Bariatric Surgery in Krakow

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 Krakow?

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 Krakow 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 Krakow

About Kraków

Kraków is the second-largest and also one of the oldest cities in Poland. It was the official capital of the country until 1596 and has been one of the leading centers of Polish economic, academic, cultural, and artistic life. Named as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Kraków is brimming with stunning architecture, enthralling history, and riveting culture. Today, the city is at the forefront of Europe’s medical tourism. The most sought-after treatments are dentistry and cosmetic surgery. International medical tourists, particularly from neighboring countries, come to this city for its affordable procedures, fully organized healthcare system, and skilled specialists. 

Popular Parts of Kraków

Kraków is full of charm; from its cobbled streets and beautiful squares to stunning churches and a castle. The most popular part of the city is the Old Town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors who come to the Old Town can admire the Wawel Royal Castle, which is an architectural wonder in a medieval, renaissance, and baroque style. This castle is now a museum containing five separate sections. Another popular part of the Old town is the Main Market Square, which is the biggest medieval town square in Europe with a 15th century Town Hall Tower, a 16th-century Cloth Hall at the center, and a bronze statue of Polish 19th-century poet Adam Mickiewicz. Other popular parts of the city are Schindler’s Factory, the Underground Museum, and Auschwitz. 

Transport in Kraków

Kraków John Paul II International Airport is where most international tourists will arrive. It serves flights to numerous cities around Europe and the Middle East. The most affordable way to get around the city is by public buses and trams. Taxis are reasonably priced and comfortable, but make sure to use official taxis that use a meter as there are illegal taxis that will try to overcharge you. Uber is available and it is the cheapest option if you don’t want to take public transit. Bicycles are also popular in the city and bike rentals are widely available. 

Visas in Kraków

Poland is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia, can stay in Kraków for up to 90 days without a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa and can stay indefinitely. Citizens of other countries need to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. 

Weather in Kraków

Summer, from June to August, is generally warm with an average temperature of about 25°C. The spring (April – May) and autumn (September – October) have great weather with milder temperatures. Note that spring is usually a bit rainier than other seasons. Winter can get pretty cold, with the temperatures dropping below 0.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Polish Zlotych (PLN). 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 3.8 PLN.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easy to find in Kraków. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. Tipping is optional and not mandatory.
3. Local Language: Polish is the native language and English is widely spoken by younger people.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Christianity. However, other religions, such as Judaism, are also present.
5. Public Holidays: Kraków celebrates various public holidays, including the New Year’s Day, Three King’s Day, Easter, Constitution Day, Corpus Christi, All Saints’ Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.