Advanced BMI in Lebanon
Our Mission
Our extensive experience with different medical and surgical weight loss procedures began in Canada where Dr. Nagi Safa worked for several years treating the morbidly obese with weight loss surgery. He then brought his expertise to Lebanon where he has been performing the gastric sleeve, gastric plication, gastric bypass, gastric banding, and many other surgeries to treat obesity and its comorbidities in Lebanon and the Middle East.
With over two thousand surgeries performed , Dr Nagi Safa’s mission is to help you reach your goals and sustain a healthy lifestyle. We will:
- Help you make an initial evaluation of your current lifestyle and eating behaviors.
- Help you set your weight loss goal.
- Help you make an informed decision on the appropriate weight loss procedure. We will provide you with the necessary information in detail about different weight loss surgeries (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric plication, gastric banding) so that you may choose the most suitable for you.
- Provide quality services by only using FDA approved material in all of our surgeries.
- Provide the safest and most advanced technologies available by using the laparoscopic and the single incision laparoscopic approaches to perform surgeries and minimize recovery time and pain.
- Help you reach your goal weight by maintaining regular follow up with you before, during, and after your weight loss surgery and to ensure you are on the right track by performing regular blood tests and consultations.
- Provide moral support in order to keep you motivated.
- Provide nutritional advice before and after your weight loss surgery to help you lose all of your excess weight and reach your goal without compromising your health.
- Provide psychological support and counselling when needed to help you adapt to your new healthy lifestyle and your new body.
Our Services
- Weight Loss Surgery: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Plication, Gastric Band…
- Single Incision Weight-Loss Surgery (Surgery with a hidden scar inside the belly button).
- Gastric Balloon
- Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
- Diet Programs and Plans
- Revisional Bariatric Surgery
About the Team
At Advanced BMI, we offer free Informational Seminars, open to the general public. Each seminar provides prospective patients with information about weight loss surgery and the Advanced-BMI Weight Loss Programs. Our team will describe details of the surgical procedures, our comprehensive program, the medical effects of untreated morbid obesity, and the lifestyle changes that accompany weight loss surgery. There will be time allotted for questions and answers.
Read on to learn more about Advanced BMI Team:
- Dr Nagi Jean Safa, Certified Weight Loss Surgeon
- Dr Abdo Alam, Pulmonologist, Critical Care Medicine
- Dr Georges Ghoussoub, Dermatologist
- Dr David Abou Khalil, Physical Therapist
- Marleine Hermes Wakim, Certified Nurse, Hair Transplant Specialist
- Sally Demian, Certified Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian
What make us different?
- A dedicated, fully trained staff in bariatric medicine and surgical services
- One of the few practices with expertise in all bariatric procedures: gastric bypass, sleeve, band, gastric plication, duodenal switch, revisional surgery…
- Psychological evaluation and support
- Pre-operative education
- Nutritional counseling and follow-up
- Exercise & fitness guidance programs
- Behavioral health tools & guidelines
- Continuing patient education
- A long-term follow-up program
Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Approximately 5% of the stomach is separated by the use of special stapling tools, and this creates a new, small Gastric Pouch. The rest of the stomach (95%) stays in place, continuing on producing digestive juices. This newly formed Gastric Pouch has an outlet which is attached to the small intestine to enable the food to empty directly into the lower part of the intestine, therefore by-passing the stomach. Any digestive juices produced by the pancreas, stomach, duodenum and gall bladder are directed by the Biliopancreatic Limb into the common channel in a ‘Y’ shape hook-up, thereby giving this technique its name – Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
The patient eats less and feels full sooner due to the small Gastric Pouch – the by-passing of a portion of the intestine ensures that the person’s body is only able to absorb a portion of the calories consumed. The most effective technique is to complete a hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy, instead of using the stapling tools. Surgeons who choose not to use the hand-sewing gastrojejunostomy method due to its technical difficulties will be left with no choice but to make larger Gastric Pouches so that the instruments will fit, enough to be able to create the anastomosis.
Learn MoreLaparoscopic Gastric Plication
This is a Restrictive Procedure. Gastric Plication is a laparoscopic procedure, in which Dr Safa initially makes five small incisions in the abdomen. It is performed using a video camera. Instruments are placed or inserted through these small incisions.
The stomach is sewed by making one or more large folds, which reduces the volume of the stomach by up to 70%, thereby reducing the capacity of the stomach. A smaller stomach results in a smaller appetite, making you eat less. There is no cutting, stapling or removal of stomach or intestines in this procedure. LGCP, a minimally invasive surgery, takes approximately an hour to be performed. You will be required to stay in the hospital for a day or two following this procedure.
Potential reversal or conversion to any other procedure is possible after undergoing this surgery.
Learn MoreLaparoscopic Gastric Banding
This port is connected to the gastric band by means of a soft and thin tubing. The surgeon makes use of this adjustment port to administer a saline solution, which is commonly used as IV drips, into the gastric band. The saline solution is used to control the restriction provided by the band, i.e. an increase in the saline solution input makes you feel full faster than before, thereby lowering your appetite.
However, the digestion process and nutrient absorption happen in the same way they used to happen before. The gastric band is an appetite controller as it limits the food intake at a single go. This makes you feel full sooner than before. The band creates a stoma which plays a key role in slowing down the rate at which food flows from the gastric pouch to the lower stomach.
It is highly useful as you will not feel hungry for a long time, making you involuntarily have excellent control over your appetite.
Learn MorePlastic Surgery and Weight Loss
Liposuction & Laser Liposuction
Tummy Tuck and Abdominoplasty
Body Lifting & Body Contouring
Breast Augmentation, Breast Lifting, and Breast Reduction
Gastric Balloon in Lebanon
What is the Gastric Balloon
Are you a Candidate for the Gastric Balloon?
- Are at least 18 years of age and older
- Have a BMI < 30
- Have a history of demonstrated failure in maintaining weight loss with traditional weight loss methods and if you do not meet the criteria for weight loss surgery but wish to achieve weight loss for health or and/aesthetic reasons
- Have a BMI >27 and need to lose weight in order to reduce your risk for surgical procedures such as joint replacement or back surgery
- Are not currently pregnant and have no intention of becoming pregnant in the 12 months following Gastric Balloon placement
- Have not had previous bariatric surgery, intestinal obstruction, or adhesive bowel problems
Advantages of the Gastric Balloon
- Have a feeling of fullness
- Lose more weight than conventional weight loss programs
- Be supported by the Advanced BMI Team of medical experts
- Modify your life-style for long-term success
- Non-surgical and reversible approach to weight loss
The gastric balloon is not a magic pill, but a tool to change your lifestyle. Taking part in the program will give you the education and support to change your lifestyle habits and have a better chance for long-term success.
Learn MoreDiet Plans for Gastric Balloon and Weight Loss Surgery
Your Safety is our Concern
Advanced BMI offers the latest procedures in bariatric surgery. Safety is our main concern. Our patients will profit from our extensive experience in the laparoscopic field in Lebanon.
Know MoreWe care for you
A dedicated, fully trained staff in bariatric medicine and surgery, offering Psychological evaluation and support, Pre-operative education, Nutritional counseling and follow-up etc…
Know MoreState of the Art Technologies
Advanced BMI Weight Loss Center offers surgeries through SINGLE PORT INCISION. We perform the gastric sleeve through single incision, the gastric band and the gastric plication.
Know MoreMeet with Dr Nagi Jean Safa in LEBANON. Renowned Bariatric Surgeon
Dr Nagi Jean Safa, Bariatric Surgeon - Weight Loss Specialist
Certified Weight Loss Surgeon – Former Surgeon at the University of Montreal – Author of books about weight loss surgery.Dr Nagi Jean Safa has dedicated his professional career to the treatment of morbid obesity. He is a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon (Weight-Loss Surgeon) at the Advanced BMI in Lebanon and at the Sacred Heart Hospital of Montreal, and holds an academic appointment at the University of Montreal. Furthermore, he is involved in the training of residents and surgical fellows on how to perform advanced laparoscopic obesity surgery. Throughout his practice, Dr Safa performed more than two thousand laparoscopic procedures, including Roux en Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, gastric plication and many other abdominal surgery procedures.
Dr Safa holds professional memberships with:
- American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons
- Canadian Association of General Surgeons
- International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
- And many more.
Read Books from Dr Nagi Safa
Books on Amazon.com Books on Barnes & Noble Click Here for Dr Safa Live SurgeriesLife After Weight Loss Surgery in Lebanon
Diet After Weight Loss Surgery
- Only four to six small meals should be consumed each day
- Teach yourself to eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- The moment you start to feel full, stop eating
- Serve all your meals on a small plate
- Begin with proteins
- Avoid drinking liquids while eating
- Drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of liquid every day in order to prevent dehydration
- Do not lie down after eating
Vitamins and Supplements
Because the duodenum has now been bypassed, in some patients this can be the cause of metabolic bone disease. The results are bone pain, humping of the back, loss of height, and fractures of the hipbones and ribs. Ensure that you consume foods that are rich in nutrients – taking vitamin supplements may also assist in avoiding these problems. Some patients experience chronic Vitamin B12 deficiency; however, this can be well managed with injections or vitamin B12 tablets.
Learn MoreActivity and Mental Condition
Motivation and Self Control: You have taken such a huge step towards achieving your weight loss goals by deciding to have the surgery for weight loss. But now you must remain motivated, by continuing your exercise routine and exerting self-control when it comes to your special diet.
Learn MoreFirst two weeks danger signs
- Abdominal pain that is not relieved by Paracetamol
- A temperature of over 38.5 degrees Celsius
- Vomiting blood
- Being very short of breath while doing minimal activity
- Warm and painfully swollen calves
- General feeling of uneasiness
Diet Programs in Lebanon
Dietary Consultation
- Weight management program (Weight loss or gain, weight maintenance, eating disorders, dietary intake analysis, healthy lifestyle)
- Therapeutic diets for patients cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, food intolerance, etc.
- Special diets for infants, children, pregnant and lactating woman, vegetarians, athletes, etc.
- Special nutrition consultation for couples and families
Low Calorie Diet Program
Weight Loss Surgery Nutrition Program
Special Program for Diabetes
Definition of Morbid Obesity
| BMI | Classification | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal Weight | Minimal |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight | Increased |
| 30 – 34.9 | Obese | High |
| 35 – 39.9 | Severely Obese | Very High |
| 40 and Over | Morbidly Obese | Extremely High |
Morbid obesity is a serious chronic illness. The blend of a genetic predisposition to gain weight, and ample and easily accessible processed food have resulted in the obesity epidemic in North America and the world. Here is a list of factors that promote the growth of morbid obesity: 1- Genetic predisposition: you inherit the tendency to be obese. 2- The environment: having easy access to plentiful, processed food and inability or lack of desire for vigorous physical activity. 3- Psychosocial issues: being abused as a child, depression due to taunting which precipitates more eating. 4- Eating disorders 5- Metabolic disorders: rare medical conditions. 6- Drugs: antidepressants or steroids. 7- Other unknown conditions
Morbid obesity damages the body through its metabolic, mechanical and adverse physiological effects on normal bodily function. These “comorbidities” affect nearly every organ in the body in some way, and may become life threatening or may at least seriously shorten your life. Comorbidities or obesity-related health risks include:
- Cardiovascular Diseases (heart and blood vessels): Congestive heart failure, Coronary artery disease, ,Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Left ventricular hypertrophy, Venous stasis ulcers, thrombophlebitis.
- Endocrine (metabolic diseases): hormonal resistance, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Type 2 diabetes.
- Gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary (liver diseases): Gallstones, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Genitourinary: Stress urinary incontinence, Urinary tract infection.
- Hematopoietic (diseases of the blood): Deep venous thrombosis, Pulmonary embolism.
- Musculoskeletal (diseases of bones and joints): Carpal tunnel syndrome, Degenerative joint disease, Gout, Plantar fasciitis.
- Neurologic and psychiatric: Anxiety, Depression, Pseudotumor cerebri, Stroke.
- Obstetric and gynaecologic (diseases of the female reproductive system): Foetal abnormalities and infant mortality, Gestational diabetes, Infertility (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome POS), Miscarriage.
- Pulmonary (diseases of the lungs): Asthma, Obesity hypoventilation syndrome, Obstructive sleep apnea, Pulmonary hypertension.
How Obesity Affects Your Social Life in Lebanon
When you are overweight or obese, the social consequences can be very disturbing and serious. Obese and overweight people are often subjected to stigma and bias, particularly suffering negative attitudes in areas of their lives such as employment, education, medical, interpersonal relationships, and mass media.
Negative attitudes towards overweight people are generally known as bias and stigma, because these adverse attitudes affect our interpersonal activities and interactions in such a demeaning way. Stigma may show up as verbal bias, such as teasing, ridicule, derogatory names, stereotypes, or pejorative language; while physical stigma shows up as grabbing, touching, poking, or other similar aggressive behaviours. Other physical stigmas include seats or chairs in public places not big enough to accommodate larger people, medical equipment too small for obese patients, or shops not carrying larger-sized clothing.
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