Bariatric Surgery in Johor

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 Johor?

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 Johor 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 Johor

About Johor

Johor, the Southern Gateway to Malaysia, continues to prosper as a tourism destination. Johor’s geographical position draws many tourists from neighboring countries especially Singapore. Tourists flocked to Johor to experience its great shopping deals, cheap food, beautiful nature, and theme parks. Johor Premium Outlets, LEGOLAND Malaysia, and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town are the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Johor is expecting a total of 17 million visitors in 2019.

Recently, Johor has become a thriving medical tourist destination. Johor recorded 60,000 medical tourists visiting the state in 2017 to seek medical treatments. As one of the biggest contributors to Malaysia’s rising medical tourism, the state keeps innovating and improving its health facilities to increase the number of medical tourists. Johor hospitals offer cutting edge technology with experienced doctors and at a reasonable price.

The hospitals in Johor are of world-class standards and accredited by global accreditation. One of the highest-rated hospitals in the state is Gleneagles Medini Hospital that offers a wide range of treatments. Cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid surgery and breast augmentation are the most popular procedures in Johor.

Popular Areas in Johor

Johor offers plenty of attractions to discover. It is easy to see why many people are drawn to travel to the state. Tourists have many options to choose the kind of adventure they want to experience, from exploring incredible islands and tropical rainforests, admiring famous historical landmarks, spending a day in theme parks, to shopping in a cosmopolitan city of Johor Bahru.

• Seribuat Archipelago lies on the east coast of Johor; the archipelago has beautiful clear waters and sandy beaches that will take your breath away. Tourists who want to discover the amazing underwater life can do many activities such as diving and snorkeling.
• Gunung Ledang National Park (Mount Ophir), the highest mountain of Johor is known as the home of a mythical princess, Puteri Gunung Ledang. Tourists can go hiking on this beautiful mountain and will be rewarded with an amazing view and do not miss out on the chance to cool off in Puteri falls.
• Legoland is the best place for tourists who travel with kids. The first Legoland in Asia offers over 70 rides with a separate water park and ‘Sea Life.’ There is also a Legoland hotel for tourists who want to fully experience the theme park.
• Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor’s state mosque, is located on top of a hill in Johor Bahru with beautiful views to the Johor Strait and Singapore. The architecture follows the style of Victorian and Moorish and takes the form of British 19th-century clock towers.

Weather and Climate in Johor

The tropical weather allows Johor to enjoy a relatively stable warm temperature throughout the year. The highest average temperature is 33°C and the lowest is 31°C. Humidity is generally high in Johor so tourists are advised to pack light and comfortable clothing.

The rainy season usually starts from April to September and from October to early November. Some islands in Seribuat Archipelago may be ‘closed’ during the rainy season due to the rough weather.

Getting Around in Johor

Senai International Airport is the gateway to Johor. Located 32km from Johor Bahru, the airport serves domestic flights as well as international flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Seoul, Guangzhou, and Ho Chi Minh City. Senai International airport serves budget airlines and is the hub for AirAsia and Malindo Air.

To reach the city center, tourists can take a taxi or Airport Shuttle Bus. A ride to Johor Bahru by taxi takes approximately 30 minutes while taking the bus will take longer. Remember that taxis use a coupon system, the coupon can be bought from the taxi counter inside the Aeromall.

Tourists from Singapore can go to Johor by bus or car via Johor–Singapore Causeway. Tourist who wants to avoid traffic jams can opt for the KTM’s Shuttle Tebrau from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Johor Bahru.

Tourists visiting Johor Bahru can travel to different attractions within the city by using the bus service although it can get pretty confusing since the bus stops may not be shown clearly. It is advisable to directly ask the bus driver for the destination. Taxis are available in the state but it is best to insist on using the meter or negotiate the fare in advance.

To travel to other cities in Johor, tourist can ride long distant buses from Larkin Bus Terminal. Buses normally leave once every hour and have a reasonable price. If you wish to travel to many cities in Johor, renting a car is the best choice.

Tourists Visas in Johor

Tourists are only allowed to enter Malaysia if their passport is valid for at least six months after arrival. Most nationalities can enter Malaysia without a visa for 30 or 90 days. Several foreign nationalities including China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro must apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

The Malaysian Immigration provides an online visa application for selected foreign nationals, the process is usually faster and easier. Those who travel to Johor for medical treatment can apply for eVisa Medical. The visa is valid for a single journey with a maximum of 30 days. Patients who need to stay for more than 30 days must obtain a long term Medical Pass.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The ringgit (RM) is the local currency. 1USD is equivalent to RM4.20. Printed in a variation of colors and sizes, it is easier and less confusing for travelers to work with the currency to avoid giving the wrong bills when shopping.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available around the state and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. It is wise to always carry a small amount of cash especially when traveling to a more suburban area because many vendors will only accept cash, some vendors won’t change bills over RM20. Tourists can bargain with street vendors but always remember to be polite. Tipping will be appreciated but not necessary.
3. Local Language: Malay or Bahasa Melayu is the official language in Johor. The majority of people, especially in Johor Bahru, can speak English relatively well. Directions and signs are usually written in Malay and English. Other languages that are widely-spoken in Johor are Mandarin Chinese and Tamil.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The state’s culture is heavily influenced by the Arabs, Javanese, and Bugis people. Johor is also home to a large Chinese and Indian community. The official religion is Islam with Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, as the other religions freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: It is important to keep in mind that the weekend in Johor is Friday and Saturday. Like other parts of Malaysia, Johor celebrates the holy days of every major religion and holds a number of festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals in Johor is the annual Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival. Usually held around February and March, the festival showcases one thousand modern and traditional kites.