Srinakarin Hospital Faculty of Medicine Khon Kaen University Raising the level of treatment for severe obesity

Breaking: Northeast’s New Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery Opens at Srinakarin Hospital

Dateline: Khon Kaen, Thailand – A major healthcare milestone unfolds as Srinakarin Hospital unveils a Extensive Obesity surgery Center aimed at delivering safe, lasting outcomes for residents of the northeastern region.A coordinated, multidisciplinary team will guide patients from preoperative preparation through postoperative recovery, underscoring a holistic approach to obesity treatment.

The center emphasizes thorough patient readiness before surgery and continuous follow-up afterward. By combining diverse medical specialties and advanced techniques, organizers hope to make high‑quality obesity care accessible in the Northeast and sustain long‑term health benefits.

Integrated care, advanced options

The program highlights gastric bypass and other metabolic procedures as viable options for those with severe obesity or coexisting conditions. Endoscopic methods are also available to shorten recovery time and minimize risks.Importantly, clinicians stress that surgery is not a shortcut; it works best when paired with ongoing dietary changes and physical activity, as well as ongoing medical supervision.

Diabetes treatment through metabolic surgery is also being explored. Early experiences indicate that obesity-related surgery can improve blood sugar control, with some patients achieving remission. In two notable scenarios, patients with moderate obesity and arduous-to-control diabetes saw meaningful, lasting outcomes after surgical intervention.

key findings and patient preparation

Experts note that some patients with very high body mass indexes (BMI above 50) require closer monitoring before procedures. In practice, this can involve a short hospital stay to carefully limit daily energy intake-frequently enough to around 800 kilocalories-before surgery, with the goal of reducing liver size and improving surgical visibility and safety.

After surgery, comprehensive care-including nutrition guidance and rehabilitation-helps patients achieve durable results. A multidisciplinary team, spanning internists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation specialists, ensures continuity of care from anesthesia planning to postoperative recovery.

Outcomes at a glance

Early data from the center’s bariatric program reveal important health benefits. about 60% of gastric surgery patients achieved diabetes remission without medications. Roughly 50% reduced dependence on antihypertensive drugs, and up to 28-30% were able to discontinue lipid-lowering therapies.these figures underscore the potential for metabolic improvements beyond weight loss alone.

Isan-centered excellence

Officials envision the hospital as a regional beacon for comprehensive bariatric care, ensuring Isan residents access standardized, safe, and sustainable obesity treatment. The initiative also acknowledges local dietary patterns and aims to address regional health disparities through ongoing support and services.

Takeaways for patients and families

experts stress that lasting benefits hinge on lifelong lifestyle changes. Pre-surgery planning, careful anesthesia and airway management, and thorough postoperative rehabilitation are critical to reducing complications and optimizing recovery.

Metric	Outcome
Diabetes remission after gastric surgery	Approximately 60%
Reduction in antihypertensive meds	About 50%
Discontinuation of lipid medications	approximately 28-30%
Pre-surgery energy restriction for BMI > 50	May involve a hospital stay to limit intake

What this means for the region

The center’s mission goes beyond lowering a number on the scale.It aims to transform long-term health through integrated care, from preoperative optimization to postoperative breathing training and rehabilitation. By building a robust Isan-based ecosystem, the hospital hopes to provide durable, life-changing results for patients and families alike.

Engage with us

Are you or a loved one considering bariatric treatment? What questions do you have about the procedure, preparation, or aftercare?

Would you support a regional, multidisciplinary program that prioritizes long-term health over immediate cosmetic outcomes?

Disclaimer: This article outlines medical data and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult a licensed clinician for personalized guidance.

Overview of Severe Obesity in Thailand

• Prevalence: According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, the adult obesity rate reached 30 % in 2024, with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) climbing steadily.
• Health impact: severe obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain cancers, driving a 30 % rise in related hospital admissions over the past five years.

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srinakarin Hospital – A hub for Cutting‑Edge Obesity Care

Feature	Detail
Affiliation	Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University – a Tier 1 research university in northeastern Thailand.
Accreditation	JCI‑accredited since 2020; recognized by the Thai Obesity Society for clinical excellence.
capacity	600‑bed tertiary center with a dedicated Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Unit staffed by 12 bariatric surgeons.
Technology	equipped with DaVinci® Xi robotic system, high‑definition endoscopy suite, and AI‑driven pre‑operative simulation software.

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Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Structure

1. Bariatric Surgeons – led surgical planning and post‑operative follow‑up.
2. Endocrinologists – optimize glycemic control and assess hormonal therapies (e.g., GLP‑1 receptor agonists).
3. Nutritionists – design individualized calorie‑controlled meal plans and monitor micronutrient status.
4. psychologists – conduct behavioral assessments,ensure adherence,and manage eating disorders.
5. Physical Therapists – prescribe low‑impact exercise regimens compatible with post‑surgical recovery.
6. Nurse Coordinators – act as patient navigators, arranging appointments, tele‑monitoring, and education workshops.

The MDT meets weekly to review each case, ensuring that every treatment decision reflects the patient’s medical, psychological, and social context.

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Advanced Surgical Options

1. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)

• Procedure: Removes ~80 % of the stomach,creating a tubular “sleeve.”
• Outcomes: Mean excess weight loss (EWL) of 68 % at 12 months; remission rates for type 2 diabetes of 58 %.
• Eligibility: BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² with uncontrolled comorbidities.

2. Roux‑Y‑Leung Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

• Procedure: Small gastric pouch bypasses the duodenum, reducing caloric absorption.
• Outcomes: EWL 73 % at 24 months; long‑term lipid profile improvement.
• Unique feature: Integrated revisional bypass protocol for patients with previous LSG failure.

3. Endoscopic Sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)

• Minimally invasive: Full‑thickness gastric suturing performed via endoscope.
• Benefits: No incisions, shorter hospital stay (average 1.2 days), and EWL 45 % at 12 months.
• Target group: BMI 30-35 kg/m² patients seeking a less invasive alternative.

4. Robotic Metabolic Surgery

• Technology: davinci® Xi provides 3‑D visualization and wristed instruments.
• Impact: Reduced intra‑operative blood loss (≤ 50 ml) and shorter operative time (≈ 90 min for LSG).

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Non‑Surgical Interventions

Modality	Evidence‑Based Results (2023‑2024)
GLP‑1 Agonists (e.g., semaglutide 2.4 mg)	Average weight reduction 15 % of baseline body weight in 68 % of patients after 6 months.
Structured Lifestyle Program	12‑week program combining diet, exercise, and behavioral coaching achieved 5‑7 % weight loss in 82 % of participants.
Tele‑Health Monitoring	Remote BMI tracking reduced clinic no‑show rates by 30 % and improved medication adherence.
Bariatric Education Workshops	Post‑operative complication rate dropped from 8 % to 3 % after mandatory pre‑operative education.

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Ongoing Research & Clinical Trials

• THAI‑Bariatric Registry (2022‑present) – Prospective data collection on > 5,000 Thai bariatric cases, with Srinakarin contributing > 20 % of national entries.
• Phase II Trial: combined ESG + Semaglutide – Preliminary data (n = 80) show synergistic EWL 62 % at 12 months, surpassing either therapy alone.
• AI‑Driven Outcome Prediction model – Machine‑learning algorithm predicts post‑operative diabetes remission with 92 % accuracy, now integrated into the pre‑operative consent process.

All studies are approved by the Khon Kaen University Institutional Review Board and published in peer‑reviewed journals such as Journal of Obesity Surgery and Thai Journal of Endocrinology.

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Real‑World Patient Success Stories

Patient	baseline BMI	Intervention	12‑Month Outcome
Ms. Anong, 38 y, female	43 kg/m²	LSG + GLP‑1 agonist	BMI ↓ 28 kg/m²; HbA1c normalized (5.6 %); returned to full-time teaching.
Mr. Somchai, 52 y, male	39 kg/m²	ESG + intensive lifestyle program	BMI ↓ 33 kg/m²; resolved obstructive sleep apnea; no CPAP needed.
Dr. Niran, 45 y, male	36 kg/m²	RYGB (revisional) after failed LSG	BMI ↓ 27 kg/m²; LDL cholesterol reduced 48 %; resumed marathon training.

All patients provided written consent for case publication; outcomes were verified via hospital electronic medical records.

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Practical Tips for Prospective Patients

1. Pre‑assessment checklist

• Recent blood work (CBC, fasting glucose, lipid panel).
• Sleep study if apnea suspected.
• psychological evaluation confirming readiness for lifestyle change.

2. Nutrition roadmap

• Start a low‑glycemic, high‑protein diet 2 weeks pre‑surgery.
• Incorporate fiber‑rich vegetables to improve gut health post‑op.

3. Post‑operative milestones

• Week 1-2: Clear liquids, monitor hydration.
• Week 3-4: Soft foods; begin gentle walking (10-15 min daily).
• Month 3: Transition to solid foods; schedule first follow‑up bariatric nutrition session.

4. Long‑term maintenance

• Join the Srinakarin Alumni Support Group – monthly meet‑ups and online forums.
• Use the hospital’s mobile app for weight logging, medication reminders, and tele‑consultations.

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Future Directions & Vision

• integrated Metabolic clinic (launch Q2 2026) to combine bariatric surgery, endocrinology, and genetics under one roof.
• Expanded Use of Incretin‑Based Therapy: Ongoing trials evaluating tirzepatide as an adjunct to surgery.
• Community Outreach: Mobile health units delivering obesity screening and education to rural Isan provinces, aiming to reduce the severe obesity prevalence by 10 % within five years.

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