Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is a growing medical problem in developed countries. It gives rise to numerous other health problems for society as a whole. Obesity is accompanied by an increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, which leads to serious complications and disability. It is estimated that people with a high BMI (Body Mass Index — body weight expressed in kg/m²) live on average 10 years less than those with a normal BMI. According to the WHO, obesity is the fifth most common cause of death, depending on risk factors and socioeconomic status. Obesity is associated with a higher incidence of various disorders and conditions, such as arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic hypoventilation and insomnia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and many others.
According to the WOBASZ study from 2005, there are over 6,000,000 people in Poland with a BMI above 30 and nearly 450,000 with a BMI above 40. As a result, obesity has become one of the most significant public health problems. Conservative treatment of obesity is of limited effectiveness and very burdensome for patients. The only effective method with documented long-term weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity is bariatric surgery. In long-term follow-up, it leads not only to weight loss but also to normalization of blood triglycerides in 65% of cases, HDL in 79% of cases, arterial hypertension in 69.9% of cases, and resolution or improved control of diabetes in 90%. As a result, it reduces the use of antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering medications.
It is estimated that the number of obese Poles will rise to 33% of the population by 2035, and consequently the population of people with type 2 diabetes will increase to 12%.
Indications for surgical treatment are:
- BMI > 40
- BMI > 35 with at least one obesity-related condition (arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, musculoskeletal disorders limiting physical activity)
The most commonly performed bariatric procedures today:
- Restrictive — reducing the volume of food intake: Sleeve gastrectomy — one of the most frequently performed procedures today
- Restrictive-malabsorptive — combining elements of both of the above: Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, MGB — mini gastric bypass)
When performed correctly, these procedures are safe and produce good long-term outcomes. However, they should be carried out in centers with appropriately trained staff.
Bariatric surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Managing obesity — both before and after surgery — requires the collaboration of multiple specialists, including a surgeon, endocrinologist, psychologist, and dietitian. Treatment is centered on lifestyle changes in the form of a well-balanced, calorie-reducing diet combined with increased physical activity.
The physicians at the Polish Gastroenterology Foundation Clinic are leading specialists with many years of experience in the surgical treatment of patients with obesity and morbid obesity. We also provide psychological and dietary support, as well as long-term postoperative follow-up care.
Our bariatric team:
Prof. Wiesław Tarnowski, MD, PhD – surgeon, bariatric specialist, proctologist
Artur Binda, MD, PhD – surgeon, bariatric specialist
Paweł Jaworski, MD, PhD – surgeon, bariatric specialist
Michał Wąsowski, MD, PhD – endocrinologist
Beata Piłka, PhD– dietitian