Bariatric or weight loss surgery is the type of procedure in which surgical changes are made to the patient’s digestive system. They are done to help a person lose weight when exercise and diets have failed and/or the person has a weight-related health condition, such as arthritis, type II diabetes, risk of stroke, etc. Long-term weight loss after this type of surgery relies on altering the gut hormone levels accountable for hunger and satiety, leading to the body developing a brand-new hormonal weight set point.

What Kind of Results can I Expect To See From Weight Loss Surgery?

First, there is long-term weight loss, which also means that a lot of health risks and weight-induced medical conditions will either be completely removed or at least, one's health will improve a lot. This means you’ll likely live a healthier, longer life.

How accessible is Weight Loss Surgery?

Although generic hospitals often perform bariatric surgeries, there are many specialist weight loss surgery clinics in almost every country - institutions that have professional staff and are doing these procedures daily.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?

You've made numerous attempts, putting in a great deal of effort until it feels like you've exhausted all options. However, your weight either hasn't dropped significantly or it keeps bouncing back, and this is a cause for concern, especially if it's impacting your health and preventing you from living the life you envision for yourself. Traditional diets haven't yielded the desired results, and you may not be physically fit enough for regular workouts, leaving you feeling trapped. If you find yourself in this situation and want to regain control of your body and life, weight loss surgery might be a viable option to consider.

While bariatric weight loss surgery isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, and eligibility can vary from person to person, there are general criteria that indicate whether someone might be a suitable candidate for this procedure and stand to benefit from it:

• If their BMI (body mass index) is 30 or over

• If they have tried several other means to lose weight (diets, exercise) but have had no long-term success

• If they suffer from any weight-related diseases, such as Type II diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions, fatty liver etc.

• If they are a teenager and have a BMI of 30 or over.

If any of this runs true for you or any of your loved ones, then we firmly suggest contacting your GP or the professional staff of a weight loss surgery clinic first, before deciding. Every surgical procedure comes with a number of health risks and a good doctor will help you value these risks and suggest the best path to take.

This is something to be decided after thorough tests and conversations with the doctors. While you may think that this or that type may suit you best, it will be your surgeon who has the final say and they will be considering both the risks and the benefits. Here are the most popular types of weight loss procedures to give you an idea of possible options:

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) This surgery involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped, smaller stomach. It restricts food intake and reduces hunger hormones, promoting weight loss.

• Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y): In this procedure, a small pouch is created from the stomach and connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and intestine. It limits both food intake and nutrient absorption.

• Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB): Mini Gastric Bypass is a less invasive version of traditional gastric bypass surgery. It involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the intestine to limit food intake and nutrient absorption.

• Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch. It can be adjusted to control food intake by tightening or loosening the band. (This type of surgery has the highest complications rate)

Preparing for weight loss surgery can be overwhelming, so here are a few crucial steps to help you begin your journey:

• Consult your GP or seek advice from friends or online research to understand your options and recommendations.

• Find a suitable clinic and communicate with their professionals to determine the recommended type of surgery.

• Learn about pre-surgery dietary requirements and preparations.

• If opting for weight loss surgery abroad:

• Make travel arrangements, including booking tickets.

• Consider having a companion for support.

• Plan for post-surgery aftercare at home.

What To Expect After Surgery

The success of your weight loss surgery isn’t just about the procedure itself, it’s also about how you comply with aftercare guidance from your health team. Here are some things you may need to consider about post-surgery: 

• Hospital stay of 2-3 days post-surgery.

• Recovery period: 2-4 weeks on a clean liquids diet.

• Gradual transition to more solid foods after the initial recovery period.

• Required intake of extra supplements and vitamins (specifics will be provided by your hospital).

• Adherence to a strict new diet to ensure optimal nutrition for your reduced stomach capacity.

• Emphasis on protein intake for improved post-surgery nutrition.

What are the Benefits of Bariatric Surgery? 

Some of the benefits include:

• Long-term weight loss assistance.

• Improvement in overall health.

• Potential resolution of weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

• Rapid initial weight loss.

• Enhanced quality of life.

What Risks Should I Be Aware of? 

Here are some things to consider when preparing for weight loss surgery:

• Proper analysis before surgery to ensure your procedure is as safe as possible.

• Honesty and clarity in communication with your surgeon.

• Increased risk with underlying conditions like diabetes, heart, or kidney problems.

Are There Any Post-Surgery Complications?

Although complications are rare with most types of bariatric surgery, it’s still a good idea to be aware of potential side effects: 

• Nausea and reflux.

• Potential for leakage of the gastric balloon.

• Severe acid reflux.

• Risk of infections (common to all surgeries, not just bariatric).

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, necessitating prescribed supplements.

Lifestyle Changes and Responsibilities

As mentioned earlier, successful weight loss is as much about how you as the patient look after yourself post-surgery. Here’s what your surgeon will most likely ask of you: 

• Commitment to a lifelong change in diet and exercise.

• Regular monitoring of health.

• Active involvement in post-surgery care.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for long-term success.

Weight loss surgery is not a standalone solution; it provides a valuable tool to assist individuals in achieving and sustaining substantial weight loss while managing related health conditions. Success depends on proactive engagement in a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Key Points For You To Take Away About Weight-Loss Surgery

• Weight loss surgery is not a magic fix; it requires ongoing effort.

• Significant weight loss is achievable with a new, guided diet, suitable exercise, prescribed vitamins, and regular health monitoring.

• Risks and complications are comparable to those of regular medium-sized surgeries and are well-managed by professionals.

• Consult your doctor and clinic consultants to weigh the pros and cons and determine the most suitable procedure for your needs.

It can happen. But also – one would have to put considerable effort into it, in neglecting all self-care and exercise, eating increased food until they can stomach more food, because, you know, the stomach can stretch and the human body is terribly accommodating, even if it is not beneficial to its owner. 

However, even under such dire circumstances, it is still highly unlikely that the person would assume their previous weight. The body chemistry will have changed. Weight loss surgery will never be like a random diet where you stop it, and all the lost weight just bounces back. The changes made to your body will hold. They will stretch if you stretch them, but they are there and will hold.

Why Does Weight Gain After Surgery Sometimes Happen?

Because such an enormous change in lifestyle – the change in diet, the exercise, the entire process of bariatric surgery – is not for everybody. This is also the main reason there is so much talk before the surgery between the patient and the doctors – because the surgery is not a miracle by itself. It helps you, no doubt, it helps a lot, but the one making the true change is not the surgeon, it is you.

The surgeons and the staff know that weight loss surgery is not for everybody, since there may be both personal and medical reasons why a person is advised to seek other means – and why sometimes, even with the best expectations, the patient lapses back. It is no one’s fault.

You might wonder why opt for weight loss surgery abroad when there are NHS hospitals and private clinics in the UK. The reality is that the NHS has lengthy waiting lists, sometimes spanning several years. When it comes to bariatric surgery, time can be a critical factor for those in need. Private options in the UK tend to be costly, making them unaffordable for many. In comparison, prices for procedures in Europe and worldwide are more reasonable, making it a viable alternative for those seeking more immediate and affordable solutions.

How Do I Decide Which Country To Have Weight Loss Surgery? 

For UK and European residents, it's advisable to consider weight loss surgery in Europe. Long flights to destinations like India or South America can be challenging, especially when dealing with surgery-related concerns. Opting for Europe simplifies coordination, reduces travel expenses, and minimizes cultural differences.

Europe offers high-standard bariatric surgery options in private clinics with a decade of experience. When considering expenses, ensure your package covers pre-surgery consultations, clinic stays (with potential pre-surgery hotel stays), necessary procedures, the surgery itself, on-site aftercare, and remote consultations.

While France may seem tempting, it's worth noting that prices in countries like France and Switzerland can be equal to or even more expensive than local private clinics.

So, Where’s The Best Place For Bariatric Surgery? 

Now, let's delve into the topic of weight loss surgery in Latvia, and not just because our clinic is conveniently located in its capital, Riga. What makes Latvia particularly appealing to many is the combination of top-quality bariatric surgeries, remarkably short waiting times (often just 3-4 months compared to the years-long NHS waitlists), and affordability. In this context, "cheap" doesn't imply a lower standard of procedures but rather reflects the favorable economic conditions and exchange rates, making Latvia a more budget-friendly option for individuals from the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and beyond.

Furthermore, the ease of coordination adds to the allure, with Riga boasting a well-functioning international airport offering direct and connecting flights, as well as a central cross-Europe bus station. This means a maximum 2-hour flight to reach Latvia and return home. Isn't that simply wonderful?

Combine these factors with the comfort of European culture, where you'll find no sudden surprises in traditions, cuisine, or accommodations, and it becomes evident why so many people in need choose Latvia for their weight loss surgeries.

When considering our weight loss clinic in Riga, Latvia, you'll find it easily matches the high standards set by private clinics elsewhere.

• Experienced and Professional Staff:

• The clinic boasts a highly skilled and trained staff with years of experience.

• Our surgeons are among the top professionals in Europe, with a track record of successful operations.

• Convenient Travel Options:

Riga serves as a hub for various international travel options.

• The airport offers connections to countries worldwide, and Europe is just a few hours away by flight, with numerous airport and airline choices.

• International bus travel is also accessible, with comfortable business class buses for longer journeys.

• Comfortable Accommodations:

• Upon arrival at our clinic in Riga, you'll find private and comfortable rooms that resemble high-quality hotels more than hospitals.

• We recommend bringing a companion to ease the stress of undergoing weight loss surgery abroad.

• English-Speaking Care:

• Our team in Riga is fluent in English and dedicated to providing attentive care.

• You won't be treated as just another patient; you'll be our honored guest.

Understanding the Basics

• Going through bariatric surgery is a significant change in your life, impacting your body and lifestyle.

• Each person's experience is unique, and your surgeon and professionals will provide personalized guidance and support.

Key Points to Remember

• Stay Active: Engage in regular, appropriate exercise, but avoid overexertion, especially during the initial recovery phase. Exercise aids in weight loss and muscle development.

• Incision Care: Properly manage incision care until fully healed. Follow instructions on bandage changes, and be vigilant for any unusual symptoms. Contact your clinic if you notice any concerning changes.

• Dietary Habits: Transition from a liquid diet to solids gradually. There will be consultations and resources to guide you. Adjust to eating smaller portions and learn which foods and beverages to avoid.

• Understand Body Changes: Comprehend the alterations in your stomach and digestion system. You'll eat less and process nutrients differently. Consult with your clinic for detailed information and guidance on dietary adjustments.

• Physical Well-being: Adhere to your doctor's advice regarding diet, exercise, and prescribed supplements. Stay connected with your clinic, monitor your progress, and seek help when needed.

• Mental Well-being: Recognize the emotional challenges of substantial change. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups. Allow yourself time to heal and adapt to the transformation.

Conclusion

Weight loss surgery enhances results when combined with a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and proper health monitoring. It alleviates the struggle of weight loss and empowers you to achieve a healthier life. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance and guidance during this transformative journey. You're not alone in this endeavor.