band
The adjustable gastric band, also called the lap band, is one of the types of bariatric surgery. A silicone band is placed on the upper part of the stomach. In this procedure, the band creates a small pouch above the band and a larger section below it. This greatly reduces the amount of food that can be eaten in one go. A small port is placed under the skin. The band can be tightened or even loosened by injecting or removing saline through the small port. This allows for gradual adjustment according to the patient’s weight loss progress or any discomfort experienced.
Since the adjustable gastric band is a less invasive and reversible option compared to other bariatric surgeries, it results in slower weight loss. Patients who undergo this procedure lose 40-50% of their body weight within a few years. The procedure has less immediate risk than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, but there are potential long-term complications such as band slippage, erosion, or infection. Adherence to dietary guidelines and changes in lifestyle help to increase success.
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)
It is a mixed style of bariatric surgery that combines both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques to promote significant weight loss. It is likened to sleeve gastrectomy. A large part of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, tubular stomach. In the other stage of the surgery, a large part of the small intestine is rerouted. This stage diverts the flow of food away from most of the digestive tract. This limits the absorption of calories and nutrients.
BPD/DS is one of the most effective weight loss operations. It usually leads to 70-80 percent excess weight loss within two years. It also eliminates obesity-related health problems such as severe obesity or diabetes. In addition, since there will be a decrease in nutrient absorption, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements may be required.
Benefits and Risks of Stomach Reduction
Stomach reduction surgery brings with it benefits and risks. Your quality of life, which will be shaped by achieving the desired result and the benefits it brings with it, may witness some ups and downs.
Here is a table listing the benefits and risks:
BENEFITS | RISKS |
Decrease in body weight by up to %50-70 within 1-2 years | Surgical complications may arise such as infection, blood clots, excessive bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia |
Elimination of obesity-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea | Vitamin and mineral deficiency due to decreased nutrient absorption as a result of procedures such as Gastric Bypass and BPD/DS |
Facilitating movement and returning to physical activities that cannot be done due to weight | Dumping syndrome may occur when food goes directly to the small intestine |
Increased mental health and self-confidence | Weight gain if you do not watch your diet |
Transitioning to a regular lifestyle and integrating proper nutrition into life | Gallstone formation as a result of rapid weight loss |
Reduction in cardiovascular risk | Emotional and psychological challenges may occur as post-surgery depression |
Details of Stomach Reduction Procedure
The procedure with which the concept of stomach reduction surgery is associated is actually the ‘Gastric Sleeve’ procedure. This procedure, which involves removing part of the stomach, also lowers the hunger hormone and greatly reduces your feeling of hunger. Let’s explain this surgery step by step:
- The first step is the preparatory phase in which patients undergo some medical tests, nutritional counseling, and sometimes even psychological tests.
General anesthesia is applied at the beginning of the procedure. - The surgeon starts the operation by making 4-6 small incisions in the abdomen.
- The procedure is performed laparoscopically, meaning that a small camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions.
- About 75-80 percent of the stomach is then cut out.
- The remaining part of the stomach is stapled closed in the form of a thin tube or ‘gastric sleeve’.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery and aftercare are of great importance after gastric reduction surgery. This process includes not only physical recovery but also dietary habits and lifestyle remodeling. In other words, this is an operation that will change your life in a real sense.
Immediately after the operation, the patient usually stays in the hospital for 1-3 days, during which time doctors monitor for complications. In the first days, you will be fed only a liquid diet and pain control will be provided. In the postoperative period, short walks are encouraged to prevent blood clots.
Afterward, the diet gradually changes from liquids to pureed foods, soft foods, and finally solid foods. This process usually takes 6-8 weeks. In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements, especially vitamin B12, iron, and calcium, may be necessary throughout life. Regular medical check-ups are critical to monitor weight loss and prevent possible complications.
Success Rates of Stomach Reduction in Turkey
Turkey has world-class hospitals and highly skilled surgeons which means that these features of the country in the medical field increase the success rate of stomach reduction surgery. The success rate of stomach reduction surgery is 90% in our clinic in Turkey. We offer you a reduction in weight of around 50-60% in the initial two years. That makes Turkey even the best in medical tourism.
How to Choose the Right Clinic and Surgeon
Choosing the right clinic and surgeon is the most important step when it comes to stomach reduction surgery. Your life will be reshaped after the surgery and you will even have a different lifestyle after the surgery. So, every step you take considering the surgery may affect your life. Here’s a quick list of how to choose the right clinic and surgeon:
- Check if the clinic is accredited by international organizations like Joint Commission International (JCI) or has relevant national certifications.
- Research the surgeon’s qualifications, these can be experience, specialization, and memberships.
- Read reviews and testimonials because real-life experiences can provide insights into the clinic’s service quality, post-op care, and the surgeon’s bedside manner.
- Look at before and after results because it gives you an indication of the success rate and the results you can expect.
- Check the clinic’s aftercare program, whether it has nutritional counseling, psychological support, and follow-up appointments.
- Look at communication services and support because clear communication is important.
- Consider location and accessibility and the accommodation packages they provide.
Costs and Financing Options for Stomach Reduction
Stomach reduction surgery varies depending on the location of the clinic, the surgeon’s competencies, and the country. In most of our clinics, surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and pre-surgical tests are included in the price. Our clinic also offers all-inclusive packages.
COUNTRY | COST |
Turkey | €3.200 – €6.400 |
USA | €14.000 – €28.000 |
UK | €9.200 – €17.300 |
Germany | €10.500 – €15.750 |
Different financing options are available to get stomach reduction surgery in Turkey. In Turkey, our clinics offer many financial payment options. The first of these can be to prepare a ‘payment plan’. There is an option to pay a certain deposit in advance and then pay the rest in installments. Another payment option is ‘medical loans’. You can get medical loans from private companies and financial institutions, but since interest rates and repayment methods vary, it is useful to compare different payment options.
The third option may be ‘insurance coverage’. In Turkey, private or public health insurance is available. Especially for private health insurance, patients typically need to meet certain criteria, such as having a body mass index (BMI) above a certain threshold or suffering from obesity-related health problems (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.). Another financial option is medical tourism packages. Our clinic offers comprehensive medical tourism packages that combine surgery, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and post-operative follow-up. These packages can be an affordable way of payment, especially for international patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a stomach reduction take?
The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours. After that, you will need to stay at the hospital for two-three days. This is needed for the after-monitoring and recovery.
What are the requirements for stomach surgery?
The qualification criteria for bariatric surgery are quite specific and carefully considered by medical professionals. Patients seeking this procedure must typically satisfy several important requirements.
First and foremost, candidates should have a Body Mass Index (BMI) that exceeds 40, which medical professionals classify as severe obesity. However, individuals with a BMI of 35 or above may also qualify if they experience obesity-related health complications. These complications often include, but are not limited to, type 2 diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea.
Additionally, prospective patients must demonstrate that they have earnestly attempted to lose weight through traditional methods. This means showing documented efforts at maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine, albeit without achieving sustainable results.
Perhaps most crucially, successful candidates need to display a genuine willingness to embrace significant lifestyle changes. This includes committing to regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team, adhering to post-operative dietary guidelines, and maintaining long-term lifestyle modifications.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
The amount of weight you can lose depends on the type of procedure you choose and how closely you follow the post-surgery guidelines. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- If you have gastric sleeve surgery, you may lose about 50-70% of your excess weight.
- For those undergoing gastric bypass, the expected weight loss is around 60-80% over the first 1 to 2 years.
- With an adjustable gastric band, weight loss tends to be slower, averaging 40-50% of excess weight.
- The biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) often results in the most weight loss, with patients shedding around 70-80% of their excess weight.
What supplements do I need to take after the procedure?
After surgery, you’ll probably need to take daily vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies, especially if you’ve had a procedure like gastric bypass, which impacts nutrient absorption. Some of the most common supplements include:
- Multivitamins
- Calcium
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
Your surgeon and dietitian will give you a personalized supplement plan to make sure you’re getting everything you need based on your specific health needs.
Can stomach reduction surgery be reversed?
No, most types of stomach reduction surgery are permanent and cannot be reversed. These procedures involve significant changes to your digestive system and require lifelong adjustments. However, adjustable gastric banding is the exception—it can be reversed if necessary.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
You can usually return to light activities after about two weeks. Full recovery, including getting back to work and exercise, typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions during this time for a smooth recovery.
