Bariatric surgery is used to help those who suffer from severe obesity to lose weight. This, however, does not mean that anyone who is overweight should have weight-loss surgery. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend this type of surgery based on your BMI and other factors. BMI allows us to see whether a patient’s weight is suitable for their height or not. Bariatric surgery is used only when other less invasive methods fail and if the patient has a:

• >40 BMI and did not respond to diet, exercise, and weight-loss drugs,
• >35 BMI and has medical problems related to obesity such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, severe joint pain, apnea, and high cholesterol, or
• >30 BMI and suffers from a serious disease such as metabolic syndrome.

Types of weight-loss surgery

Weight-loss surgery is meant to improve your health and general fitness. Your doctor will recommend the best type based on your conditions.

Gastric bypass

Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery is a type of weight-loss surgery where a portion of your stomach is separated, leaving only a small space for food. Then, the remaining end of the stomach is connected to the middle of the small intestine. By doing this we decrease the absorption of food because it no longer passes through a portion of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. After this surgery your appetite will decrease and you won’t have the urge to overeat because your stomach will be much smaller than it used to be.

Gastric sleeve

During a gastric sleeve surgery, a large portion of the stomach is removed. Afterwards, the stomach will have the same size and shape of a banana. The stomach will become like a tube and the connections between the stomach and intestines will not be tampered with. No incisions are made in the stomach and absorption is not affected during this procedure. However, because the size of the stomach will decrease, you will feel full and sated more quickly than before.

Gastric balloon

In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a special balloon into your stomach. This balloon is inserted through your mouth and then guided to your stomach. It may remain in your stomach for up to 6 months. During this time your stomach’s capacity will decrease, thus decreasing your weight. Click here to read more about this procedure.

Gastric plication

Gastric plication is when the surgeon folds your stomach one or more times. This reduces the capacity of your stomach. No incisions are made in your stomach during this procedure.

How are weight-loss surgeries performed?

Gastric bypass and sleeve can be done either as keyhole surgeries (laparoscopy) or as open surgeries. Gastric plication, however, is only done as a laparoscopy.

During open surgery, the surgeon makes a long incision in the abdomen and has direct access to your stomach.

In a laparoscopy, a few small incisions are made through which a camera and all the required tools are inserted. The surgeon can view the inside of your abdomen through the images that the camera sends to a monitor in the operating room. This allows him to guide the tools and perform the surgery correctly and safely.

The gastric balloon is not considered a surgical procedure. No incisions are made in your abdomen and stomach.

What are the differences between the different types of weight-loss surgery?

Gastric bypass: This surgery causes more weight-loss in a shorter duration compared to other types. However, this surgery has more side effects. Because absorption decreases after this procedure, it may lead to deficiencies in some nutrients. Your doctor will order blood tests regularly to check for deficiencies. He/she will also prescribe a suitable nutritional diet in addition to supplements to prevent any problems.

Gastric sleeve: This procedure is safer than gastric bypass because no incisions are made in the intestines and the food’s path does not change. Moreover, there will be no problems with the absorption of food after this procedure.

Gastric balloon: This procedure is very safe and simple. But it doesn’t reduce as much weight as the other types of weight-loss surgery, making it slightly less popular. You may also regain your weight after the balloon is removed.

Gastric plication: This procedure is easy and reduces up to 70% of your stomach’s size. No incisions are made on the stomach and the changes are reversible.

Which type of weight-loss surgery is best for you?

Deciding which type of surgery is most suited for you is very important. Consult your doctor regarding the different procedures. Make sure you go to a skilled doctor no matter what method you choose. Ask yourself and your doctor these questions before you decide:

• How much weight will be lost with each type of surgery?
• How long will it take before I start losing weight?
• What are the potential side effects and complications of the procedure?
• What lifestyle changes must I make after the procedure?

Weight-loss surgery in Iran

Iranian surgeons are some of the most skilled in the field of bariatric surgery due to their vast knowledge and experience. More than 7000 weight-loss procedures are performed in Iran every year. The usage of the most modern techniques in very well-equipped clinics and hospitals has attracted many patients from around the world.

All of the popular weight-loss procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric plication, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding are available in Iran. The cheapest bariatric surgery, gastric plication, was actually a procedure established by Iranian surgeons and has since spread throughout the world.

In most countries bariatric surgery is one of the most expensive types of surgery and is usually not covered by insurance. You can undergo your weight-loss surgery in Iran without having to spend a fortune. The cost of this surgery is at least half that of other countries while still having an exceptionally high quality.

Why Iran?

• Skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable surgeons
• Low surgery and hotel costs
• High-quality hospitals
• Easy, enjoyable, and affordable trip

The best doctors for weight-loss surgery

Choose a surgeon whom you can trust and comfortably talk to about your problems. To investigate a surgeon, examine their professional history to see their success rates. If access to the doctor or his past patients is difficult for you, you can always get a free consultation here at Rosha by clicking the “Free consult” button above. We here at Rosha, as supporters of our beloved patients, provide services of the highest quality and lowest price.