Mokpo Hanguk Hospital Surpasses 300 Cases of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery

Postoperative Dietary Therapy and Nutrition Education... Psychological Treatment and Systematic Management

[Mokpo＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Ki-dong] Mokpo Hanguk Hospital received institutional certification from the Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in September last year, verifying its systematic system for metabolic and bariatric surgery. A specialized obesity coordinator (Nurse Kim Kyung-hye) provides systematic management including postoperative dietary therapy, nutrition education, and psychological treatment.

According to Hanguk Hospital, the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center achieved 300 cases within 25 months since its opening on May 9, 2019, as the first center in the Honam region. It is the most active center performing surgeries outside the Seoul metropolitan area.

Patients who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery expressed satisfaction not only with weight loss but also with the disappearance of comorbidities. Among the patients, 29% (87 people) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but only 3 are currently taking diabetes medication after surgery, while the remaining 84 have discontinued their medication. Significant improvements were also observed in hypertension (31% of patients) and hyperlipidemia (55% of patients).

Dr. Lee Sung-bae, head of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center, said, “The average preoperative weight of patients was 99.1 kg, but one year after surgery, it decreased to 68.1 kg, showing an average weight loss effect of 31.2%. The average hospital stay is 3.1 days after surgery, and since the surgery is performed laparoscopically, recovery to daily life is relatively fast.”

Dr. Kang Cheol-soo, director of Mokpo Hanguk Hospital, stated, “Severe obesity has a very low chance of success with non-surgical treatments such as diet, exercise, and medication. As an alternative, metabolic and bariatric surgery is gaining attention, with 800,000 surgeries performed annually worldwide.”

He added, “Mokpo Hanguk Hospital will continue to do its best to improve the quality of life for local residents as a specialized metabolic and bariatric surgery hospital in the Honam region.”

Mokpo＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Ki-dong kidpak75@asiae.co.kr

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