What is Dumping Syndrome?

Dumping syndrome, also known as rapid gastric emptying, is a common side effect of some bariatric surgeries, particularly gastric bypass procedures. It occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. There are two types of dumping syndrome: early and late.

• Early dumping syndrome typically occurs within 30 minutes of eating.
• Late dumping syndrome happens 1-3 hours after a meal.

Both types have their own set of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

Common Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome:

1. Early Dumping Syndrome Symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

2. Late Dumping Syndrome Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Shakiness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

What Can I Do to Manage Dumping Syndrome After Bariatric Surgery?

The post How To Manage Dumping Syndrome After Bariatric Surgery appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

In Ireland, if you have private health insurance and you meet the general criteria in international guidelines to qualify for weight loss/metabolic/bariatric surgery, then the chances are your health insurance will cover the cost of surgery.

This seems to be a hidden secret! Many patients with health insurance continue to seek out surgery overseas rather than using the insurance they have often paid for over many years. Call us at Blackrock WeightCare and we will check your insurance coverage for you.

Requirements:

To qualify for weight loss surgery your surgeon will need to demonstrate to your insurer the following:

1. You have a BMI over 40,
2. Or have a BMI over 35 and have a serious health condition such as Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Apnoea, or High Blood Pressure.
3. You have tried non-surgical weight loss methods for at least six months – but have failed to achieve or maintain that weight loss.

Qualifying for weight loss surgery – often the most successful treatment for obesity – is simple, and in many circumstances, your insurance will pay for it! Sure, all patients have to go through a process of evaluation by our multidisciplinary team but we
make this straightforward. We are focused on giving you the best treatment for obesity – surgery. Check your BMI with our BMI Calculator HERE.

Any patient can call or email their health insurance policy number to check their coverage for the following procedure codes:

• 181 for Gastric Bypass
• 183 for Gastric Sleeve

Are you thinking of bariatric surgery? Have it at home in Ireland. Contact us for an appointment.

Your Health. We Care.

The post Does my private health insurance cover bariatric surgery? appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

There are advantages and disadvantages to all procedures and unfortunately no magic equation or algorithm which can dictate which operation each individual patient should have. Sometimes there is a clear clinical indication that influences the choice of procedure, for example, a patient with significant acid reflux should avoid a sleeve operation. For others, the choice of operation is influenced by both patient preference and sometimes surgeon bias.

Patients often know someone who “did well’ after a particular operation and this can be a strong influence. No matter what operation you feel is right for you, it is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the possible procedures with your surgeon. Of course, you may get differing opinions from different surgeons!

We’ve created a useful table to compare bariatric and metabolic treatments so you can better inform yourself of the best choice for you. If you’re still unsure, get in touch with our team and we can discuss our treatment options in more detail.

At Blackrock WeightCare we offer our patients several possibilities. While the mainstay operations remain RYGB and Sleeve Gastrectomy – both OAGB and SADI-S can be good choices for selected patients. We anticipate that the benefits of the SADI-S procedure will see it become a much more common procedure in the years ahead, particularly for those with a BMI of over 45-50. See our thoughts on why in our other blog in relation to this, here.

Ultimately, we all need to remember that surgery is not a cure for obesity. It is a fantastic treatment which must be integrated into your plan for lifestyle change. That is why Blackrock WeightCare provides all of our patients with a comprehensive follow-up program of care which includes regular contact with your surgeon, superb dietitians, specialist nurses, endocrinologists to look after your medical health, physiotherapists to advise you on activity after surgery and psychologist as needed.

Contact us to make your appointment today. We see all enquiries promptly. We will check your insurance for you and we treat all patients with openness, honesty and dignity – the core values of our team.

Your Health. We Care

The post Which Bariatric or Metabolic Operation is right for me? appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

In Blackrock Weight Care the most frequent revisional procedure we perform is a “Band to Bypass” operation to remove a gastric band and convert patients to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at the same operation.

Whether our patients are having first-time-around operations or revisional surgery we believe that robotic surgery has a real advantage for surgery in patients suffering from obesity.

Revisional bariatric surgeries are often necessary to address complications or improve outcomes from previous weight loss surgeries. Here, we discuss the significant advantages that robotic surgery brings to the table for revision procedures.

1. Enhanced Precision and Accuracy:

Robotic surgery provides unmatched precision and accuracy due to the use of robotic arms guided by a trained surgeon. The robotic arms can make highly precise movements, allowing for delicate and precise surgical manoeuvres.

In revisional bariatric procedures, precision is crucial as surgery often needs to navigate scar tissue or previously altered anatomy. The robotic system’s advanced imaging capabilities aid in planning and executing the surgery with the utmost accuracy and reduced risk.

2. Minimal Invasiveness:

Robotic surgery is minimally invasive, utilizing small incisions through which the robotic arms and instruments are inserted. This results in less trauma and a reduced risk of complications. For revision bariatric procedures, where patients may have already experienced surgery in the past, minimizing trauma to the abdomen is essential for a smoother recovery and improved outcomes.

3. Quicker Recovery and Shorter Hospital Stay:

Due to the minimally invasive nature of robotic surgery, patients often experience a faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. The smaller incisions result in less pain and discomfort, allowing patients to return to their normal activities sooner. In the case of revision bariatric procedures, faster recovery is vital to get patients back on track with their weight loss journey and overall health goals.

4. Reduced Blood Loss and Lower Infection Rates:

Robotic surgery offers precise control over surgical instruments, minimizing the risk of excessive bleeding. Your surgeon is in complete control. There is no reliance on the skill or performance of an assistant.

The precision of robotic arms reduces the likelihood of inadvertent damage and bleeding. Additionally, the smaller incisions and minimized tissue disruption help lower the risk of infections after surgery.

5. Improved Visualization and Ergonomics:

Robotic systems provide surgeons with 3D visualization and magnification of the surgical site. This enhanced visual clarity allows for a better understanding of the anatomy and enables more accurate surgical manoeuvres and greater precision in
dissection. Moreover, the robotic system’s ergonomic design allows surgeons to operate with improved comfort and reduced fatigue, ultimately benefiting the patient through a more focused surgery.

6. Adaptability to Complex Anatomy:

Revision bariatric procedures often involve altered or complex anatomical structures due to previous surgeries and resultant scarring or sticking together of the stomach and surrounding structures. The flexibility and adaptability of robotic instruments allow surgeons to navigate these complexities with ease. The robotic arms can reach difficult-to-access areas and perform intricate procedures, making them particularly advantageous in revision surgeries.

In conclusion, robotic surgery has brought a paradigm shift to revisional bariatric procedures by offering enhanced precision, minimal invasiveness, quicker recovery, and improved surgical outcomes. These advantages contribute to a better overall experience for patients undergoing revisional surgeries, ultimately supporting their journey towards improved health and well-being.

As technology continues to advance, the future of revisional bariatric procedures looks promising with further refinements and innovations in robotic surgical techniques. If you have a band which is giving you difficulty or has failed to give the weight reduction you thought it may, you may be a candidate for a “Band to Bypass” procedure. Contact Blackrock WeightCare if you would like to explore this option further.

Your Health. We Care.

The post Advantages of Robotic Surgery for Revisional Bariatric Procedures appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

Society’s attitudes and misconceptions surrounding obesity often lead to discrimination, judgment, and a lack of understanding. In this blog post, we examine the stigma of obesity for patients and the detrimental effects it has on their mental and physical well-being.

The Prevalence of Stigma around Obesity

For those living with obesity, stigma invades so many aspects of life, from employment opportunities to healthcare encounters. Studies have shown that individuals with obesity face discrimination in the workplace, educational settings, and even healthcare facilities. This constant barrage of negative attitudes can significantly impact self-esteem and mental health.

The Vicious Cycle: Obesity and Mental Health

The stigma surrounding obesity creates a vicious cycle that can further compound the condition. Mental health is deeply intertwined with obesity, and individuals subjected to weight-based discrimination are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. Coping mechanisms such as emotional eating may emerge as a result, leading to weight gain and perpetuating the cycle of obesity.

Healthcare Disparities

One would assume that healthcare settings should be free of judgment, but unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Obese patients often encounter healthcare professionals who view their weight as the root cause of any medical issue, leading to misdiagnoses or inadequate care. Moreover, the fear of judgment can deter individuals from seeking medical attention, postponing crucial preventative care and early interventions.

Inaccessibility to Proper Treatment

Despite obesity being recognised as a complex medical condition, effective treatment options may not be discussed or offered by many doctors. In some cases, patients may also be hesitant to seek help due to the fear of being stigmatised and judged. This reluctance to seek treatment further perpetuates the health issues associated with obesity and denies patients the support they desperately need.

Challenging Obesity Stereotypes

One of the most significant hurdles in combating obesity stigma lies in dispelling common stereotypes. Many individuals wrongly assume that obesity is solely a result of poor lifestyle choices or a lack of willpower. However, genetics, environmental factors, medications and underlying medical conditions can all play a role in weight gain. Raising awareness about these complexities is vital to fostering empathy and understanding among the general population.

Promoting Empathy and Compassion

To address the stigma of obesity, societal attitudes must change and promote empathy and compassion. Encouraging open conversations about the challenges faced by individuals living with obesity can help break down barriers and misconceptions. Instead of focusing solely on weight, healthcare providers should adopt a holistic approach, emphasising overall health, body positivity, and mental well-being.

Conclusion

Obesity stigma is a pervasive issue that affects countless individuals worldwide. This stigma makes it more challenging for them to manage their weight and overall health.

At Blackrock WeightCare we believe in fostering empathy, promoting understanding, and challenging stereotypes. We want to help break the cycle of discrimination and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Everyone deserves compassion, regardless of their size, body shape or appearance. Blackrock WeightCare believes in tackling the stigma of obesity and moving towards a healthier, more accepting world for everyone.

Thankfully attitudes are changing and awareness is growing that obesity is a complex disease that requires effective therapy. Surgery remains the most effective treatment. @Blackrock WeightCare is committed to surgery being more accessible and making it easier for patients to seek out this treatment with openness and confidence.

Your Health. We Care.

The post The Stigma of Obesity for Patients appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

What are the primary considerations for pregnancy after bariatric surgery?

Weight loss and fertility:

Bariatric surgery often leads to significant weight loss, which can improve fertility in women with obesity-related infertility issues. Many women experience improved menstrual regularity and an increased chance of ovulation after bariatric surgery, making it easier to conceive.

Nutritional considerations:

Bariatric surgery can affect nutrient absorption, particularly for vitamins and minerals like folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Adequate intake of these nutrients is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. It is important to work closely with your healthcare team, including a registered dietitian and obstetrician, to ensure proper supplementation and monitor nutrient levels throughout pregnancy.

Timing of pregnancy:

It is generally recommended to wait at least 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery before attempting to conceive. This allows the body to stabilise, weight loss to plateau, and nutritional deficiencies to be addressed. It also reduces the risk of potential complications during pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes:

Research suggests that pregnancy after bariatric surgery is generally safe, with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and large-for-gestational-age babies. However, there may be a slightly higher risk of certain complications, such as nutritional deficiencies, anaemia, and the need for surgical interventions during pregnancy. Close monitoring by your obstetric team after bariatric surgery is essential.

Weight gain during pregnancy:

While weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy, the optimal range may differ for women who have undergone bariatric surgery.
It’s crucial to consult with your obstetrician and dietitian who will be experienced in managing pregnancies after bariatric surgery. They can provide personalised guidance based on your specific situation to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Drop us a message and schedule a consultation with our team via our contact form on our locations page, HERE.

The post Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

The single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI) procedure has emerged as a viable surgical option for patients who have experienced a failed or poor outcome after sleeve gastrectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy has become the operation of choice for many patients and surgeons but it has some limitations and some patients may experience insufficient weight loss or weight regain after the procedure. In such cases, the SADI procedure can offer a potential solution.

The SADI procedure combines aspects of both restrictive and malabsorptive surgeries, making it a powerful tool in treating morbid obesity. It involves creating a single anastomosis between the duodenum (the first part of the intestine after the stomach) and the ileum. This allows food to bypass a length of the small intestine and results in reduced absorption of calories and nutrients, leading to significant weight loss.

When a patient experiences inadequate weight loss or weight regain after a sleeve gastrectomy, several factors may contribute to these outcomes. These can include the dilation of the sleeve over time, the restoration of the stomach’s capacity, and a decrease in the restrictive effect of the surgery. In such cases, the SADI procedure can address these issues by enhancing the malabsorptive component and providing a more powerful metabolic effect.

The SADI procedure offers several advantages for patients who have experienced a poor outcome after a sleeve gastrectomy. First, it allows for a greater degree of weight loss compared to simply a revisional sleeve gastrectomy which redoes the original operation with the same risk of poor outcome or of weight regain.

By increasing the malabsorptive component of the surgery, a SADI provides a more substantial metabolic effect, resulting in enhanced weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. Moreover, at Blackrock WeightCare the SADI procedure is performed using a robotic surgery, which reduces surgical risks by improving the accuracy of surgery and improves patient recovery. SADI is therefore an appealing option for patients seeking a revisional procedure after a failed sleeve gastrectomy. It is important to note that the decision to undergo a SADI procedure after a failed sleeve gastrectomy should be carefully considered and individualized for each patient. A thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, current weight, comorbidities, and overall health should be conducted by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including bariatric surgeons,
dieticians, and psychologists.

Additionally, postoperative follow-up and long-term management play a crucial role in the success of the SADI procedure. Patients should adhere to a strict dietary plan, engage in regular physical activity, and attend regular check-ups to monitor their progress and address any potential complications. Ongoing support through Blackrock WeightCare’s Aftercare Program provides valuable guidance and motivation throughout the weight loss journey.

In conclusion, the SADI procedure offers a valuable option for patients who have experienced inadequate weight loss or weight regain after a sleeve gastrectomy. It provides a powerful metabolic effect and enhances weight loss outcomes. However, careful patient selection, thorough evaluation, and long-term follow-up are essential to ensure the success of the procedure. With appropriate patient selection and comprehensive postoperative care, the SADI procedure can be an effective tool in achieving sustainable weight loss and improving the health of patients who have experienced a failed sleeve gastrectomy.

Contact us today for a consultation via our locations page.

The post Have you had a poor outcome or weight regain with Sleeve Gastrectomy? appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

Obesity is now outstripping smoking as a risk factor for many cancers. This is a startling statistic that highlights the health risks of living with obesity and the need for effective treatments. Nearly all of the evidence linking obesity to cancer risk comes from large cohort studies, a type of observational study.

An International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Working Group concluded that the evidence is consistent that higher amounts of body fat are associated with an increased risk of a number of cancers.

This table summarises the risks for some common.

People who have a higher BMI at the time their cancer is diagnosed or who have survived cancer also have higher risks of developing a second, unrelated cancer.

How might obesity increase the risk of cancer?

Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain how obesity might increase the risks of some cancers

• Fat tissue produces excess amounts of estrogen, high levels of which have been associated with increased risks of breast, endometrial, ovarian, and some other cancers.
• People with obesity often have increased blood levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). High levels of insulin and IGF-1 may promote the development of colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrial cancers.
• Obesity can cause chronic inflammation and this can cause DNA damage and increases the risk of

There are other possible mechanisms by which obesity can increase cancer risk.

Are many cancers due to obesity?

The proportion of cancers due to excess body weight is approximately 7% or 8% of all cancers diagnosed in high-income Western countries. 

Does losing weight lower the risk of cancer?

To better understand the relationship between weight loss among people with obesity and cancer risk, research has looked at cancer risk in people with obesity who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Studies have found that bariatric surgery among people with obesity, particularly women, is associated with reduced risks of cancer overall; of hormone-related cancers, such as breast, endometrial, and prostate cancers; and of obesity-related cancers, such as postmenopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and colon cancer.

The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

So, it is clear that obesity increases cancer risk for a broad spectrum of cancers. Weight loss reduces this risk. It is just one further way in which weight loss surgery is beneficial for improved long-term health and improved life expectancy.

Weight loss surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly but has significant health benefits for patients struggling with the chronic condition of obesity. Surgery can be a life-changing decision. It can improve not only quality of life but long-term health.

Blackrock WeightCare offers surgical treatment of obesity. Contact us to discuss your options.

Your Health. We Care.

The post Obesity and Cancer Risk – What are the Facts? appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

Importance of Protein

Protein has many different roles to play within the body. It is required to build and maintain muscle mass and it also acts as a source of energy. Eating enough protein is important after bariatric surgery to prevent muscle loss and to keep hair skin and nails strong.

Often if your diet does not provide enough protein thinning of hair or hair loss can be experienced after weight loss surgery. Furthermore, muscle loss can occur which can lead to excess or sagging skin post-surgery. Our bodies cannot make protein without food so it is important that our diet is rich in food sources of protein.

How much protein do I need after bariatric surgery?

It is recommended to consume 60-80g of protein a day after bariatric surgery. While this does not seem like a lot before surgery it can be difficult to consume enough protein with your new, smaller stomach.

High-protein foods include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and yoghurt. Plant-based sources of protein include tofu, beans, legumes, nuts and soy products.

It is advised to include a source of protein at all meals and snacks. In the early days, post-surgery protein supplements or protein-added foods such as protein milk or protein yoghurt may be required to ensure you meet your protein goals. Have a look at the table below to see if you are meeting the recommended protein requirements.

The post Diet After Bariatric Surgery: Prioritise your Protein appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.

Sleeve gastrectomy and SADI-S are two commonly performed procedures and Blackrock WeightCare is currently the only surgical service in Ireland to offer patients the SADI-S procedure. In this blog, we explore the advantages of SADI-S over sleeve gastrectomy for patients with a BMI over 50.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a well-established bariatric surgery that involves the removal of a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve of the stomach. This procedure is known to be effective in inducing weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach and altering the hormonal signals that control appetite. However, sleeve gastrectomy is not without its limitations, especially for patients with a BMI over 50.

SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy) is a newer and less commonly performed bariatric surgery that combines sleeve gastrectomy with a bypass of the duodenum and the first portion of the small intestine. This procedure is designed to enhance weight loss by reducing the absorption of calories and nutrients. Recent studies have shown that SADI-S may be a more effective option for patients with a BMI over 50.

One of the main advantages of SADI-S over sleeve gastrectomy is its greater weight loss potential. A study conducted in 2018 compared the weight loss outcomes of SADI-S and sleeve gastrectomy in patients with a BMI over 50. The study found that patients who underwent SADI-S lost significantly more weight than those who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, with an average excess weight loss of 88% compared to 65% for sleeve gastrectomy. This greater weight loss can lead to a more significant improvement in obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Another advantage of SADI-S is its lower risk of weight regain. Sleeve gastrectomy has been associated with weight regain in some patients due to the stretching of the stomach over time. SADI-S, on the other hand, involves a bypass of the duodenum and the first portion of the small intestine, which reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients. This can make it more difficult for patients to regain weight after surgery.

SADI-S is also associated with a lower risk of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a common complication of bariatric surgery and conventional roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery. It occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and episodes of hypoglycaemia. Patients who undergo SADI-S are less likely to develop dumping syndrome than those who undergo RYGB.

Finally, SADI-S has been shown to be a safe and effective option for patients with a BMI over 50. A study published in 2021 analyzed the outcomes of SADI-S in patients with a BMI over 50 and found that the procedure was safe and effective in inducing weight loss and improving obesity-related health problems.

So, while sleeve gastrectomy is a well-established and also a very effective bariatric operation, SADI-S may have some real benefits for selected patients with a BMI over 50. SADI-S offers greater weight loss potential, a lower risk of weight regain, a low risk of dumping syndrome and has been shown to be a safe and effective option for patients in this BMI range.

Of course, it is essential to note that bariatric surgery is a complex decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Contact us for more information.

Blackrock WeightCare. Your health. We Care

The post SADI-S versus Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients with BMI over 50 appeared first on Blackrock WeightCare.