What is Gastric Reduction and Colon Surgery for Morbid Obesity? See the weight loss results and advantages at once

What is "gastric reduction and bowel surgery" used to reduce weight in morbidly obese patients? Dr. Luo Shaoqiao of the Department of General Surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital pointed out that "gastric reduction and intestinal bypass surgery" combines the advantages of traditional gastric reduction surgery and intestinal bypass surgery. Gastric reduction surgery can reduce the stomach capacity and limit food intake; while intestinal bypass surgery further controls calorie absorption by reducing the absorption function of the middle section of the small intestine.

Mr. Ye (22 years old), who graduated from university this year, successfully lost 41 kilograms through gastric reduction and colonectomy. He was reborn from the shadow of morbid obesity and not only regained his health, but also started a new chapter in his life.

When Mr. Ye was in the second grade of junior high school, his weight exceeded 100 kilograms and his BMI was as high as 42. He often suffered from headaches, colds and poor sleep quality, which affected his daily life. It was not until a relative underwent weight-loss surgery and his quality of life improved significantly that Mr. Ye, encouraged by his mother, went to the Taichung Veterans General Hospital Weight Management Center for treatment and realized that he was "morbidly obese."

After detailed inquiries and evaluations by the Taichung Veterans General Weight Management Center, Mr. Ye decided to undergo a "gastric reduction and colonectomy surgery." This surgery combines the advantages of gastric reduction surgery and intestinal bypass surgery, not only restricting food intake, but also reducing the absorption function of the middle section of the small intestine. Within 8 months after the operation, Mr. Ye successfully lost 41 kg, from 119 kg to 78 kg, and his previous health problems also disappeared.

What is gastric reduction and bowel surgery?

Dr. Luo Shaoqiao of the Department of General Surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital pointed out that "gastric reduction and intestinal bypass surgery" combines the advantages of traditional gastric reduction surgery and intestinal bypass surgery. Gastric reduction surgery can reduce the stomach capacity and limit food intake; while intestinal bypass surgery further controls calorie absorption by reducing the absorption function of the middle section of the small intestine. However, traditional gastric reduction surgery has a higher risk of weight regain in older patients or those whose eating habits are difficult to change, while intestinal bypass surgery carries the risk of malabsorption and anemia.

Dr. Luo Shaoqiao, a general surgeon at the Taichung Veterans General Weight Management Center, explained the advantages of gastric bypass surgery, which combines gastric reduction and intestinal bypass surgery. It is not easy to gain weight again and there is no need to worry about poor nutrient absorption. (Photo provided by Taichung Veterans General Hospital)

What are the advantages of gastric reduction and colon surgery?

"Gastric reduction and intestinal dilatation surgery" retains the advantages of gastric reduction surgery while reducing the absorption of the middle part of the small intestine and preserving the front and tail parts of the small intestine. The front part of the small intestine has a good ability to absorb normal nutrients, while retaining the tail part helps increase the release of hormones (enterocretin), providing a sense of fullness and suppressing appetite. This surgery relies on the doctor's experience and skills to avoid risks such as intestinal obstruction. Taichung Veterans General Hospital began offering this surgery this year, providing a safe and effective weight loss option for morbidly obese patients.

According to the prognosis statistics of Taichung Veterans General Hospital, patients who undergo gastric reduction and colonectomy can lose an average of 17-21% of their original body weight within 2.5 months after surgery. Mr. Ye's successful case proves the excellent effectiveness of this surgery.

Mr. Ye (2nd from left), who weighed over 100 kg due to morbid obesity, underwent gastric reduction and rectal surgery at Taichung Veterans General Hospital 8 months later. His weight dropped from 119 kg to 78 kg. On the 19th, he attended a press conference to share his experience of how losing weight improved his health. (From left to right: Dr. Luo Shaoqiao, a general surgeon at the National Taiwan Veterans General Hospital, Mr. Ye, Deputy Director of the National Taiwan Veterans General Hospital, Mr. Li Zhenghong, and Director of the Department of Surgery at the National Taiwan Veterans General Hospital, Mr. Zhou Jiaman) (Photo courtesy of Taichung Veterans General Hospital)

Mr. Ye's health condition improved significantly after the operation. Not only did he look brand new, but even his classmates found it difficult to recognize him. Now he is full of energy, his sleep quality has greatly improved, and he plans to further reduce his weight to 70 kg. Mr. Ye has now graduated from university and works as a chef. He is full of confidence in his future career.

Taichung Rongzong Weight Management Center is committed to providing patients with a variety of weight loss treatment programs, including cross-departmental consultation, assessment, treatment and follow-up services, to help more patients regain their health and improve their quality of life.