Frequently Asked Questions

Before obesity surgery, a consultation is held with the patient. During this consultation, the patient's weight gain history is reviewed, the post-operative process is planned, and a psychological assessment is conducted. The patient's current situation, its causes and challenges, and potential post-operative risks are evaluated. The factors contributing to the patient's weight gain are identified so that appropriate measures can be taken after surgery. The most important point is to explain to the patient what to expect before and after the surgery and to help them adapt to life in the aftermath.

Gastric sleeve surgery is performed to reduce eating capacity and the feeling of hunger. During the surgery, a portion of the stomach is removed, thus reducing its size. However, since the removed portion is also responsible for the feeling of hunger, the feeling of hunger is also reduced. If the patient makes positive changes in their life after the surgery, weight loss is inevitable. Physical, social, and psychological problems will then improve.

It is very difficult to improve with diet and exercise. If I had to give a percentage, the probability would be as low as 2 percent.

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 are considered obese, while those with a BMI above 40 are classified as morbidly obese. The amount of weight and fat accumulated in these individuals' bodies is excessive and poses a threat to their health.

It is the number obtained by dividing weight by the square of height in meters.

Body Mass Index (BMI) = Body weight (KG) / Height squared (m²)

Morbidly obese individuals may experience very serious health problems along with social life, quality of life, and psychological issues. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, hernia, gallstones, breast cancer, colon cancer, urinary incontinence, and musculoskeletal disorders are some of these problems.

Morbid obesity is treated with surgeries called bariatric surgery. Because a single method cannot be applied to every patient in bariatric surgery, it is not easy to explain it in simple terms.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical method used in the treatment of many diseases, including gallbladder diseases, reflux, hiatal and inguinal hernias, appendicitis, colon and rectal cancers, kidney transplantation, and spleen surgery. Offering many advantages over open surgery, the laparoscopic method is also used in obesity surgeries. Using thin, elongated instruments and a video camera, imaging and treatment are performed through small incisions of 0.5-1 cm. The biggest advantage is that large incisions are not made as in open surgery. Because the incisions are very small, the patient recovers more quickly.

The surgical method to be performed is determined according to the patient's condition. In other words, the most effective surgical method is the one chosen most suitable for the patient. However, we can say that the most common obesity surgery we perform is sleeve gastrectomy.

This is one of the most commonly used methods among obesity surgeries. It is usually applied in morbid obesity. In the first stage of this operation, which is performed using a closed (laparoscopic) method, a small stomach tube with a volume of 30 ml is created at the entrance of the stomach, and the remaining large stomach is completely separated. This large stomach is removed from the abdominal cavity and continues to produce its secretions. In the second stage, a connection is made between the small stomach tube and the small intestine. Through this connection, food bypasses the large stomach and passes directly into the small intestine. As a result of this procedure, the amount of food consumed is restricted. Thus, it is possible to see weight loss due to eating less and having less absorption.

Every surgery carries risks. Obese patients have higher risks due to their weight and comorbidities. However, the risk of surgery itself is much lower than the risks associated with obesity. The rate of complications from surgery is less than 1 percent.

The surgical team makes this decision based on the patient's condition. The decision is reached after an initial consultation with the patient, an assessment of any comorbidities (especially diabetes), psychological state, and weight.

It is generally not performed on individuals over 65 years of age. Morbidly obese patients in advanced age carry a higher surgical risk due to the higher incidence of comorbidities. It is absolutely not performed on children under 11 years of age, and we do not recommend it for those under 16 years of age.

Excess weight increases the risk of complications during surgery. Some measures can be taken to reduce this risk. For example, we perform a gastric balloon procedure on morbidly obese patients before surgery. This allows them to lose some weight, enabling us to proceed with the operation.

Because it is performed using a laparoscopic method, recovery, return to normal life, return to work, and hospital discharge times are very short. The patient is able to get up and walk on the same day. They are discharged from the hospital after 3 days. They can resume their daily activities after 1 week.

A special diet is necessary to help the upper digestive system, which has been surgically reconstructed, adapt to its new functioning. The success of the surgery depends not only on the surgery itself but also on the diet and exercise rules followed in the post-operative period.

Very light exercises are started a few days after the surgery. The difficulty is gradually increased later. Your doctor will give you the program. This program should not be deviated from.

We do not recommend it during the first 18 months. This is because while the patient is focused on her own weight, she may not receive the necessary nutrients for the baby. Furthermore, rapid weight loss can harm the fetus.

Non-surgical methods should be tried first. If these are ineffective and surgery is deemed appropriate, then surgery should be performed.

This depends on which surgery was performed and how the post-operative process went. If the patient fully followed their doctor's advice in the post-operative period, they can lose 90% of their excess weight.

If the surgery is successful and the post-operative recovery goes well, such a possibility does not exist.

Not all lumps found in the breast are cancerous. However, you should consult a doctor if you detect a lump. Whether or not the lump is cancerous can be determined through examinations performed by a doctor.

Although breast cancer can occur in women of all ages, it is more common in women over 55-60 years old. In other words, the risk increases with age.

There are many risk factors for breast cancer. Of course, having one or more of these factors doesn't guarantee you'll get breast cancer. As the name suggests, they are risk factors, and women who have any of these risk factors should consider them.

Individuals with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. This risk is even greater if the cancerous person is a first-degree relative. While breast cancer screening is generally recommended after age 40, we suggest earlier screening for those with a family history of breast cancer.

You should get a genetic screening test if two or more of your first-degree relatives have had breast cancer, if more than two first-degree relatives have had both breast and ovarian cancer, if there is a history of breast or ovarian cancer at a young age in your family, or if you have a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer in both breasts.

If you are a woman, you are already at risk. 70% of breast cancer patients have no family history of the disease. Therefore, you should examine yourself and have regular check-ups with your doctor.

It is rare, but it can be seen.

Just as you are at risk if your mother has breast cancer, you are equally at risk if your father has it.

There is no scientific data available to support this.

Long-term use of birth control pills (10-15 years) increases the risk of breast cancer. This is because birth control pills contain small amounts of estrogen and progesterone hormones. The risk disappears when use is discontinued.

Obesity is a disease in itself, but it is also the cause of many other diseases. One of these is breast cancer. The body produces estrogen hormone from fat tissue. This causes an increase in the total amount of estrogen in obese women, which also slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.

It is extremely helpful, but not sufficient. Routine self-checks are useful for detecting potential danger. However, if a dangerous situation is detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. Diagnosis is possible through tests performed in conjunction with a doctor.

This is a widely held and extremely wrong belief among the public.

A breast biopsy is the final and most definitive step in diagnosing breast cancer. Cancer can be diagnosed through self-examination, physician examination, mammography, and breast ultrasound. However, a biopsy may be necessary for a more accurate and detailed diagnosis. Don't be afraid if your doctor orders a biopsy.

Just as legs or arms are important limbs for a woman, so too are breasts. Therefore, the primary goal of breast surgeons is to remove cancer without removing the breast. However, early diagnosis is crucial. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and the less it has spread, the higher the chance of successful treatment without removing the breast.

The reason this comment is made is that breast cancer is usually detected in advanced stages in male patients. Therefore, it is interpreted as being worse.

Yes, they can be seen. Any lumps found during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be shown to a doctor as a precaution.

The most common complaints include sour taste and food particles coming up into the mouth, belching, bloating, and difficulty swallowing.

Esophageal reflux can occur if there is a motility disorder in the esophagus, problems with gastric emptying, structural abnormalities in the stomach valve, or irregularities in eating and lifestyle habits.

Following the patient's history and physical examination, gastroscopy, the gold standard for diagnosing reflux, is performed.

They should pay attention to the foods they consume, avoid excess weight, avoid wearing tight clothing, sleep with a high pillow, and avoid eating before bedtime.

Yes, reflux can cause chest pain. A burning sensation is often accompanying the pain.

Although not among the most common symptoms, hoarseness is one of the atypical symptoms.

Yes, it can be a cause. Like hoarseness, it's an atypical symptom. However, often, unexplained dry cough is actually caused by reflux disease.

Heartburn, bitter taste in the mouth, acid reflux, food coming up from the throat, nausea, and bloating are among the most common symptoms of reflux.

Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, and hoarseness are among the lesser-known symptoms of reflux.

It is among the factors that cause reflux disease. We do not recommend it.

Alcoholic beverages are also among the factors that cause reflux. They have the ability to increase reflux by causing the valve system to dilate further.

Yes, it's possible. Smoking increases stomach acid, which in turn increases irritation in the esophagus. Furthermore, dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter is a significant factor in the development of reflux. Smoking can reduce the closing pressure of this muscle mechanism and impair its function.

Yes, they can be confused. Chest pain, in particular, can cause patients to worry about a heart attack.

Yes, it can happen, but it usually resolves on its own later. It's related to the fact that the baby's gastrointestinal system isn't fully developed.

Pregnant women may experience temporary reflux attacks due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and hormonal changes. These usually resolve after pregnancy.

It is possible. However, it depends on the severity of the disease. Reflux can be resolved with lifestyle adjustments and medication.

You should avoid foods that cause reflux. You can overcome reflux on your own by correcting some lifestyle mistakes, such as sleeping with a high pillow, not wearing tight clothes, and not eating before bedtime.

Oranges, pastries, green onions, tomatoes, mint, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, acidic foods, spicy foods, etc.

No, not every reflux patient needs surgery. Only a small percentage require it. Surgery is recommended if reflux symptoms persist despite non-surgical methods.

Every surgery carries a risk of complications. However, with advancements in technology and laparoscopic surgery, this rate is significantly lower.

Reflux is not life-threatening; it only reduces the quality of life. Although very rare, untreated reflux disease can lead to cancer. However, surgery is often the solution to the unbearable symptoms. After surgery, patients often regret having delayed it.

You can get up and walk around 4-5 hours after laparoscopic surgery, go home the next day, and return to work within a few days.

Following laparoscopic surgery, patients are discharged the next day and can return to desk work after 2-3 days. Dietary guidelines are usually discontinued by the end of the second week.

There is a link between reflux disease and cancers of the lower end of the esophagus. However, the likelihood of developing cancer in reflux patients is extremely low. Cancer may only appear after certain precursor findings.

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical method. Unlike open surgery, it doesn't involve large incisions. The procedure is performed through small holes of approximately 0.5 cm. The smaller incisions allow for faster recovery and less pain for the patient. The scar is also more aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the surgical process is safer and more comfortable.

There can be several reasons for this. The thickening and sedimentation of bile contents, inflammation of the gallbladder, certain blood disorders, and blockages that slow bile flow can all cause gallstone formation.

Some people are at higher risk for developing gallstones. These include being female, being over 40 years old, being overweight, having a family history of the disease, and having high cholesterol. It is also more common in people with fair skin than those with darker skin.

Contrary to popular belief, food and drinks do not have a direct effect on gallstone formation.

Yes, it's possible. Gallstones can cause symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and belching, especially after meals.

Yes, there are. The answers we gave to the question above could be symptoms of another stomach problem. Therefore, a gastroscopy should be performed to find the source of the problem. Some intestinal, liver, and pancreatic diseases can also cause indigestion.

The only way to get rid of gallstones is through surgery.

Yes, it is necessary. Unlike kidney stones, gallstones cannot be treated by being broken up or passed out.

Your indigestion symptoms will continue. But more importantly, if the stones are small, they can fall into the bile ducts and block the bile duct. This causes severe pain. If the stones are large, they can block the exit of the gallbladder, causing the gallbladder to swell and become inflamed. This is a situation requiring emergency surgery.

Currently, the most suitable treatment option is laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. However, this may not be possible for some patients. In such cases, we opt for open surgery.

In laparoscopic surgery, treatment is provided through very small incisions and with the aid of a camera. In open surgery, an average incision of 10 cm is required. The smaller the incision, the less pain there is after surgery, and the faster the recovery. Return to daily life is much faster with closed surgery. You are discharged from the hospital earlier. There is less pain.

When gallstones are removed, new stones can form. The absence of a gallbladder doesn't affect our lives in any way; that's why it's removed.

The liver takes over the role of the gallbladder. This does not create any disadvantages. It may only be difficult in the first few days after surgery as your body tries to adapt. Short-term indigestion may occur. However, medication is administered after surgery to prevent this.

You will usually only need to stay for one day for laparoscopic surgery and two days for open surgery.

You will be put to sleep with general anesthesia.

After your gallbladder is removed, stones will not form again. However, there is a rare possibility of them forming in the bile duct.

In fact, if there are no symptoms, surgery is not necessary. However, some doctors prefer to remove the tumor surgically now because performing surgery later could be risky if heart or lung diseases develop. On the other hand, diabetic patients should have surgery even if they have no symptoms.

Sometimes, even if no gallstones are found, surgery may be necessary due to inflammation or malfunctioning gallbladder. In such cases, indigestion may occur. Your loved one may have undergone surgery for this reason.