“Neither diet nor exercise are enough to eradicate severe obesity”

Every year, since 2010, with deep gratitude, a large group of people, who at some point faced the challenge of obesity, gather at the Palacio Atxega de Usurbil to celebrate a dinner in honor of Miguel Ángel Carbajo Caballero, the doctor from Valladolid who transformed their lives and opened a door to hope. At this fellowship dinner –held last Saturday, November 16– share laughter, memories and, above all, direct contact with Dr. Carbajo, a world leader in the treatment of obesity and type II diabetes.

Patients celebrate that, thanks to the Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (BAGUA), a safe and effective surgery created and developed by the professor and doctor, they have managed to say goodbye in an easy and safe way to excessive kilos

Patients celebrate that, thanks to Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (BAGUA)a safe and effective surgery created and developed by the professor and doctor, have managed to say goodbye in an easy and safe way to excessive kilos —up to 70 or 80 kilos in many cases—, improving your health, your self-esteem and your quality of life. An operation that changed their lives completely, getting rid of excess weight and other serious diseases such as type II diabetes.

Therefore, the feeling of “have a new life” is the one that predominates among Dr. Carbajo’s patients, who over the years They have become a big family. Following this heartfelt recognition, we asked Dr. Carbajo about the causes and consequences of obesity and how the revolutionary BAGUA technique can help bring about a radical change in the quality of life of many people.

“Having obesity surgery with Dr. Carbajo is like a return to life”

After a lifetime dedicated to the study and treatment of obesity, how would you summarize this serious health problem?

Obesity is a disease of the human metabolism with multiple related neuro-hormonal factors and not all of them well known, which excessively increases our weight in fat and this prevents the normal development of life, seriously affects the health of those who suffer from it and does not It is not controlled or resolved with the conventional formulas in vogue. In reality, it is false to associate obesity with eating more or less and it is also false to associate it with exercising more or less, without disregarding the virtues of a healthy diet and an active life. Genetic factors, both from the family trunk and others specific to our human species, intervene in the appearance of obesity. Factors that affect the programming of the cellular functioning of our fatty tissue. Neuro-hormonal signals. Insulin resistance. Intestinal glucose uptake. Alteration of bile acids. Role of the microbiota and intestinal metabolism, and a long etc., which cause the fat weight to skyrocket in certain circumstances (this is obesity), and all the normal metabolic phenomena of life are altered. Therefore, simplifying this complex disease into diet and exercise, or applying fad therapies only leads to despair and loss of self-esteem for the patient. Obesity is the leading cause of premature death in the world.

How do you explain the exponential growth of obesity and type II diabetes?

The problem is that today we live in an “obesogenic” society and environment, that is, we eat several times a day and barely use our arms and legs, we are excessively sedentary and our excess calories are transformed into fat. In turn, the expansion of fatty tissue stimulates the appearance of fatty liver and insulin resistance, which can lead to the appearance of type II diabetes over time. This means that today it is estimated that there are one billion obese people and more than 700 million type II diabetics in the world.

Every November 14th, World Diabetes Day is celebrated. What recommendation could you give us in this regard?

Type II diabetes is one of the serious diseases associated with obesity or being overweight. Unlike type I, which is of immunological origin, type II, which is suffered by obese patients, can be controlled very well today with very metabolic surgical techniques such as BAGUA (Gastric Bypass of One Anastomosis).

Dr. Carbajo’s revolutionary technique to combat obesity

You have been the creator and disseminator of the BAGUA technique in the world. What does it consist of and how does it control all those problems related to obesity?

In our case, and after many years trying to control obesity with gastric reduction or mixed procedures and seeing their low effectiveness and safety in the medium and long term, we decided almost 23 years ago to investigate a new, more metabolic model, which would better control obesity. diabetes and other associated diseases, that minimized possible complications, that was safer and more effective in the very long term or for life and that was easier to reproduce by other surgeons in the world. BAGUA causes a great weight loss in the first months due to the blockage of ghrelin (hormone that stimulates appetite and anxiety) and at the same time acts on the distal intestine (the ileum) maintaining a hypoabsorption of fats and complex carbohydrates for the entire life. That is to say, you can actually eat anything and have a very good quality of life while maintaining a healthy weight, since it causes a natural elimination of fats and most of the carbohydrates. The intestinal hormones that regulate neuro-endocrine mechanisms are activated and maintained for life, as well as the controllers of glucose, blood pressure or lipid metabolism. In short, BAGUA maintains a limited but sufficient gastric capacity and very effective control of intestinal absorption so that the “ideal weight” is maintained over the years, maintaining a correct nutritional status due to the greater absorption of proteins, amino acids. essential and other micronutrients essential for life.

“We can say with complete certainty that we have saved thousands of lives”

So, we can affirm that BAGUA saves lives?

Obesity is a disabling disease that considerably shortens life due to its high cardiovascular risk. The BAGUA, throughout the thousands of patients we have operated on in recent years, has demonstrated a tremendous capacity for weight maintenance and most importantly, the eradication of type II diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, apnea of sleep and many other diseases that always accompany obesity. With this, we can say with complete certainty that we have saved thousands of lives, since many of these sick patients would not be with us today if we had not operated on them years ago.

Diagram of the BAGUA technique.

And the psychological aspects, how does the BAGUA deal with them?

Obesity always generates a severe deficit in the level of self-esteem and is often accompanied by depression and other mental illnesses. Many of our patients feel a very high level of satisfaction, a sharp increase in their personal, family and social esteem and, in addition, the possibility of being able to return to sports, outdoor, leisure or sports activities of all kinds, a key aspect to understand the personal and family satisfaction they experience.

“Obesity always generates a severe deficit in the level of self-esteem”

International recognition for a life dedicated to obesity surgery

Dr. Miguel Ángel Carbajo has received numerous international recognitions in the last year, as a result of his outstanding work in teaching and disseminating the BAGUA surgical technique for the treatment of obesity. This effort has led him to operate live and train colleagues in countries as diverse as Mexico, Peru, India and Ecuador, in addition to organizing courses with surgeons of multiple nationalities in its own center in Valladolid.

As a result of his dedication, Dr. Carbajo has been named Honorary Member of the Scientific Societies of these countriesas well as Latin American Chapter of the International Federation of Obesity Societies (IFSO). In India, his career was also recognized with his incorporation into the prestigious “OAGB International Club”. One of the most significant achievements has also been its appointment as Associated Editor in Obesity Surgery, the world’s leading journal in the study and treatment of obesity and the official organ of the IFSO. This recognition not only highlights his personal work, but also the relevance and impact of the BAGUA technique in the international arena.

With deep gratitude, the doctor dedicates these honors to his patients: “To all of them I wholeheartedly dedicate these appointments with all my love, friendship and esteem.”

Real patient experiences of Dr. Carbajo

Arantxa Goicoechea now has a very active life

20 years ago, Arantxa Goicoechea made the decision to take her daughter, who suffered from obesity, to have surgery with Dr. Miguel Ángel Carbajo at his center in Valladolid. ““She didn’t love herself at all, she had very low self-esteem, she didn’t want to leave the house,” remember. However, after the intervention and seeing that everything had gone so well, he told her: “Mistress, thank you for bringing me to operate.” That experience marked both Arantxa and her entire family. In fact, “my mother became the best ambassador of the Dr. Carbajo. He told everyone that he had operated on his granddaughter and that she was great from day one,” he says proudly.

“In my grandmother’s family, all the sisters ended up having their legs amputated due to diabetes, and I thought I could end up either way.”

A few years later, when Arantxa reached 115 kiloshe knew he had to make a decision. Initially, she had considered a stomach reduction, since she worked at a hospital where this surgery was performed, but her daughter did not hesitate to recommend Dr. Carbajo. “Our experience was very positive,” says this resident of Donostia.

For Arantxa, the operation was not only a physical change, but a matter of vital health. “In my grandmother’s family, all the sisters ended up with my legs amputated due to diabetes, and I thought I could end up either way. “If I hadn’t had surgery, I don’t know how it would have ended.” Today, at 69 years old, Arantxa leads a very active and healthy life. “I go every day to the health center, to the hot springs, to walk, to walk… I am very happy,” she concludes with a smile.

Ekain Izaro Aperribai – “It has changed my life in a radical way”

Izaro only had surgery seven months ago and the change is spectacular.

A year ago, Ekain Izaro Aperribai met Dr. Carbajo through a DEIA article. At that moment, he thought: “If it has worked for others, why not for me?” This resident of Bergara explains that when he went to the Center of Excellence for the study and treatment of Obesity and Diabetes that Dr. Carbajo has in Valladolid, “he weighed 148 kilos, had very high blood pressure, prediabetes and a very high metabolic age.” Izaro recognizes that he was at a vital crossroads “at only 51 years old” and that at any moment “anything could happen to him, giving me a heart attack.”

“He weighed 148 kilos, had very high blood pressure, prediabetes and a very high metabolic age”

Seven months after undergoing the BAGUA technique, Izaro feels “as if he were another person”. He has lost 65 kilos but he is clear that “in the end what matters is health, that you have quality of life in the years you have left.” “Now I can do a lot of things that I couldn’t before; Trivial things like tying my shoelaces or crossing my feet if I’m sitting. This summer, for example, I have been touring Italy without any problems, visiting museums, being on my feet… I am very, very happy. “It has changed my life in a radical way.”he states.

Center of Excellence for the Study and Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes

T.983 304 055 – 670 961 326

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What advice would Arantxa and Ekain give to someone​ considering bariatric surgery, especially‌ regarding ‍the importance of long-term lifestyle changes⁣ and support systems?

⁤ Here ⁤are some open-ended interview questions based on the provided article,⁣ divided into ⁢thematic sections:

**1. Personal Journeys and ‌Motivations**

* ​Arantxa and Ekain both chose to undergo this surgery. What personal factors ⁢and experiences⁤ led them to make ​that decision? How did their family ⁣history and⁤ health concerns influence their choice?

* ‌Many people ​struggling⁣ with obesity find it difficult to make lasting lifestyle ⁣changes. What ​were some of the most challenging aspects Arantxa and Ekain faced before the surgery, and how did ⁤they overcome them?

* What specific fears or reservations did⁤ Arantxa and Ekain have about the ⁤surgery itself⁢ before going through with it?

**2. ​The Impact of the Surgery**

* ‌ Beyond weight loss, how has the surgery positively impacted Arantxa and Ekain’s physical and emotional well-being?

* Both individuals mention⁣ having⁤ more mobility‍ and energy. Can they ⁢elaborate on specific examples‍ of how their lives have changed⁣ since‍ the surgery? ‍

*‌ What advice would⁢ Arantxa and Ekain offer to others who are considering this type⁤ of surgery? What ​are ‌some of​ the most important things⁢ to know and understand before making the decision?

**3. Access to Care and Support**

* Dr. Carbajo’s⁣ Center for ⁣the Study and Treatment of Obesity and ​Diabetes is mentioned. What ⁣aspects of the center’s approach and support system did Arantxa and Ekain find particularly helpful?

* How⁤ important is it to have access⁤ to comprehensive care, including nutritional ‌counseling and psychological support, before and after bariatric ⁢surgery?

* Are there any systemic barriers or challenges that limit⁢ access to this type of treatment for individuals who might benefit⁢ from it?

**4.⁣ Long-Term Perspective and Sustainability**

* ⁣ What are Arantxa and ⁤Ekain’s goals for the future? How ⁤do‌ they plan ⁤to maintain ‌their weight loss ‌and improved health over⁢ the long ⁣term?

* What strategies have they put⁤ in ⁤place to prevent relapse into old ⁢habits? Are there ongoing lifestyle changes they’ve adopted to support their success?

* How would they describe the​ overall impact of ​this ‌experience on their ⁢lives?‍ Would ⁢they⁢ recommend it to others facing similar struggles?

**Following up:**

* Encourage Arantxa and Ekain to‍ share any additional thoughts or reflections they have on their experiences.

*‌ Conclude the interview by thanking them for their‍ openness and willingness to share their stories.