What is a bariatric surgeon?
A bariatric surgeon is a medical professional trained and specialised in performing bariatric surgery – which is a type of weight loss surgery.
Who is bariatric surgery for?
A common misconception about bariatric surgery is that it is for anyone who wants to lose weight without dieting and exercising. That is the incorrect mindset to have and is far from the truth. Bariatric surgery is for people who have a high BMI (Body High Index) that exceeds 30. However, patients will need to meet certain medical guidelines to qualify for bariatric surgery.
Here are some Bariatric Surgeons to consider:
Surgeon | Dr Chunhai Tan |
| Website | https://www.drchunhaitan.com/bariatric-surgery |
| Address | 6A Napier Road, #03-00, Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, 258500 |
| Telephone | +65 6432 8319 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
Surgeon | Pan Asia Surgery Group |
| Website | https://www.panasiasurg.com/ |
| Address | #10-43/44 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563 |
| Telephone | +65 6570 2608 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 1 PM Sunday: Closed |
Surgeon | G & L Surgical Clinic |
| Website | https://www.glsurgical.com.sg/ |
| Address | 38 Irrawaddy Road, #05-23, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563 |
| Telephone | +65 6255 1234 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 1 PM Sunday: Closed |
Surgeon | Slim Couture |
| Website | https://www.slim-couture.com/ |
| Address | 20 Cecil St, #02-05 GSH Plaza, Singapore 049705 |
| Telephone | +65 6534 0747 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 6 PM Sunday: Closed |
Surgeon | Arden JR Surgery |
| Website | https://www.bariatricsurgeon.com.sg/ |
| Address | 38 Irrawaddy Rd, #08-32 38, Singapore 329563 |
| Telephone | +65 6592 0078 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 12 PM Sunday: Closed |
Surgeon | Bariatric Surgery |
| Website | https://www.bariatricsurgery.com.sg/ |
| Address | 38 Irrawaddy Road, #05-23 Mount Elizabeth, Specialist Centre, 329563 |
| Telephone | +65 6255 1234 |
| Operating Hours | Monday – Friday : 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday : 9:00 am – 1:00 pm |
Surgeon | Digestive Centre |
| Website | https://digestivecentre.com.sg/ |
| Address | 3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-14 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510 |
| Telephone | +65 6737 5388 |
| Operating Hours | Call to ask |
Surgeon | Bridge Bariatrics |
| Website | http://www.bridgebariatrics.com.sg/ |
| Address | Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road #06-55, Singapore 329563 |
| Telephone | +65 6733 0847 |
| Operating Hours | Call to ask |
Surgeon | ASG Diabetes Surgery Clinic |
| Website | https://asgsurgical.com/home/ |
| Address | 290 Orchard Road, #18-01 Paragon Medical Tower, 238859 |
| Telephone | +65 6836 2168 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday: 9 AM to 1 PM Sunday: Closed |
Surgeon | Raffles Surgery Centre |
| Website | https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/ |
| Address | 585 North Bridge Rd, Level 13 Raffles Specialist Centre – 莱佛士专科医疗中心, Singapore 188770 |
| Telephone | +65 6311 1140 |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM to 1 PM |
What does a bariatric surgeon do?
A bariatric surgeon is the main surgeon who will be in charge of performing the bariatric surgery on you. The bariatric surgeon will also be responsible for informing and educating you of the risks of bariatric surgery and ensuring that you are a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery. The bariatric surgeon will also be following up on you regarding your health after the bariatric surgery.
When to visit a bariatric surgeon
Bariatric surgery is not for everyone. There are certain circumstances whereby an individual is highly recommended to visit a bariatric surgeon for a consultation on bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is not recommended for individuals who have a BMI of less than 27.
If you are obese and have type 2 diabetes, undergoing bariatric surgery may be a viable option for you. In fact, bariatric surgery has been proven by clinical trials to reverse type 2 diabetes. However, the results were done on obese diabetic patients.
Bariatric surgery procedures
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery involves using a telescope and long, fine calibre instruments which is inserted into the abdomen to perform the surgery. The incisions used are 5 – 12mm in size. Patients will be able to recover rather quickly after the surgery. Most patients will be able to resume their daily activities within a week or so. There is also minimal scarring as the small incisions require fewer stitches.
Laparoscopic gastric banding
A laparoscopic gastric bypass is a form of restrictive procedure which produce early satiety and fullness after a small meal by gastric restriction. The procedure is performed by inserting a silicone band around the upper abdomen and stitched into a position that creates a small gastric pouch that limits the quantity of food that the stomach can hold.
Risks of bariatric surgery
Like any other surgery, undergoing bariatric surgery has its own risks – both long term and short term health risks. Some of the risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
- Lung or breathing problems
- Leaks in your gastrointestinal system
Some of the long term risks and complications of bariatric surgery include:
- Bowel obstruction
- Hernias
- Malnutrition
- Ulcers
- Vomiting
- Acid reflux
- Hernias
- Gallstones
What to prepare before bariatric surgery?
If you meet the health guidelines and qualify as a candidate for bariatric surgery, your bariatric surgeon will advise you accordingly on what to do before bariatric surgery. There may be diet restrictions and medications to take. You might also have to stop smoking for a short period of time before bariatric surgery.
What to expect for bariatric surgery?
Generally, all patients for bariatric surgery will be under general anaesthesia, which means you will be unconscious during the surgery.
Most types of bariatric surgery today are performed laparoscopically which is a small, tubular instrument with a camera attached.
Psychological consultation
Some doctors will require patients to go for a psychological consultation before bariatric surgery. This is because undergoing bariatric surgery will change a person’s relationship with food. The psychological consultation will go through whether bariatric surgery is a suitable solution for you. Some of the things that you will be assessed include:
- Psychiatric history
- Current psychological function
- Weight and dieting history
- Current eating behaviours and eating disorders (if any)
- Level of physical activity
During the consultation, you will also be informed on the behavioural changes which are necessary to ensure good post-operative results, as well as any psychological changes that can be anticipated after surgery.
Post-surgery recovery
Patients will be required to stay overnight in the hospital for 1 to 3 days for observation before they can be discharged. Most patients will be able to walk comfortably on their own within 1 to 3 days and start eating regularly as well.
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery should refrain from lifting heavy items for at least a month. Patients should also avoid abdominal exercises for six to eight weeks post-surgery. There will also be post-surgery follow-ups usually a week, two weeks, a month, 3 months, 6 months, and a year later. Lifelong follow-up is required for bariatric surgery patients. The follow-ups aim to help patients evaluate their diet, prevent diet regain, and prevent complications after surgery.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery is not for everyone – you will have to meet health requirements in order to be considered as a candidate for bariatric surgery. Even then, bariatric surgery may not be the best solution for you. Please consult with your doctor to find out more if bariatric surgery is the right choice for you.
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