Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2012

Bariatric surgery includes a variety of procedures performed on people suffering from morbid obesity (BMI over 35). The medical—not cosmetic—surgery reduces the stomach’s volume in order to decrease the appetite, allowing one to feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food. Medical studies have proven significant long term-weight loss is one of the many benefits, which also include recovery from diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, sleep apnea, joint pain, depression, and stress.

Gastric bypass surgery is achieved through dividing the stomach, then connecting a segment of the small intestine to a smaller stomach pouch, whereas gastric banding is the implanting of an adjustable prosthesis around the upper part of the stomach.

Laparoscopy is used to perform both surgeries, which is a minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions. Both surgeries are very low-risk, require minimal length of stay at the hospital, and have high long-term success rates.

Bariatric surgery is the only effective way to treat morbid obesity in the long term, as opposed to conventional weight-loss therapy. It’s also the most cost efficient. Years of evidence have proven benefits such as increased life expectancy. The surgery goes beyond weight loss, as it effectively manages obesity-related metabolic diseases.

one couple’s success story

In December 2010, when US citizen James Rader turned up at Yotsuya Medical Cube for his appointed surgery, he could not walk the short distance between the train station and clinic without taking a few breaks to sit down along the way. He generally avoided Tokyo’s public transport system—especially during rush hour—and could not travel around the country. In fact, he couldn’t even go up and down the stairs in his own home.

Two short weeks after his gastric bypass surgery, Rader found himself on a plane back to America to visit relatives. So started a new life—one filled with travel, exercise, social events, and a newfound zest for living. His size-54 trousers were replaced with size 36, and he’s barely recognizable from his pre-surgery photos.

Rader was inspired to receive the procedure after his wife Leona’s positive experience at Yotsuya Medical Cube a year earlier. She had undergone a gastric banding procedure in the US, but received aftercare in Tokyo. “The staff at Yotsuya Medical Cube is so personable, unlike my experience back in America,” she comments. “They are attentive, smiling, and speak fluent English so there was absolutely no confusion.

Everything was explained in detail, the tests were thorough, and we had full disclosure of personal information.” So enthusiastic of their experience are they, that the Raders wish to remain open about it and spread the word, hoping to help others suffering from obesity and its associated afflictions.

“The doctors are honest and open, and the whole staff—from nurses and surgeons to nutritionists and counselors—were phenomenal,” adds Mrs. Rader. “Everyone works together as a team, from surgery preparation to follow-up.”

“I wish I’d done it earlier,” she says, excitedly showing off a new pair of size-10 trousers. Previously, she’d been wearing size 24. “I can now buy clothes at regular stores and wear trendy stuff, too.”

Not only have these procedures turned the Raders’ lives around, but they have also cleared up a handful of obesity-related illnesses including sleep apnea, diabetes and depression. The couple now enjoys an active lifestyle, recently climbing Mt. Fuji and traveling around the world. Even meals out and weekly grocery bills are much lower now. “What we gave up is not important,” they agree. “Life is important.”

• Yotsuya Medical Cube
• www.genryou-syujyutsu.com/english
• Email: genryou@mcube.jp
• Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, 7-7 Nibancho