Surgical intervention

If surgical intervention is proposed, a complete check-up will also be performed. This includes:

  • A preoperative cardiology check-up
  • A complete blood test
  • A radiology check-up
  • A gastroscopy
  • A pneumology check-up with respiratory tests in case of suspected sleep apnoea

A second meeting with the surgeon will be scheduled to evaluate the results of the various examinations, decide on the intervention, and schedule the date of the intervention.

GASTRIC SLEEVE

This operation involves removing 80% of the stomach by vertically stapling the organ. This type of surgery is referred to as “restrictive” and is used to reduce the volume of the cavity (stomach). By removing three-quarters of the stomach, many cells that secrete the hunger hormone (ghrelin) will also be eliminated. As a result, the patient will feel less hungry, and the sensation of fullness will be more rapidly achieved. The rest of the intestinal circuit will not be modified. This technique is generally suggested to patients who are “volume eaters,” i.e., people who eat large amounts.

GASTRIC BYPASS

This surgery involves “recreating” a smaller stomach and bypassing the intestine. This technique is mixed (restrictive and malabsorptive) because the stomach has shrunk, and sugar and fat absorption is reduced by the intestinal bypass. As a result, the patient will eat less, and the intestines will absorb fewer calories. However, the patient will have to take dietary supplements for life. This technique is mainly suggested to patients who snack between meals, called ‘sweet’ patients. Surgery is also indicated for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Unlike gastric sleeve surgery, no organ is removed, which makes it – in theory - a reversible operation.

MINI BYPASS

The mini-bypass is also a mixed technique but involves only one anastomosis (a single connection), unlike the conventional bypass. This operation is easier to reverse because there is only one connection between the reduced stomach and the intestines. In terms of weight loss, the results are comparable to the standard bypass.

GASTRIC BAND

In this surgery, a silicone ring is placed around the stomach to limit the amount of food consumed. A box inserted under the skin will allow the surgeon to tighten or loosen the ring during consultations to adjust the passage of food (and, therefore, weight loss). It is also a so-called restrictive technique.

AFTER SURGERY

After surgery, the patient will visit the surgeon and the physician-nutritionist regularly, depending on the procedure and weight loss.

  • Biological tests for possible deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, protein) will be performed on average every six months.
  • It is recommended to see the psychologist again.
  • A physiotherapy program will be provided for 6 months and is prescribed by the physical doctor. This program will be reimbursed.

It is essential to understand that patients need to change their diet when choosing surgery. If this does not happen, the patient will regain weight after a few months.

For this reason, Clinic Saint-Jean provides these patients with a diet to help them to adopt good nutritional habits. We also encourage them to exercise and offer additional psychological support.