Obesity carries many health risks:
an increased risk of heart disease and vascular disease, a risk of stroke, the development of diabetes, difficulty in conceiving, and more.
The Unit for Bariatric Surgery, headed by Dr. Shai Eldar, operates as part of the professional collaboration between Mayanei HaYeshua and Ichilov Medical Center,
and offers full and holistic treatment that takes place entirely at the Mayanei HaYeshua Hospital.
The unit staff includes the expert and experienced professionals in the field, including: surgeons, dietitians, and psychosocial support. These practitioners accompany the patient, according to the patient’s personal work plan, throughout the process.
The Therapeutic Approach
The work concept is based on ongoing support and accompaniment, which help the patient change habits, adapt to a new lifestyle, cope with the difficulties of losing weight, and maintain the results over time. The overall treatment is done by building a circle of support and devising a personal, multidisciplinary solution for each patient.
The causes that led to obesity do not disappear after surgery and weight loss. The toolbox that the patient will receive will allow him to avoid old behavior patterns to promote weight loss and maintain a normal weight in the future as well.
Bariatric surgeries
Bariatric surgeries form a tier in the treatment of obesity. Today, most patients begin the process with medication (dietary injections) accompanied by diet and close accompaniment. Later, if there is no satisfactory success, the patient will be referred for surgical treatment.
A variety recognised bariatric surgeries are performed at the unit. These include: gastric sleeve, one anastomosis bypass (mini bypass), formal gastric bypass, and one anastomosis duodenal bypass
Given the significant and leading experience of our surgeons, the unit performs repeated and varied surgeries after previous surgeries have failed.
Remaining “excess” after weight loss
Significant weight loss may have an accompanying effect in the form of loose skin and excess tissue. This excess usually hangs on the lower abdominal wall, or accumulates in the thighs or arms. They have side effects that make it difficult to function daily, causing discomfort and sometimes even sores or infections.
They do not disappear or shrink by themselves, but it is important to know that something can be done in these cases as well. The unit staff is available to help patients on this issue as well.
Environmental assistance
The support groups provided by the HMOs are very helpful to the patient during the acclimation period, in creating a significant change in perception of the role of food in life. Real success includes a deep change in life habits and eating habits. This includes daily physical activity, eating small portions every three hours, and drinking a lot throughout the day.
What do the experts say?
“The surgery is part of a process and not the essence of everything. It is a very significant step, but not the only one! To succeed in making a big change, you need to adapt to a healthy lifestyle and assimilate new eating habits. It is very important to participate in the orderly monitoring by the surgeon, dietician and psychologist.”
“Surgery to treat obesity is a strong and durable tool – but must be used properly. The patient has a responsibility to use the tools he will receive to lose weight and become healthier – and to remember that surgery is only one of those tools. The best results will be achieved in the most efficient and safe way when the staff and patient work together.”
Diagnosis and recommendations
Building a personalized clinical weight loss program
Choosing the Right Surgery Method for the Patient
Bariatric Committee for Approval of Surgery
Surgery
Close monitoring after surgery, which includes accompaniment and support for maintaining the results of the surgery.
The criteria for morbid obesity rely for the most part on the BMI.
If the BMI is higher than 40.
If the BMI is higher than 35 but the patient suffers from concomitant morbidity associated with obesity such as: diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, joint pain, shortness of breath or sleep apnea, fatty liver and more.
(The criteria for repeat bariatric surgery/ failure of previous surgery are different, and are not based solely on the BMI.)
Referral for surgery is made after consultation with the attending physician. A compatibility test is also required.
The choice of surgery will be made after exhausting other options such as controlled diet, medication and exercise. In any case, adjustment of lifestyle is also required at the same time: proper nutrition accompanied by a qualified nutritionist, performing regular exercise, and refraining from smoking.
It’s a good idea to gather as much information as possible about the subject and the surgery types available, to learn and understand the process in advance.
It is important that the patient receives the maximum support from family and friends.
Extensive professional support (from a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, support group, etc.) – increases the chances of success of the process.
It is important to get into a routine that includes proper physical fitness and health habits before surgery is performed.
The hospital is independent of the HMO, and members of all HMOs are accepted there.
Members of Meuhedet HMO and Maccabi are admitted to the clinic by presentation of a referral only or by payment according to the hospital's price list.
As part of the agreements also with Clalit and Leumit HMOs, Forms 17 will be given to the outpatient clinics, or a payment will be made according to the hospital's price list.
