Our Summary

This research paper discusses different types of surgery aimed at treating obesity. These include Reduced Ports Surgery (a procedure that uses fewer and smaller cuts than traditional surgery), Robotic Bariatric Surgery (weight loss surgery performed with the assistance of a robot), and Sleeve Gastrectomy (removal of part of the stomach). The paper specifically discusses Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy, a combination of the two latter methods where a robot performs the surgery to remove part of the stomach. The focus is on understanding these surgeries, how they are performed, and their results in treating obesity.

FAQs

  1. What is robotic bariatric surgery?
  2. How does a robotic sleeve gastrectomy work in obesity surgery?
  3. What is meant by reduced ports surgery in context of obesity surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan after the surgery to maximize weight loss and maintain long-term success. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns or challenges that may arise. Additionally, it is important to be patient and understand that weight loss takes time and consistency.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery include:

  • Patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher
  • Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher who have obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea
  • Patients who have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success
  • Patients who are committed to making lifestyle changes post-surgery to maintain weight loss
  • Patients who have a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of obesity surgery and have realistic expectations about the outcomes.

Timeline

Before Obesity Surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon to discuss options and determine candidacy for surgery.
  2. Pre-operative evaluations and tests, including blood work, imaging studies, and psychological evaluations.
  3. Pre-operative counseling and education on the surgery, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative lifestyle changes.
  4. Pre-operative diet and exercise regimen to prepare the body for surgery.

After Obesity Surgery:

  1. Hospital stay for the surgery, typically 1-2 days for minimally invasive procedures.
  2. Post-operative recovery period, including pain management, monitoring for complications, and initiation of a liquid diet.
  3. Gradual transition to solid foods over several weeks, with guidance from a dietitian.
  4. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon and dietitian to monitor progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.
  5. Continued commitment to lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team.
  6. Long-term follow-up care to monitor weight loss, address any potential complications, and provide ongoing support for maintaining a healthy weight.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of obesity surgery options available and which one do you recommend for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after obesity surgery and what can I expect during that time?
  4. What dietary changes will I need to make before and after the surgery?
  5. How much weight can I expect to lose after the surgery and what are the long-term results?
  6. Will I need to take any medications or supplements after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or support groups that you recommend for successful weight loss after the surgery?
  8. How will my current medical conditions or medications be affected by the surgery?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or non-surgical options I should consider before opting for obesity surgery?

Reference

Authors: Pascotto B, Azagra JS, González González L, Goergen M. Journal: Obes Surg. 2024 Jan;34(1):295-296. doi: 10.1007/s11695-023-06945-0. Epub 2023 Nov 29. PMID: 38019385