[Click! Health] Obesity, the Root Cause of Many Diseases... Effective Treatment 'Obesity Metabolic Surgery'

Obesity image [Image source=Getty Images]

Obesity is an undeniable root cause of many diseases. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which rank first and second in mortality rates, as well as diabetes, known as a national disease, spinal and joint disorders, immune diseases, and even cancer are triggered by obesity. In cases of severe obesity, most patients develop dyslipidemia or fatty liver, and the prevalence of diabetes is about 40-50%.

According to the medical community, metabolic bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. In 1991, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified metabolic bariatric surgery as the most effective treatment for severe obesity. We explored the effectiveness, safety, and postoperative health management of metabolic bariatric surgery with the help of Professor Choi Seong-il, a surgeon at the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Center of Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital.

In cases of severe obesity, simple dieting or medication is often difficult. Metabolic bariatric surgery induces long-term and sufficient weight loss, which can treat or improve obesity-related comorbidities and enhance quality of life. In Korea, metabolic bariatric surgery is indicated according to the Asia-Pacific guidelines when ▲BMI is 35 kg/m² or higher, or ▲BMI is 30 kg/m² or higher with accompanying metabolic diseases.

Metabolic bariatric surgery is mostly performed via laparoscopic or robotic surgery. With technological advancements, complications are now minimal, and the surgery is relatively simple, reducing the burden on patients. The operation time is about 1 to 1.5 hours, but preparation takes longer, so including anesthesia, it takes about 3 hours. Patients are admitted the day before surgery, undergo surgery the next day, and stay hospitalized for about 3 days. They can drink water the day after surgery and consume thin gruel the following day. At discharge, although they may feel sore and uncomfortable, they can walk independently.

Because metabolic bariatric surgery restricts nutrient intake, malnutrition can occur. Even if patients eat, absorption may be poor, and diarrhea may persist. In such cases, it is important to carefully check whether the diet or exercise plan is incorrect, if there are complications, or if there is trouble at the anastomosis site causing poor nutrient absorption. However, such cases are rare. The biggest issue is some weight regain. Professor Choi said, “To avoid returning to previous eating amounts or habits, it is necessary to regularly measure weight, waist circumference, and neck circumference to manage the obesity graph.”

Professor Choi Sung-il

When severe obesity occurs, many people fail despite spending money on diet products and obesity programs. Meanwhile, chronic diseases worsen, harming health. Professor Choi emphasized, “Obese patients with diabetes should undergo metabolic bariatric surgery as soon as possible to recover to a stage where they no longer need medication.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.