Bariatric Surgery in Barcelona

Bariatric surgery is a group of weight-loss surgeries that involves making changes to the digestive system, some of which are non-reversible. The idea behind these types of surgeries is to help patients lose weight by either limiting the amount of food they can consume/digest at any one time or reducing their body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Some procedures do both. 

Bariatric surgeries should only ever be the final option when diet and exercise have proved inadequate and there are now serious health concerns caused by a person's weight. In general, these surgeries can only be an option for patients whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity). In certain cases, patients whose BMI is 30 to 39.9 may qualify for certain types of bariatric surgery if they have serious weight-related problems, such as type 2 diabetes.

The three most common types of Bariatric Surgeries are as follows:

1. Gastric Sleeve – The most common surgery, in which about 80% of the stomach is irreversibly removed, resulting in a sleeve or tube-like structure. This smaller stomach will not be able to hold as much food and produces less of the hormone that regulates appetite (ghrelin), which can lessen the patient’s desire to eat. 
2. Gastric Bypass – A more complicated procedure in which the stomach is divided into two parts; a small upper pouch and a large lower ‘remnant’ pouch. The small intestine is rearranged to bypass the large pouch. As a result, the volume of the stomach is significantly reduced. This causes food to go into the small upper pouch of the stomach and then directly into the small intestine. The small upper pouch can only hold around an ounce of food. Gastric Bypass is typically not reversible. 
3. Gastric Band – Involves an inflatable silicone device that is fitted around the top portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This procedure causes the patient to feel fuller with less food but still allows the body to digest food as usual, without malabsorption. The device can be removed when the patient reaches their desired weight.

The bariatric surgeries mentioned above are typically performed laparoscopically, in which the surgeon creates around one to five small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a long narrow tube with a camera) and surgical tools. The patients are usually given a general anesthetic, so they will not feel anything throughout the surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Barcelona?

After bariatric surgery, an overnight stay in the hospital is usually required. In some cases, you may need to stay longer (around 3 to 5 days). However, it is not advisable to leave Barcelona as soon as you are discharged from the hospital. Stay at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery for initial recovery and follow-up checkups. During the follow-up checkups, your surgeon will remove your stitches and check your overall condition.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery time may take around 3 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to go back to your normal activities, including work, with some restrictions. You must avoid heavy work and strenuous activities, such as lifting, pushing, or carrying heavy loads for at least the first three months after surgery. You should also avoid sitting and standing without moving for long periods to avoid blood clots forming in your legs.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given a special diet plan immediately after your surgery, as well as detailed post-operative instructions. Make sure to follow the diet plan and instructions to avoid complications and speed up your recovery. In order to maximize and maintain weight loss, it is important that you commit to healthy eating and regular exercise. There may be restrictions on how much food you can consume. You may also need to change your eating habits, such as eating 6 small meals instead of 3 large meals each day. You should take vitamins and mineral supplements to ensure proper nutrition. 

What's the Success Rate?

The success rates vary for each of the different types of bariatric surgery. In general, within the first six months following the surgery, most patients lose around 30% to 55% of their excess weight. Then, as early as 12 months after surgery, most patients lose over 70% of their excess weight. Patients could also maintain a 50% to 60% loss of excess weight for 10 to 14 years after their bariatric surgery. Although the success rates are high, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery, such as bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, infections, spleen injury, stenosis, and infections.

Are there Alternatives?

There is a non-surgical Bariatric procedure, known as the Gastric Balloon. This involves an inflatable device that is temporarily inserted into the stomach via endoscopic placement. A sizable area of the stomach is obstructed by the balloon or balloons, thus reducing the amount of food it can contain at any one time, leading to eventual weight loss. The balloons are usually removed after 6 or 12 months. 

If you cannot or do not want to undergo any surgery or medical procedure, you may be able to work with a doctor who is experienced in treating extreme obesity and a dietician as the alternative. They may recommend you to change your diet, adding physical activity, and prescribe medications.

Bariatric Surgery in and around Barcelona

About Barcelona

Barcelona is a city located on the coast of northeastern Spain. It is the second-largest city in the country. This enchanting seaside city charms its visitors with fascinating history and culture, legendary architecture, unique food, beautiful beaches, and upbeat nightlife. Barcelona is also known as the medical capital of Spain. Healthcare in the city is well equipped with technology and human resources. Various hospitals and clinics have their own specialties and are staffed with highly-trained specialists who truly care about their patients. Most people come from cancer treatment, heart and circulation diagnosis, bone treatment, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, as well as full-body diagnostic. 

Popular Parts of Barcelona

Barcelona offers a plethora of things to do and see. Here, visitors can explore Gaudi’s architecture. Gaudi is the city’s most famous architect and his work can be seen everywhere in the city. His method of blending Art Nouveau and Gothic styles is awe-inspiring and made him legendary. In Barcelona, you can also learn more about one of the most influential artists in the 20th century, Picasso. The Picasso Museum in the city is one of the biggest in the world, housing over 3,000 pieces of art, allowing you to learn more about Picasso’s life and craft. The beaches in the city, particularly Barceloneta Beach, is a must-visit. The wide and long stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, the water is warm, and there are a lot of excellent restaurants on the boardwalk.

Transport in Barcelona

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is the international airport serving Barcelona. It is the second-busiest airport in Spain that connects international flights to numerous cities around the world, such as Beijing, Toronto, and London. Barcelona has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The metro and tram are fast, cheap, and well-connected. There are many metro stations and it is easy to navigate. The local buses are also great, well-connected, and leave very frequently. Taxis are widely available and are quite affordable.

Visas in Barcelona

Since Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement, nationals from 62 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, are allowed to visit without a visa and can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa prior to their arrival. 

Weather in Barcelona

Winter (December – February) is mild, but different types of weather can occur. The average temperature hovers around 15°C and it is rainier than other seasons. Summer (mid-June – August) is hot, humid, and sunny, with the temperatures reaching 30°C on the hottest days. However, the sea breezes make it more bearable. Spring and autumn are relatively pleasant, but both seasons can be rainy.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro. 1 EUR converts to around 1.12 USD.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in many areas. Credit cards can be used in most businesses. Tipping can be obligatory in some places.
3. Local Language: Spanish is the official language and many people will be able to speak good English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Christianity is the biggest religion. However, other religions, such as Islam and Judaism, are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Barcelona celebrates numerous holidays, including New Year's Day, Day of Murcia, and Christmas Day.