Bariatric surgery
What is bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery is a procedure specified to reduce and modify the stomach; it aids in the task of improving the process of food processing within the body.
Bariatric surgery is a modern, safe and effective treatment in the case of obesity and the occurrence of various metabolic disorders. Following bariatric surgery, the patient is not able to consume large quantities of food due to the reduced stomach volume as well as decreased hunger and cravings, therefore, the body does not accumulate excess fat, which helps the patient lose up to 80% of excess weight over the course of 1–3 years.
AIWA Clinic is offering bariatric surgery with a special price until the 30th of June 2023 for LV residents only 3950 EUR.
When is bariatric surgery recommended?
In the case where a person’s body mass index (BMI) is close to 34, which aligns within the overweight category, and is increasing, and if other methods of weight loss have failed, bariatric surgery is a viable option. This surgery provides a number of advantages, like or example in the case of type 2 diabetes, mellitus and high blood pressure.
Apart from losing unwanted weight, it also simplifies and eases the regulation of both blood pressure and sugar levels within a normal range.
The doctor individually evaluates the need for surgery for each patient.
Body mass index
Body mass index or BMI is one of the most popular indicators to measure the level, or in some cases, severity of obesity. Using the BMI scale, the ratio of body weight to height is taken into account. It is obtained by dividing body weight (in kilograms) by the square of the person’s height (in meters). For example, a woman who is 1.75 m in height and 60 kg in weight will have a BMI of:
60 / (1,75)2 = 19,59.
BMI calculation formula: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)2
According to the accepted guidelines, it is considered that BMI of 18.5 to 24.99 indicates normal body weight. If BMI is higher, it is classified as overweight, to obese. To be eligible for bariatric surgery, a patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 34 and higher.
Body mass index calculator
| BMI (kg/m2) | |
| Underweight | BMI < 18,5 |
| Normal body weight | BMI = 18,5 – 24,99 |
| Excess weight | BMI = 25 – 29,99 |
| Obesity | BMI > 30 |
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Surgery results
TThe research results indicate that 60% of the weight lost is not gained back within 10-14 years after bariatric surgery. Post-surgery, most of the illnesses correlated to obesity are significantly reduced or are completely eliminated, some examples include:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Depression
- Back pain
- Dyslipidemia
- Joint problems
The patient experiences a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food; the patient’s self-esteem and well-being are also heightened. There are no restrictions concerning sports, professional activities or hobbies of any kind.
How is bariatric surgery performed?
Bariatric surgery is performed laparoscopically, which is when specific tools are inserted into the abdominal cavity through small incisions which are approximately a centimeter in diameter.
Advantages
- Significantly reduced post-operational trauma
- Short recovery period for the patient
- The risk of infections and adhesions in the abdominal cavity are greatly reduced
- Unnoticeable and aesthetically pleasing results
Types of bariatric surgeries
There are two most common types of bariatric surgery:
Gastric bypass surgery
Gist of the surgery
A small gastric pocket is fabricated out of the large stomach, which is connected to the central section of the small intestine. Less food is required in order to fill the shrunken stomach, so as a result the person feels fuller in a shorter period of time.
Benefits
- Long-lasting weight loss
- The patient feels full after eating a small amount of food
- Most of the illnesses related to obesity are reduced or disappear: type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, depression and back pain
- Gastric bypass surgery is now recognised as the most effective and best method for long-term weight loss
Risks
If the patient carefully monitors their health and follows the directions and post-surgery protocol which is instructed by the medical professional, like taking the appropriate medication prescribed, the risk of complications is very minimal. The doctor will give more detailed information about the postoperative stage and the risks at the first consultation.
Stomach resection surgery (vertical gastroplasty surgery)
Gist of the surgery
The surgeon creates a thin, narrow stomach in which food does not collect for a long period of time and efficiently passes into the intestinal tract. The amount of food consumed is reduced and there is no feeling of hunger.
Benefits
- Fast and effective way to lose weight
- At meals, the patient quickly feels full, which reduces the desire to eat frequently
- Most illnesses related to obesity are reduced or disappear – type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, depression and back pain
Risks
This surgery has a higher surgical risk, as it is necessary to open the stomach and remove a certain part of it.
During the first meals after surgery, it may be increasingly challenging to consume food, and the patient may feel discomfort.
To avoid possible postoperative complications, the patient must follow the surgeon’s recommendations regarding lifestyle alterations and should attend regular consultations with their general practitioner. The doctor will give more detailed information about the postoperative stage and the risks at the first consultation.
Trust our experience
Dr. Igors Troickis – Chief physician at AIWA Clinic
Certified surgeon with more than 30 years of experience. He specialises in laparoscopic surgery, and has additionally studied abdominal surgery in colorectal and bariatric surgery, hernia and gastric surgery. One of the first specialists in Latvia to start bariatric surgery (for weight reduction).
Dr. Maksims Mukāns – Surgeon
Performs various types of laparoscopic abdominal surgeries, including stomach reduction (bariatric) surgeries. He has mastered advanced laparoscopy and bariatric surgery methods.
Consults in cases of gastrointestinal tract diseases and issues, including, in case of bariatric, rectal, gallbladder, hernia surgery as well as in case of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
How is it done?
- Consultation
- Surgery
- Postoperative follow-up in hospital (up to 3 days)
- Adaptation to a new life style
In order to decide whether bariatric surgery is recommended and what its most suitable type is, during the consultation, the doctor assesses the patient’s health status and prescribes additional examinations which must be done by other specialists.
After surgery, patients are monitored in hospital.
To ensure the best possible result, you should consult a nutrition specialist after surgery, and follow the regimen recommended by specialists.
Frequently asked questions
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Bariatric surgery is very popular for obesity treatment in developed countries, especially in the USA where this method has been used for over 25 years, and 98% of patients are satisfied with the results. Over the years, the bariatric method has been improved. The surgery is also increasingly chosen by Latvian residents who have not been able to lose weight for a long time.
How long does bariatric surgery take?
A bariatric surgery in AIWA Clinic lasts 105 minutes on average. Approximately 9% of surgeries last 85 minutes, and 2-3% of surgeries last longer than 180 minutes.
What is the cost of bariatric surgery?
The cost of Gastric Bypass / Sleeve Gastrectomy (Surgical treatment of obesity) is from 5460 EUR ( for LV non-residents).
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