Bariatric Surgery in United Arab Emirates

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 United Arab Emirates?

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 United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates

About the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates and they are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain. Abu Dhabi is the richest Emirates due to its oil fields. The UAE population is close to 10 million people.

Shopping is often considered to be the most popular tourist activity in the UAE, certainly for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. there is no denying that going to a mall or souk is a great way of soaking up the local culture, Low prices are often due to the low rate of 5% VAT. There are various shopping festivals throughout the year, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The UAE has become a worldwide destination for medical tourists due to its wide range of state-of-the-art technology, affordable treatments, and highly specialized doctors. UAE has already witnessed a sizeable increase in medical tourists who are drawn to the country for treatments ranging from major surgeries to rehabilitation and cosmetic corrections.

The country has been focusing on increasing its healthcare infrastructure in terms of quality as well as quantity, in line with its global aspirations for medical tourism  According to Medical Tourism statistics, UAE ranks in 5th place, The country has close to 40 hospitals when compared to only having 7 in 1970. The Government has mandated all companies to provide all their employees with health insurance

In the United Arab Emirates medical education and research foundations such as Al Jalila Foundation, Centre of Arab Genomic Studies, Red Crescent Society of UAE, and Sahi School Health Programme aim to provide the best hospitals and create the best-skilled professionals in the country. With high-quality hospitals such as American Hospital Dubai, Lifeline Hospital, Emirates Hospital, Rashid Hospital, and others, Dubai caters to ailments such as Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic, Rheumatology, Dermatology, Cosmetic and Plastic surgery.

Here are three good reasons why the UAE is the best place to go for medical tourism.

• The UAE has over 200 JCI-Accredited Hospitals and Clinics.

• The treatment modules, both surgical and non-surgical are cutting edge and certified.

• UAE has the best post-operative care in this part of the world.

Popular parts of the UAE

This nation is a fascinating fusion of the contemporary world and deeply rooted Islamic customs, creating a unique cultural tapestry that is a delight to explore. There are numerous notable structures that dot the landscape, beckoning those with an adventurous spirit to embark on unforgettable tours and soak in the rich architectural heritage of the region. The presence of botanical gardens enhances the country's natural beauty, providing tranquil spots amidst the rush of city life where one can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic, or simply sit and watch the world go by.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the country does not disappoint with its array of world-class amusement parks. These colorful wonderlands offer high-octane roller coasters, immersive virtual reality games, and lively entertainment shows which are bound to delight children and adults alike. In contrast, the country's stunning mosques stand as serene symbols of its deep religious underpinnings; their intricate design, ornate calligraphy, and contemplative atmosphere invite visitors to marvel at their grandeur and gain a deeper appreciation for the Islamic culture.

• Burj Khalifa- Is the tallest building in the world at over 800 meters, and is one of the most impressive sights in Dubai. Tourists can go up to the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa. These floors have a circular observation deck and the panoramic view from here is a sight to behold and the view stretches from sea to desert.

• Burj Al Arab is best known for being the only 7-star hotel in Dubai and is located in the Burj Khalifa building 

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful attractions in Abu Dhabi and is an architectural masterpiece. The mosque is made of marble, and the walls and floors are embedded with colorful stones depicting flowers.

• Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is a must-visit attraction. The Ferrari-themed park is home to the fastest roller coaster in the world, Formula Rossa, which accelerates to 240km/hr in as short as five seconds.

• The Palm Jumeirah is the biggest artificial island in the world and ensures that you visit one of its high-end restaurants and bars or stay in one of its 5-star hotels,

Weather and Climate in the UAE

The winter months of December through February offer a pleasantly warm climate in this region, with temperatures averaging between 24 °C and 26 °C. There are times, particularly in January, when cool northern air fronts make the days chilly and windy.

Scorching heat characterizes the summer season, from May to September, with daytime temperatures soaring between 38 °C and 42 °C. Warm winds from the Persian Gulf sweep in, carrying humidity from the sea. This makes April and October quite hot as well, with peaks around 33/36 °C. During the most intense summer days, temperatures can skyrocket to 47/48 °C along the country's splendid coastline.

The country experiences strong winds all through the year, but they become particularly forceful in the springtime. These winds occasionally lead to sand and dust storms, blanketing the landscape in a desert haze.

Getting around in UAE

The UAE boasts some of the world's most bustling airports with airplanes launching into the skies every five minutes. Out of all these, Terminal four of Dubai International Airport stands out as the busiest.

Travelling within the city is made simple with Dubai's extensive five metro line service. It serves as an excellent mode of transport to explore the city, offering easy access to a majority of landmarks and sought-after locations in Dubai.

Visitors also have the option of renting a luxury automobile for a personal driving experience around the city. However, before getting behind the wheel, ensure you possess an international driving license and the necessary insurance documentation as mandated by UAE's laws and guidelines. Considered the safest mode of transportation in the UAE, taxis are widely available. Tourists have two options: simply hailing one on the street or conveniently booking through a smartphone taxi app.

Tourist visas in the UAE

You can get a non-extendable visit visa or a tourist visa for 30 days or 90 days. Many job seekers use visitor visas to find work and convert their visitor visa to a work visa during their stay. Citizens of GCC countries and the European Union, USA, and the UK, Canada, Russia, China, Australia, and many other countries can get a visa on arrival. However, all passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Visa on Arrival:

The visa on arrival facility is a convenient option for eligible citizens, eliminating the need for pre-arranged visas. Upon arrival at a UAE airport, simply proceed to the immigration counter, where your passport will be stamped with a visa.

Visa Conversion for Employment:

If you successfully find employment during your stay on a visitor visa, you can initiate the process of converting your visa to a work visa. This process typically involves sponsorship from your employer and may require additional documentation.

Additional Information

• Local Currency: The currency of the UAE is the Dirhams, abbreviated as DH or Dh. Each dirham is further simplified into 100 fils. There are currency notes of various denominations ranging from Dh 5 to Dh 1000. The currency features Arabic on the front and English on the back. One US dollar will fetch you 3.67 dirhams and the rate does fluctuate.

• Money and Payment: All retail businesses and restaurants accept credit cards and cash. ATMs and currency exchanges are conveniently located across the country. There are bank counters in various malls that will readily exchange your currency. Tipping is only at ten percent of the Service or good charges and is optional.

• Local Language: UAE is very cosmopolitan and therefore the local population understands a lot of languages including English. There are also translator services available everywhere at cheap rates. Arabic is a widely spoken language throughout the UAE.

• Local culture and religion: Islam is the state religion. However, society is very diverse and it is one of those countries in the world where the migrant population is 80% plus which far exceeds the local nationals. Any person of any nationality, whether based overseas or a resident of Dubai, can purchase in Dubai's freehold property market in designated areas

• Public holidays: Ramadhan is the biggest festival and Shops and malls are beautifully decorated all through the thirty days of fasting. The other public holidays is the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, and the King’s Coronation day. People also celebrate other festivals like the Hindu festival of Diwali and the Chinese New Year in the spirit of humanity and brotherhood.