Are There Other Treatment Options Before Obesity Surgery?

It is divided into two main categories as medical and surgical treatment. Medical treatment includes methods such as exercise, behavioral therapy, drug therapy and a combination of these treatment methods. The first four require a good will, a good Endocrinology and Metabolism Specialist, a good dietitian. In order for obesity treatment to be effective, patients must agree to adhere to medical nutrition therapy and exercise program in addition to drug therapy, and come to checkup appointments regularly.

However, in some cases, closed surgical methods are increasingly preferred for patients who still have extreme obesity despite these treatment options. Patients applying for surgery have two common features. First, they are patients who have repeatedly dieted, lost a significant amount of weight through dieting, but then regained that weight and are now fed up with dieting. Secondly, these patients generally want to have surgery as soon as possible.

My Basic Recommendations for Patients Applying or Considering Surgery

 -  Obesity surgeries are not plastic surgery and we are not plastic surgeons.

 -  Patients who apply for surgery by trying all medical treatment options spend the pre-operative process in a more motivated way, which ensures a more positive and quality post-operative process.

 -  Obesity treatment is a process that should be followed by multiple disciplines. It requires an experienced team consisting of Endocrinology, Surgery, Dietician, Cardiology, Chest Diseases, Psychiatry and Anesthesia team. In the treatment of obesity, the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism should play a central role. The patient flow should not be from surgical outpatient clinics to Endocrinology departments, but from Endocrinology departments to surgical outpatient clinics.

 -  They should know that surgery is a door to their new life and that a disciplined life style plays a very important role in their next life. They should not forget that the risk of regaining weight is around 20% for the first 5 years, although it is variable after the surgery. Sports and active life should be indispensable.

 -  It should be known that the risks of laparoscopic obesity surgeries are not higher than laparoscopic gallbladder and intestinal surgeries. However, it is important to know that each method may have its own risks. Therefore, preoperative surgical options and potential side effects should be discussed with the patient and a good preparation period should be given to the process.

 -  The experience of the surgical team and the center and the device options used are also important in the results.

IN WELL SELECTED CASES, SURGERY IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE TREATMENT CURRENTLY FOR OBESITY AND DIABETES."

Until recently, we used to think that obesity, that is, "weight excess at the disease level", was the problem of developed countries and especially America. It was perceived as something very distant from our society. However, our studies and observations; It reveals that developing countries, including our country, have a very important problem.

In fact, the whole world is gaining weight. A generation of XX Large is coming. Many actions that are used to make our daily life easier can actually turn into habits that immobilize us. We live a “U-type” life. We leave the house, we take the elevator, then the car, the car to work, and again the elevator and again the house… A vicious circle of comfort based on inactivity. This may seem like an exaggeration, but a lifestyle with limited physical activity is very common.

There are many causes of obesity, these include factors such as inactivity, desk work and trying to do our daily chores without exercise. Obesity is inevitable if we do not pay attention to our diet, if we are under stress, if we consume too many drugs… We should not forget the consumption of packaged food. There are about 2,000 calories in a hamburger and french fries combination. However, a person's daily calorie needs are about this much. As a result, obesity is inevitable… That's why the Ministry of Health has been working hard against obesity. Is it enough? Not. Unfortunately the result is here...