Our Summary

This research paper is about the growing problem of obesity in the Arabian Gulf region, which has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, according to the World Health Organization. The study looks at the number of publications about bariatric surgery (a type of weight loss surgery) in the region and compares it to other countries with high obesity rates.

The researchers used multiple databases to find articles about bariatric surgery, including different types of procedures and their outcomes. They found that the most common procedure in the Arabian Gulf is the gastric sleeve, while in the USA, the gastric bypass is more popular, and in Australia, the gastric bypass and band are equally common.

Despite the high prevalence of obesity and bariatic surgery in the Arabian Gulf, the study found that the region has fewer publications and research on the topic compared to Western countries. Therefore, the researchers suggest that more research and publications are needed in the region. They also propose creating a regional registry to get a better overview of bariatic surgery in the Arabian Gulf.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common type of bariatric surgery in the Arabian Gulf region, according to the study?
  2. How does the number of publications about bariatric surgery in the Arabian Gulf compare to other regions with high obesity rates?
  3. What do the researchers suggest to get a better overview of bariatric surgery in the Arabian Gulf region?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to follow the post-operative guidelines and recommendations provided by their healthcare team. This may include dietary changes, physical activity guidelines, and regular follow-up appointments. Following these guidelines can help ensure a successful outcome and long-term weight loss success.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or heart disease. Additionally, candidates for bariatric surgery should have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other specialists, to determine if they are suitable candidates for obesity surgery. Patients should also be committed to making lifestyle changes and following a post-operative diet and exercise plan to achieve long-term success.

Overall, bariatric surgery is recommended for patients with severe obesity who have not been able to lose weight through traditional methods and who are at risk for obesity-related health complications. It is a valuable tool in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health and quality of life.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss weight loss options.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine if they are a candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient receives counseling and education on the risks and benefits of surgery.
  4. Patient may be required to make lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, before surgery.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery, which may involve procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or gastric banding.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  3. Patient follows a strict post-operative diet and exercise regimen.
  4. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any issues.
  5. Patient may experience significant weight loss and improvements in overall health and quality of life.
  6. Patient may need to make long-term lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss and prevent complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of obesity surgery available and which one would be most suitable for me?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?

  3. What is the success rate of obesity surgery in terms of weight loss and long-term maintenance?

  4. What lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after the surgery to ensure its effectiveness?

  5. How will obesity surgery affect my overall health, including any existing medical conditions I may have?

  6. How long is the recovery period after obesity surgery and what kind of follow-up care will be required?

  7. Are there any dietary restrictions or nutritional supplements I will need to take after the surgery?

  8. Will I need to attend counseling or support groups as part of my post-surgery care?

  9. How much weight can I expect to lose after the surgery and what are the realistic expectations for my long-term weight loss goals?

  10. Are there any alternative treatments for obesity that I should consider before opting for surgery?

Reference

Authors: AlMarri F, Al Sabah S, Al Haddad E, Vaz JD. Journal: Obes Surg. 2017 Aug;27(8):2034-2043. doi: 10.1007/s11695-017-2588-7. PMID: 28236255