Obesity and metabolic syndrome (such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia) and its associated complications, such as gout, sleep apnea syndrome, fatty liver, abnormal sperm motility, hormonal imbalance, etc., pose a great threat to health. Our hospital has newly established a weight loss and metabolic surgery center, which will provide comprehensive medical services for obese patients.
The most widely accepted weight loss surgeries worldwide currently include:
(1) Gastric bypass surgery
The oldest technique among weight loss surgeries, it cuts the stomach into a small pouch (about 30 ml in volume), then reconstructs it by attaching a segment of the jejunum, bypassing 100–150 cm of the small intestine responsible for absorbing small‑molecule nutrients. This method not only limits the patient's food intake but also reduces absorption, resulting in excellent weight‑loss outcomes (can reduce 60–80% of excess weight).
(2) Sleeve gastrectomy (stomach reduction surgery)
It cuts the pouch‑shaped stomach into a banana‑shaped tube stomach (about 60–100 ml in volume), which moderately restricts the patient's food intake and simultaneously reduces the production of ghrelin (a hormone associated with hunger). The surgical risk is relatively low.
(3) Sleeve gastrectomy combined with bypass surgery
A technique developed in the past decade, used as a revision surgery for weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy, or as an alternative to traditional gastric bypass surgery. Approximately 70–80% of excess weight can be reduced within two years post‑operation.
Weight‑loss surgery insurance coverage criteria (effective from 2020/5/1)
- BMI ≥ 37.5, or BMI ≥ 32.5 with high‑risk complications
- Age between 20–65 years
- Must have attended weight‑loss clinic for at least six months and have undergone exercise and diet control for more than six months
- No endocrine abnormalities or other diseases that cause obesity
- No drug abuse or mental illness
- Confirmed normal by psychiatric specialist consultation
If you have any questions, you are welcome to consult the general surgery outpatient department.
