Kuwait’s rate of obesity has increased up to ~45% in female and ~34% in the male population . Obesity is defined as reaching a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30 kg/m^2 calculated by the weight in relation to height. The raise of obesity rate has led to an increase of bariatric surgical procedure as a result of incapability to lose weight although using lifestyle treatments or medications. Bariatric surgery is an operation that aids with weight loss by changing the digestive track or rerouting the food stream. In addition, Kuwait has been previously ranked as having the highest number of bariatric surgeries performed when compared to its national population reaching 0.16% . It is interesting to note that in 2014 until 2018, above 70% of the bariatric procedures in Kuwait were performed by women.

Who is it for?

• If BMI is 40 or above.– If BMI is 35-39.9 (obesity) accompanied with weight-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea etc.
  • Types of bariatric surgeries: ( The most common types of weight loss surgeries are )
    • Sleeve gastrectomy “Sleeve”: Removing 80% of the stomach, which decreases the amount of foods we are able to consume causing quicker satiety.
    • Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) “Bypass”: Rerouting the food stream joining the top of the stomach to the small intestine. This causes a quicker satiety and reducing the absorption of calories and nutrients from food.
    • Adjustable Gastric Band “Band”: Inflatable band placed in the upper portion of the stomach, to help reduce the amount of food consumed causing a quicker satiety.

In 2014 until 2018, Kuwait has been ranked as top 6 country with the highest rates of “sleeve” operation (>90%)1. Bariatric surgeries is not the cure for obesity and permanent weight loss, thus must commit to permanent lifestyle changes after surgery to avoid an increase in weight. In order to avoid putting the weight back on, one must omit to change their diets starting from a liquid diet transitioning to soft food diet in the weeks after surgeries, and then gradually moving into a normal balanced diet. In addition to diet, one must commit to an exercise plan once recovered from surgery.

Every surgery carries benefits and inconveniences. For instance, benefits of bariatric surgeries extend beyond weight loss, it has also been shown to improve health conditions related to obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and depression. As for the diet related problems, one may encounter after their surgeries:

• Dumping syndrome which happens when food passes too quickly through the stomach into the small intestine without it being absorbed. This causes symptoms such as cramping, bloating, diarrhea, feeling faint and increased heart rate.
• Nausea and vomiting which could be caused by surgery, pain medication, eating too much, eating too fast, not chewing well, eating textures or foods that you are not ready for or food stuck in stomach pouch.
• Constipation due to dehydration, lack of high fiber meals and lack of physical activity.
• Inability to eat certain food as they may irritate your stomach.
• Malnutrition: As a result of the inability to consume the same quantity of food as previously, which may lead to vitamins and minerals deficiency.

Moving into a normal balanced diet may be challenging, at Lina’s and Dina’s Diet center we provide a bariatric program for the post bariatric operation to cover client’s nutritional needs. This program also ensure clients are provided with correct nutritional guidance following their surgeries to avoid any nutritional deficiencies.

For more information about Lina’s and Dina’s bariatric program and weight loss tips, you can visit us at:https://www.linasanddinas.com/product/the-bariatric-program/

Alaa Matar, Dietitian.