In the Department of Gastroenterology at SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, we offer comprehensive care for patients seeking solutions for obesity through bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a specialized procedure aimed at promoting weight loss in individuals with severe obesity, reducing the risk of obesity-related health complications, and improving overall quality of life. Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, encompasses various procedures that alter the digestive system to help individuals lose weight. These surgeries work by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or by altering the digestive process, leading to reduced calorie absorption. At our hospital, our experienced team of gastroenterologists and bariatric surgeons performs a range of bariatric procedures, providing personalized care to each patient based on their unique needs and health goals. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our dedicated team is committed to helping patients achieve their weight loss goals and improve their health and well-being through safe and effective bariatric surgery procedures. We provide comprehensive care, from preoperative evaluation to postoperative support, to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Conditions Requiring Bariatric Surgery:

• Severe Obesity: Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health complications such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or obstructive sleep apnea.
• Obesity-Related Health Complications: Patients with obesity-related health conditions that have not responded to conventional weight loss methods may benefit from bariatric surgery. These conditions may include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and joint pain.

Procedure:

Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass):

• In this procedure, the surgeon creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and intestines.
• This restricts the amount of food that can be eaten and reduces calorie absorption, leading to weight loss.

Sleeve Gastrectomy:

• During a sleeve gastrectomy, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving behind a smaller, banana-shaped stomach.
• This reduces the stomach’s capacity and decreases the production of hunger-stimulating hormones, resulting in weight loss.

Gastric Banding (Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding):

• In gastric banding, an inflatable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch above the band.
• The band can be adjusted to control the size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach, regulating food intake.

Laparoscopic Approach:

Many bariatric surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, which involve small incisions and the use of a camera and specialized instruments. This approach typically results in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and reduced postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery.

Postoperative Care:

Dietary Guidelines:

Following bariatric surgery, patients will need to adhere to a modified diet to support healing and weight loss. This typically involves consuming small, frequent meals that are high in protein and low in fat and sugar.

Lifestyle Changes:

Successful weight loss and maintenance following bariatric surgery require long-term lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, behavior changes, and ongoing support from healthcare providers.

Follow-Up Care:

Patients will require regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor weight loss progress, assess nutritional status, manage any complications, and provide ongoing support and guidance.

 

Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery may be recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health complications that have not responded to other weight loss methods.

 

What are the potential benefits of bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery can lead to significant and sustained weight loss, improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions, and enhanced quality of life.

 

What are the risks associated with bariatric surgery?

While bariatric surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and complications related to anesthesia. Long-term risks may include malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and gallstones.

 

What is the recovery process like after bariatric surgery?

Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks of surgery, although full recovery may take several months.

 

Will I need to make dietary changes after bariatric surgery?

Yes, following bariatric surgery, patients will need to adhere to a modified diet that includes smaller, nutrient-dense meals to support healing and weight loss.

 

Is bariatric surgery reversible?

While some procedures, such as gastric banding, are reversible, others, like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are considered permanent. Reversal may be possible in certain cases but is typically more complex and carries risks.

 

Will I need to take supplements after bariatric surgery?

Yes, patients may need to take nutritional supplements, including vitamins and minerals, following bariatric surgery to prevent deficiencies and support overall health.