It should be noted that currently Indonesia is included in the top 10 most obese people. About 40 million people in Indonesia are overweight/obese. According to IDF data, there were 10 million cases of diabetes in 2015. A high-sugar/carbohydrate diet, sedentary lifestyle and obesity have contributed to the increase in diabetes sufferers. Diabetes complications include blindness, kidney failure, chronic wounds and even amputation. Obesity and diabetes cause reduced life expectancy.
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery , which involves stomach reduction and bypass surgery, has recently become increasingly popular as one of the main options for treating obesity and diabetes. In western countries this method is very popular because it is proven to be effective in losing weight permanently and the effect lasts long term. Likewise in Singapore and Taiwan this method is quite popular and thousands of patients have experienced its benefits. Research has proven that surgical methods are more effective in controlling diabetes than lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Dr. Handy Wing, a surgeon from EMC Hospital explained that currently bariatric surgery is seen as the most effective therapy for treating obesity with the added bonus of controlling diabetes. But as stated by dr. Handy said that this method is not popular and not widely known by patients or the medical community.
Benefits of bariatric surgery
according to dr. Handy, soon after this operation, most patients' blood sugar levels will return to normal so they don't need insulin injections or diabetes drugs anymore. Reduced intake and absorption of food, changes in the shape of the stomach/intestines and increased incretin hormones cause blood sugar to be controlled after surgery. After surgery the patient's body responds positively and is efficient in regulating the pattern of balance of blood sugar levels. This surgical method is increasingly becoming an option because it is performed using a laparoscopic / minimally invasive technique, namely the operation is performed through 3-4 small 1 cm incisions. The advantage is that the pain is greatly reduced because the incision scar is very small. Besides that, cosmetically, the scars are almost invisible. Candidates who benefit the most after surgery are patients under 60 years of age, who have not had diabetes for too long and whose pancreatic function is still quite good. As for patients who are not obese and whose blood sugar is still stable and controlled with drugs, they are not candidates to choose and undergo this surgical method.
In addition to the two main effects for treating obesity and diabetes, bariatric surgery can also treat other health problems and complications such as heart disease, cholesterol, respiratory problems, stroke risk, gout and joint, waist and knee pain problems due to excess body weight. A patient suffers his story. Novi has had diabetes since she was 30 years old and weighs almost 90 kg. But since undergoing gastric bypass, his diabetes has been controlled. His weight has also dropped to 68 kg in a period of 6 months and it is hoped that he will reach his ideal weight after a year. Now at the age of 45, he feels healthier, more energetic, has increased stamina and is able to do his daily activities normally without feeling tired. Novi also feels relieved because she no longer needs to use insulin injections, which she has been using regularly for 5 years. Previously Novi found it very difficult to control her appetite and often snacked, after the operation she was able to manage her diet better because of the smaller stomach size and now she doesn't get hungry as quickly as before the operation.
It is hoped that after undergoing bariatric surgery, the patient can reduce high food intake, maintain an active lifestyle and exercise, for example 3-5 a week, for 30 minutes -1 hour. So that patients can return to their ideal body weight within 6 months - 1 year.
Article written by dr. Handy Wing, Sp.B-KBD, FBMS, FINACS, FICS (Digestive Surgeon Specialist - Minimally Invasive Surgery at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).
For further information and registration, contact: 0811 1225 277 (Andy EMC Alam Sutera).