Obesity surgery is based on two fundamental principles; reducing the stomach size and/or ‘malabsorption’, or limiting the absorption of foods at certain stages in the intestinal tract. These surgical procedures can save patients’ lives when implemented on the correct patient, at the correct time.

Who Can Benefit from Obesity Surgery?

Obesity surgery is recommended for patients who have a body mass index of over 35, and who are unable to lose weight through methods such as medical nutritional programs, exercise or medicinal therapies implemented under the supervision of a specialist. Obesity surgery is also recommended for patients with a body mass index of over 30, and obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or sleep apnea that can influence the quality and length of life. The surgical procedure that is right for you is determined through a number of examinations and tests carried out by our physicians.

Female patients with short-term pregnancy plans should discuss this with their physician, as patients are advised to refrain from pregnancy for a period of 24 months following obesity surgery.

Treatment Methods in Obesity Surgery

Gastric Banding

Using the gastric banding method, also known as the lap band, the surgeon places an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. In most cases, gastric banding procedure is implemented by means of laparoscopic methods. As the surgery involves only small incisions, the patients are able to return to their daily lives in a short amount of time.

Gastric Sleeve

Also known as “sleeve gastrectomy”, this surgical procedure aims to reduce the capacity of the stomach (to approximately 60-100cc), so patients feel themselves full by consuming lesser amounts of food.  With gastric sleeve surgery, the stomach is partially removed, leaving a sleeve shaped stomach of about the size of a banana. During the surgery, the portion of the stomach which produces ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, is cut away. Gastric sleeve surgery does not interfere with food absorption and only limits the patient’s food intake. For this reason, vitamin or mineral supplementation is rarely required after the operation.

Gastric Bypass

With gastric bypass surgery, a small part of the stomach is used to create a new stomach pouch (roughly 30-50cc). The smaller stomach is connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach. As in other obesity surgeries, this procedure aims to decrease stomach capacity as well. Additionally, the intestines are partially bypassed, reducing absorption of food and nutrients. This allows patients to feel full quickly and eat less.

Robotic Surgery Method in Obesity Surgery

If your surgeon recommends surgery for weight control, this may mean that you may be a candidate for obesity surgery performed by the da Vinci robot. Such surgical operations, which are aimed to decrease stomach capacity and thus, cause patients to feel full quickly and eat less; are among the most efficient methods used today to obtain definite results in the treatment of obesity.

Depending on the patients’ physical condition, surgical intervention on obese patients may sometimes lead to certain weight-related problems. These problems may prevent efficient treatment of the required area.

Robotic surgery system is used widely in many medical specialties including urology, cardiology, gynecology and general surgery. Using robotic surgery allows us to conveniently perform various types of surgical operations, even on morbid obese patients.

The visual and technical capabilities of robotic surgery offer better outcomes for obese patients through reductions in blood loss, risk of infection, post-operative scarring and a quicker return to normal life.