Obesity Surgery or Bariatric Surgery

Against excess weight, obesity surgery is considered a genuinely effective treatment. In Tunisia, this discipline is practiced by Dr. Mourad Adala, and abroad by Dr. Patrick Noël, both with a multidisciplinary team that has extensive experience in the field of obesity surgery in Tunisia and abroad.

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However, it's important to bear in mind that surgery is a means to lose weight; you are the main actor in this weight loss journey, and its sustainability and effectiveness depend on the following elements:

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Several factors are fundamental to successfully carry out your project:

• A sincere desire to lose a significant amount of weight.

• Having tried and failed with well-followed diets.

• Being ready to completely change your eating habits.

• Being prepared to engage in more sustained and regular physical activity.

• Agreeing to follow up with a nutritionist of your choice.

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Obesity is increasing, and problems are evolving.

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The main complications include:

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Cholesterol

• Cardiovascular disorders

• Sleep apnea

 

Not to mention mechanical complications due to the pressure of weight on the joints and breathing, which often occurs during obesity.

Obesity is affecting more and more young people.

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The most common risks of cancer in obese individuals, in men, are:

• Esophagus

• Thyroid

• Colon

• Kidney

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In women, the risks of cancer are:

• Breast cancer

• Uterine cancer

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Obesity surgery is an effective treatment against obesity. This surgery significantly reduces the risk of mortality. It's also important to note that obesity begins from a BMI of 30.

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There are two main types of obesity surgery:

• Restrictive surgery, which involves reducing the size of the stomach:

  • Sleeve

  • BariClip

  • Gastric plication

  • Gastric banding

• Malabsorptive surgery, which involves diverting the digestive system:

  • Mini gastric bypass

  • Classic bypass

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Regarding the BariClip, it is proposed to enable surgery when there is significant obesity and weight loss is required to access the stomach. Its effect is temporary.

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Am I a Candidate for Obesity Surgery?

Obesity is defined as an excess of body fat, quantified by the body mass index (BMI).

When the body mass index is between 30 and 34, it is considered moderate obesity. When the body mass index is between 35 and 39, it is considered severe obesity. When the body mass index is 40 or higher, it is considered morbid obesity.

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Selection criteria to be a candidate for obesity surgery include:

• Age between 18 and 60 years (for adolescents, consult us)

• Stable obesity for more than 5 years

• Failed other treatments for at least a year

• Severe somatic complications

• Motivated and well-informed patients

• Absence of alcohol and drug dependence

• Absence of endocrine pathology

 

Surgical solution can only be considered if all these criteria are met.

 

What Techniques are Used for Obesity Surgery?

There are several techniques used in obesity surgery in Tunisia, such as gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric plication, which may be recommended for obesity surgery in Tunisia. Each patient must undergo an individual evaluation. Ultimately, the most suitable treatment for the patient depends on various selection criteria carefully examined by obesity specialists.

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Obesity surgery, or bariatric surgery, is not a "small" operation devoid of risks or complications. It is intended for obese individuals for whom conventional treatments, such as diets and medical follow-up, have failed. Typically, it is straightforward, with short hospitalization and rapid return to activity.

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It is not a "miracle" solution replacing your willpower. On the contrary, for it to be a lasting success, it requires your active, attentive, and prolonged collaboration, for which medical support, particularly psychological support, is often essential. Success rates are high, with significant and lasting weight loss observed in 70 to 80% of patients.

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After Obesity Treatment, Reconstructive Surgery?

Following significant weight loss and dieting, or after gastric banding, bypass, or sleeve surgery, excess skin, akin to oversized clothing, may need to be removed. This excess skin can be removed by a specialist in body reconstruction, particularly in body lift surgery.

Body lift surgery removes excess skin and fat from the middle third of the body in a single operation, leaving only a belt-like scar. This intervention can be better understood by imagining removing a strip of skin 15 to 40 cm in height all around the body, like pulling up a pair of pants.