Obesity surgery

The Bariatric Surgery Department at Jordan Hospital, in collaboration with the Gastrointestinal, Bariatric, and Metabolic Center (GBMC), is a recognized contributor to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) of the American College of Surgeons. All centers of excellence submit their data to this program and receive semi-annual performance reports. Therefore, having bariatric surgery at Jordan Hospital means undergoing surgery at a center of excellence, with results comparable to those in the United States.

Established in 2010, the department has extensive experience and offers all types of weight loss solutions, including non-surgical endoscopy and all types of primary bariatric surgeries and revisional bariatric surgery. The best recommended treatment plan can only be determined after a full consultation and examination.

The hospital provides a full support staff and facilities, including an ICU, physical therapy, consultations, and nutritionists to ensure optimal care for our patients. Bariatric surgery is not for everyone; you must be a candidate. To find out if you are, please consult one of our surgeons.

One of the oldest procedures for treating obesity, since the 1960s, with proven long-term results. The surgery is performed laparoscopically through small incisions in the abdominal wall, where a small pouch is created in the stomach and immediately connected to the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), and a small part of the second section (jejunum). This procedure is considered the best for those suffering from obesity with type 2 diabetes or severe heartburn (acid or gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD).

One of the most common obesity surgeries worldwide, it is relatively newer and involves the removal of 75-80% of the stomach, converting it into a narrower tube, hence the name 'Sleeve'. However, it is unfortunately associated with an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) post-operation. Therefore, to reduce risks, patient selection is of utmost importance. Sleeve gastrectomy is an excellent procedure for specific candidates. However, this can only be determined after consultation and a full examination, including pre-operative endoscopy.

A relatively newer procedure, previously known as Mini-Gastric Bypass, with less known long-term results. It is a versatile and flexible procedure and carries a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as the length of the small intestine bypassed in this procedure is typically more compared to the traditional Roux-en-Y method.

This procedure is one of the most powerful metabolic and obesity surgeries, offering the highest chance for weight loss, recovery, and improvement of diabetes and hyperlipidemia. It is increasingly offered as a revision procedure for patients experiencing weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy. Our surgeons perform this procedure with its variations, requiring extensive experience and capability from the surgeons, and demanding stricter adherence to instructions from patients, with close follow-up especially during the first year, and strict intake of higher amounts of vitamins and minerals long-term to avoid potential complications. Specialized vitamins are provided by the hospital in cooperation with GBMC.

Revisional procedures include corrections for complications, conversions for complications, weight regain, or insufficient weight loss from a previous bariatric procedure. These procedures are studied on a case-by-case basis and can be performed after a comprehensive examination including blood work, imaging, and endoscopy. Our surgeons have performed revisions over the past decade with excellent results and a very low complication rate, without the need for open surgery. All these procedures are performed laparoscopically, even after several previous surgeries. However, they require a longer procedure time and potential cost.

These interventions are for patients who are not eligible for surgery due to lower weight and BMI or high risks of general anesthesia, to reduce this risk when preparing for a potential bariatric procedure. Gastric balloons are available, including the swallowable (Elipse) balloon. Newer procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty will be available in the department soon.