An introduction to bariatric surgery in kenya.

Obesity is increasing at alarming rates all across the world making it an issue of concern for governments. According to the global burden of disease, over 4 million people died in 2017, as a result of being overweight or obese. To be classified as being obese, you should have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30.

In Kenya alone, obesity rates are around 60.3% among urban residents and 19.5% among rural residents. These numbers should be alarming as obesity brings along with it life-threatening diseases such as:

• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes 
• Sleep apnea
• Infertility

Additionally, recent studies have found that there is a link between obesity and severe forms of COVID-19.

If diet plans and exercise routines do not seem to be working out for you, bariatric surgery is your best option for a healthy weight loss.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is a medical procedure carried out to help patients lose excess weight. It is also known as weight loss surgery or metabolic surgery as it focuses on helping patients achieve a healthy metabolism and therefore a healthy weight.

At Nairobi Bariatric Centre, there are two options to choose from: Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve

These procedures work in one of two ways: 

• Limiting the amount of food you take in
• Adjusting the digestion and absorption process of food and nutrients

Bariatric surgery is useful in treating obesity and its related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. If not well treated, all of these can have adverse effects on the physical, mental and social aspects of human life. In addition to weight loss, patients who undergo this medical procedure enjoy a higher quality of life.

Weight loss surgery is extremely safe and is carried out by a highly trained bariatric surgeon using advanced technology and procedures. The process is performed with small incisions using minimally invasive techniques that result in either a decrease of the overall size of the stomach or bypassing a portion of the intestines.

Being minimally invasive, patients who undergo this surgery experience less pain, have fewer complications, have shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries when compared to patients of other forms of surgery. Additionally, these patients get to achieve a healthy body mass index (BMI) and an ideal overall weight.

What are the Requirements for Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss surgery is designed to help patients with extreme obesity lose weight. According to the World Health Organisation, patients whose BMI is over 30, are considered to be obese. It is important to calculate your BMI, to make adjustments that will improve your overall health and wellbeing.

To be considered for bariatric surgery, you must either:

• Have a BMI of 40 or higher 
• Have a BMI of 35-40 and have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, or sleep apnea
• Have a BMI of 30-35, and have previously tried other weight loss alternatives to no avail

If you fit in any of the categories above, Bariatric Surgery is the solution for you. Finding the right procedure for your condition requires a discussion between you and your surgeon. Upon initial visit, our consulting doctor, Dr. L. Shchukina will measure your BMI, get to know your medical history and existing conditions, and will then suggest the best option for you.

What if I don’t fit the requirements?

If you do not meet the specified requirements and have been unsuccessful using other weight loss alternatives, you can still opt for bariatric surgery following consultation with the doctor.

However, at Nairobi Bariatric Centre, we have a number of other alternatives that can help you achieve your goals. 

You may:

• Opt to go on a supervised diet and exercise plan that has been tailored for your needs by professionals
• Choose psychotherapy, which addresses psychological factors that may be affecting your eating habits and relationship with food 
• Choose the gastric balloon procedure, which is a bariatric surgery alternative that involves orally inserting a silicone balloon into your stomach. The balloon expands and takes up space, creating a feeling of fullness during meals.

Is This Procedure Available in Kenya?

Bariatric Surgery is offered in Kenya by the Nairobi Bariatric Centre, the first of its kind in Kenya to focus on sustainable weight loss. Ours is a holistic approach that targets the various root factors that cause obesity such as psychological factors.

Our team is made up of highly trained bariatric local and international surgeons who operate in Lithuania and Sweden with over 25 years of experience and have carried out over 6,000 surgeries to date. All procedures are safe and carried out using the latest in medical technology

We are located on the 7th floor of 5th Avenue Office Suites in Nairobi, and for your ease of mind have been approved by the Ministry of Health in Kenya to guarantee your safety.

Conclusion

The advancement of technology and medicine has brought with it numerous techniques and options to help human beings live healthy lives. Bariatric Surgery is designed to help those with a BMI of over 30, have obesity-related diseases such as high blood pressure or have struggled with weight loss. The choice of surgery depends on your weight, pre-existing conditions and is determined by a medically trained surgeon.