Bariatric / Obesity

Overweight and obesity is defined as ”abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health”
(World Health Organisation, 2017). It is a progressive, chronic and complex disease affecting all ages and
genders. Body mass index (BMI) is the most widely used measure of obesity in clinical practice as direct
assessment of body fat is not readily available. BMI defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of
height in meters (kg/m2), is considered to be the best available population marker for monitoring trends in
overweight and obesity in adults, children and young people over time.

Ireland has one of the highest levels of obesity in Europe, with 60% of adults and over one in five children and
young people living with overweight and obesity. There are multiple drivers that influence obesity including
genetics, environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Obesity is associated with other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory
disease, several types of cancer, pain and musculoskeletal disorders. Certain groups in the population have a
high risk of excess weight gain leading to obesity, these include older people, women in pregnancy and post-
natal, individuals with eating disorders, mental illness, intellectual and physical disabilities as well as socially
excluded and disadvantaged groups.

Overweight and obesity is a highly stigmatized condition. Many people, including healthcare practitioners,
have negative attitudes and beliefs about people with overweight and obesity. Weight stigma in healthcare
can prevent healthcare professionals from having supportive and non-judgemental consultations with
patients, which can result in a lack of diagnosis and low efficacy of interventions for weight management.

Experiences of judgement and shame in the healthcare setting prevents people with obesity from seeking
help. Weight stigma can also lead to the under-recognition and undermanagement of symptoms of eating
disorders. Stigmatisation is associated with greater psychological distress and can cause people to engage in
behaviours that make obesity worse.

The complex nature of obesity requires that the health services take a holistic, integrated approach to
identification, early intervention and treatment. Actively managing overweight and obesity will improve
health, quality of life and overall mortality while reducing healthcare costs.

The gastric bypass method involves connecting the uppermost part of the stomach (forming a small pouch)
directly to the small intestine. After the gastric bypass, the ingested food will enter this small pouch in the
stomach and then directly into the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first section of the
small intestine.

A very significant reduction in food intake and digestive capacity is achieved, reducing caloric absorption.
To achieve a good healing of the stomach, a good weight loss, and a substantial improvement in health, the
patient must follow certain nutritional guidelines for a minimum of 2-3 months, and make some changes in
their diet in the long term.

The operation is carried out in one of our hospitals in Benidorm, and the recovery will take place in one of our
sunny flats, with the help you need during this time.