Weight loss surgery not short cut to body enhancement —Dr Amaniampong

A Family Medicine Specialist, Dr Ken Amaniampong, has cautioned that weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery is neither intended as a short cut to achieving a sculpted body nor for cosmetic purposes.

He stressed that the procedure was strictly for individuals with obesity who suffered from severe obesity-related health issues such as arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea or diabetes, and that the procedure was only done when other methods like dieting and exercising had proven ineffective.

Dr Amaniampong, who is works with the Jubail Specialist Hospital at Sakumono, Accra, made these remarks in an interview with The Mirror in Accra last Tuesday.

He clarified that unlike body contouring procedures such as liposuction, which targeted fat removal in specific areas, weight loss surgery resulted in significant overall weight loss, which might not always produce the most aesthetically pleasing outcome over time.

“There is the issue of loose, sagging skin after weight loss, which may require plastic surgery to correct. Besides, there are common post-surgery challenges, including nutrient deficiencies, such as low iron, calcium and vitamin B12 levels due to changes in the digestive system,” he explained.

He also indicated that there were other potential complications, including acid reflux, diarrhea, in some cases, with psychological effects like depression, which can arise from the sudden lifestyle and physical transformations.

As a result, he added that many patients might need lifelong nutritional supplements to prevent malnutrition and bone loss.

“Basically, weight loss surgery is not intended for body enhancement but is a medical intervention designed to save lives,” he added.

Weight loss Surgery
Dr Amaniampong, who has been practicing medicine for over 10 years, explained that weight loss surgery involved reducing the stomach’s size to limit food intake and sometimes rerouting the digestive tract to minimise calorie absorption.

“When this is done, the individual feels full after consuming the smallest amounts of food or liquid. This reduces calorie intake and, over time, leads to weight loss,” he said.

However, he emphasised that the process was not as simple as it  seemed, as it was usually recommended only for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 if there were associated health conditions that needed immediate attention.

“While this surgical option can significantly reduce health risks, it requires a lifelong commitment to physical and lifestyle changes,” Dr Amaniampong cautioned.

Types of weight loss surgeries
Outlining the main types of weight loss surgeries, Dr Amaniampong described three primary options: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve and adjustable gastric banding (Lap-Band).

He noted that gastric bypass involved creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach.

“This reduces food intake and calorie absorption, making it suitable for individuals with severe obesity and health complications that require urgent intervention.” He added.

On the other hand, he explained that the gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, involved removing about 80 per cent of the stomach to create a tube-like structure.

“Patients feel full faster and experience hormonal changes that further reduces appetite. This procedure is often recommended for individuals with a BMI of 35 or higher who also have conditions like Type 2 diabetes,” he said.

For adjustable gastric banding, he noted that, an adjustable band was placed around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller pouch. 
“This procedure is reversible, and the band can be tightened or loosened over time. However, it requires greater commitment to diet and exercise afterward and may not be suitable for those with severe obesity,” he added.

Who qualifies for the surgery?
To qualify for bariatric or weight loss surgery, Dr Amaniampong explained that candidates must undergo a thorough evaluation by a medical team, including a physician, nutritionist, and psychologist, to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the surgery and the lifestyle changes that follow.

“They must also show evidence of previous weight management attempts through diet, exercise, or medication before surgery is considered, and they should have severe obesity-related medical conditions,” he added.

Regarding the timeframe for results, Dr Amaniampong noted that improvements in health and weight loss are typically noticeable within four weeks’ post-surgery, but the full benefits may take several months to manifest as the body adjusts to the changes.

Costs
Discussing the cost, Dr Amaniampong noted that the surgery could be quite expensive, and recommended undergoing the procedure abroad for better outcomes and safety. 

In Turkey, for example, he noted that the cost could start from USD 7,000, which typically included the surgery, flight and accommodation, while the procedure was costlier in countries like the United States of America or the United Kingdom.

“There are also post-surgery costs to consider, as patients may require additional support, including dietary supplements, follow-up care, and psychological counselling.” he said.

He added, stressing the importance of regular follow-up visits to monitor complications, maintain nutrient levels, and adjust medications as necessary.

Surgery and health improvement
Explaining the connection between weight loss surgery and health improvement, Dr Amaniampong said that the procedure altered the body’s physiological processes related to digestion and metabolism.

“By reducing the stomach's size or rerouting parts of the digestive tract, the surgery limits food intake, creating a calorie deficit essential for weight loss,” he said.

These changes, he added, affected various metabolic hormones, particularly those that regulated hunger and blood sugar levels, such as ghrelin and insulin. 

“For example, lower ghrelin levels result in reduced appetite, while improved insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes helps control blood sugar. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.” he said.

Dr Amaniampong also noted that weight reduction from surgery decreased strain on the cardiovascular system, joints and other organs, helping to alleviate conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea (snoring) and osteoarthritis.

However, he stressed that while weight loss surgery could offer significant health benefits it was not a “cure-all.”

“Surgery alone does not guarantee lasting health improvements. Patients must maintain a disciplined lifestyle that focuses on diet, physical activity and regular check-ups to sustain these benefits,” he recommended.