Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery is considered the gold standard with good results

Bariatric surgery often involves cutting the gastrointestinal tract, which not only causes irreversible gastrointestinal diversion, but also requires long-term vitamin supplementation, causing many patients to hesitate and remain fat for the rest of their lives. In November 2008, E-Da Hospital in Taiwan completed the world's first "scarless laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery" and presented it at the Taiwan and Asian Surgical Annual Meeting and the International Weight Loss Federation Asia-Pacific Conference in Australia, attracting attention and discussion from all over the world.

Scarless gastric bypass surgery uses laparoscopic opening, has good results and low weight regain rate. (Photo provided by E-Da Hospital)

Dr. Huang Zhikun, director of the International Endoscopic Weight Loss Center of Kaohsiung E-Da Hospital, said that traditional laparoscopic gastric bypass weight loss surgery involves making five 1 to 2 cm holes in the abdomen and performing the surgery through these puncture holes. Since the postoperative wounds are scattered around the belly button like the "Big Dipper", it is impossible to wear clothing such as bikinis after losing weight.

"Scarless laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery" is a laparoscopic surgery performed through a single incision in the navel. Due to the single incision, it can effectively reduce postoperative pain, lower the chance of wound infection, and recover faster. 95% of patients can be discharged from the hospital the next day. Because the surgery is performed through a small incision in the belly button, the wound will be hidden in the belly button and almost disappear, so it is also called scarless surgery. In addition to limiting food intake by re-forming a small stomach pouch that is approximately the size of two thumbs, the small intestinal bypass itself also has the effect of reducing absorption, so the effect is very good. After one year, the average amount of excess weight lost is as high as 80%, and the rate of weight regain is extremely low. This surgery is currently regarded as the "gold standard surgery" by the American medical community.

Dr. Huang Zhikun said that this operation is difficult and the surgeon performing it must first be proficient in traditional laparoscopic gastric bypass weight loss surgery. Usually, 20% of excess weight will be lost in the first month after surgery, and 35% in the third month. However, not everyone can undergo gastric bypass surgery. Only those with a BMI greater than 35 and diagnosed with morbid obesity can do it. Moreover, vitamin supplements must be taken for the rest of your life after surgery, and diet and exercise must be combined. The benefit is that some chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood lipids will be improved. The short-term sequelae is that hair loss is easy in the first 6 months after surgery.