As the year draws to a close, many of us take this time to reflect and set New Year’s Resolutions. One of the most common goals is: “I will lose weight and be healthier.” It’s never an easy resolution to start—and often even harder to sustain.
Diet fads come and go, and according to the CDC (the national public health institute in the United States), long-term success rates for maintaining weight loss through dieting are discouraging. Research suggests that while many people initially lose weight, only about 20% manage to maintain a weight loss of at least 10% of their initial body weight for a year or more. Hardly motivating statistics, are they?
For many, bariatric weight loss surgery offers a promising solution—a chance to reclaim the body they once had and kickstart their health journey. Once considered financially out of reach for most people, this option has become far more accessible thanks to medical tourism, which allows individuals to undergo procedures by high-quality surgeons in accredited hospitals abroad at an affordable price.
Let’s explore why bariatric surgery has gained popularity and the options available to help you achieve your weight-loss goals.
The Rise of Bariatric Surgery
The growth of bariatric surgery in recent years has been remarkable, with significant increases in the number of procedures performed worldwide. Here are some key statistics from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):
United States:
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The number of bariatric surgeries increased from approximately 158,000 in 2011 to 280,000 in 2022—a growth rate of nearly 77% over 11 years.
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Gastric sleeve surgeries account for the majority, while procedures like gastric bypass have declined slightly in popularity.
Global Trends:
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Worldwide, the annual number of bariatric surgeries surpassed 685,000 in 2016, reflecting significant growth compared to earlier years.
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Europe and North America lead in terms of volume, with rapid adoption in Asia and the Middle East as awareness and accessibility expand.
Reasons Behind the Growth:
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Rising Obesity Rates: The global increase in obesity has driven demand for effective weight-loss interventions.
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Advances in Surgery: Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic procedures, have made surgery safer and more accessible.
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Proven Effectiveness: Studies show bariatric surgery can result in a 25-30% total body weight loss with sustained health benefits, making it an attractive option for many.
Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass: Which is Right for You?
The choice between gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) and gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) depends on your medical needs, health conditions, lifestyle, and weight-loss goals. Here’s a comparison to help guide your decision:
1. Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
How It Works:
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Reduces the stomach to about 20-25% of its original size.
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Restricts food intake and lowers the production of ghrelin, the “hunger hormone,” to help control appetite.
Ideal Candidates:
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BMI of 35-40+, with or without obesity-related conditions.
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Individuals with mild GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Recovery:
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Hospital stay: 1–2 days.
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Return to normal activity: ~4 weeks.
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Dietary progression:
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Week 1: Clear liquids.
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Weeks 2–3: Puréed foods.
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Weeks 4–6: Soft foods.
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Risks:
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Leaks along the stapled edge of the stomach.
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Development or worsening of GERD.
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Nausea or vomiting if eating too quickly or too much.
Long-Term Impacts:
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Significant weight loss over 1–2 years.
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Improvement in obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnoea.
2. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)
How It Works:
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Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine to the pouch.
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Reduces calorie absorption by bypassing most of the stomach and part of the intestine.
Ideal Candidates:
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BMI of 40+, or 35+ with severe obesity-related conditions.
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Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or severe GERD.
Recovery:
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Hospital stay: 2–3 days.
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Return to normal activity: 4–6 weeks.
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Dietary progression: Similar to gastric sleeve.
Risks:
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Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, calcium, iron, B12).
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Dumping syndrome (dizziness, nausea, or diarrhoea after eating sugary or fatty foods).
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Higher risk of surgical complications, such as infections or bowel obstructions.
Long-Term Impacts:
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Often resolves type 2 diabetes.
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Greater weight loss compared to gastric sleeve for many patients.
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Lifelong monitoring and supplements required to prevent deficiencies.
Lifestyle Changes Post-Surgery
Both procedures require lifelong adjustments, including:
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Dietary changes: Smaller portions, a focus on high-protein foods, and avoiding sugary or fatty items.
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Regular exercise: To maintain weight loss and boost overall health.
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Follow-up care: Regular appointments to monitor progress and address potential complications.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
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Which procedure is better suited to my health conditions?
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What are the long-term risks, and how can I manage them?
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How will this surgery affect my current medications, such as for diabetes or hypertension?
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Can I commit to the required lifestyle changes and supplement needs?
Why Choose Asthetica?
At Asthetica, we are the market leaders in medical tourism. We handle everything, flying our clients to Turkey and overseeing the entire process. Not only can you save 30–70% compared to the cost of surgery in your home country, but you’ll also enjoy a luxury holiday as part of the experience.
Payment plans are available, making your New Year’s resolution achievable. Let us help you on your weight-loss journey!
Get in Touch:
📆 Book in for a free call
📞 Call us -1300 029 828
📧 Email us hello@asthetica.com or send us an enquiry
🌐 www.asthetica.com
Suddenly, your New Year’s resolution feels a lot more attainable.