Weight loss – feel good and be healthy! Being overweight not only affects how we feel and look, but can also cause serious health problems – heart disease, heart failure, increased risk of heart attack, sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, etc. Therefore, it is very important to change your eating habits, live an active and healthy lifestyle, and take care of your body.
Weight loss programs
Our rehabilitation centers and SPA hotels offer various, multifunctional weight loss programs. They combine nutritionist consultations, patient education about healthy eating, healthy meals, appropriate physical activity, walks in the fresh air, relaxing and slimming procedures, massages and quality sleep. The programs have different durations – from a few days to several weeks. During the programs, the client gains knowledge that can be used in everyday life in the future and gets motivation to continue on their own, thus providing long-term positive results.
Weight loss programs are offered by: Via Vitalité, Baltic Beach Hotel, Rehabilitation Center Ligatne, Rehabilitation Center Krimulda, SIVA
Surgical operations
Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery gives the patient the opportunity to start a new life. Bariatric surgery provides the opportunity to eat as small portions of food as possible, while providing the body with the necessary nutrients, the patient can lose up to 70% of excess weight within a year after the operation, and long-term success is achieved in 93% of cases. There are three types of bariatric surgery, the most suitable choice for each patient is determined by the doctor.
Gastric resection or vertical gastroplasty
The goal of the operation is to reduce the patient’s stomach. During vertical gastroplasty, the surgeon, using surgical clamps, reduces the patient’s stomach by ~85%, creating it in the form of a ‘sleeve’. The separated part of the stomach is removed from the patient’s abdominal cavity. The operation is performed laparoscopically.
Gastric bypass surgery
Gastric bypass surgery has two goals – to significantly reduce the patient’s stomach and to shorten the path of absorption of the eaten food in the intestinal tract. Gastric bypass surgery provides faster and more effective, as well as more sustainable weight loss results, however, it requires more patient involvement in the long term. Since greater changes are made to the digestive tract during the surgery and nutrient absorption is reduced, the patient must monitor the adequacy of vitamins and minerals in the body and, if necessary, take them additionally. The surgery is performed laparoscopically.
Mini gastric bypass surgery
This procedure is relatively newer, simpler and less invasive compared to traditional gastric bypass surgery, which involves one intestinal anastomosis (connection) to the stomach, instead of two. The operation time is also shorter.
Bariatric surgeries are offered by: AIWA Clinic, Jurmala Hospital, iVF Riga
Plastic surgery
Liposuction
Liposuction, or the removal of excess fat from the abdomen and other parts of the body, is the most effective method for getting rid of unwanted fat cells. During the procedure, up to billions of fat cells are irreversibly destroyed. According to data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), abdominal fat removal is one of the most popular plastic surgeries worldwide.
This method can be used to remove unwanted fat from the following problem areas:
- the sides of the thighs,
- the lower legs and ankles,
- the abdomen and hips,
- the buttocks
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the waist and lower abdomen and strengthens the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. It is performed on both men and women. Along with a balanced diet and physical activity, this is one of the ways to reduce waist circumference – by getting rid of excess fat and tightening and strengthening the skin of the anterior abdominal wall. This operation is performed if the skin has lost elasticity due to weight loss, is very stretched, or stretch marks have formed during pregnancy.
Removal of excess skin
This correction is performed after a sharp weight loss, which has resulted in a large amount of excess skin. In order to perform the operation, the target weight must be reached – it must be stable for at least 6 months. It is important to be aware that visible scars remain after this operation. The appearance of the scars becomes less noticeable over time, but they will not become completely invisible. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.
Plastic surgeries are offered by: Dermatology Clinic, Latvian Microsurgery Center, Aesthetica Clinic, Private Clinic of Plastic Surgery, Jurmala Hospital, AIWA Clinic.
Gastric Balloon Allurion for Weight Loss
The Allurion intragastric balloon system, or gastric balloon, is designed for gentle weight loss. The Allurion technology is a balloon enclosed in a small capsule that is inserted into the patient’s stomach with the help of water, under the supervision of a doctor. Neither endoscopy, nor surgical intervention, nor anesthesia is required. When the balloon enters the stomach, it is filled with saline, then its position is checked with an X-ray.
The balloon remains in the stomach for 16 weeks, after which it naturally breaks down and passes through the digestive tract. It fills the stomach, reducing hunger, providing a long-lasting feeling of satiety and longer food processing. In combination with an individual nutrition program, a weight loss of 20-25% of the total body weight is achieved! The duration of the procedure is up to 30 minutes. After the balloon is inserted, a rest period of up to two days is recommended. For 6 months after the balloon is inserted, cooperation with a nutritionist and a leading physician takes place, and repeated consultations are held every five weeks to adjust the plan and discuss issues of interest with the patient in person.
Allurion offers: Anti-Aging Institute
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
This is a minimally invasive, non-surgical weight loss procedure that reduces volume using special internal sutures. The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the patient’s mouth and does not require the removal of any part of the stomach. The reduced smaller volume helps the patient feel full faster and longer, which contributes to the consumption of calories and weight loss in the long term.
Unlike classic bariatric surgery, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty does not require the removal of parts and does not leave scars, as the procedure is performed through the mouth. The recovery time is shorter, 2-5 days, usually 2-4 weeks after the last surgery. The procedure has a lower risk of complications and minimal hormonal changes.
The procedure is suitable for overweight or obese patients (the ideal body mass index for which this procedure is suitable is 30-38.), who do not want or cannot undergo surgery, have not achieved sufficient results with their body condition and lifestyle in the long term.
Procedure
- The patient is provided with general anesthesia;
- A flexible endoscope is inserted into the stomach through the mouth;
- A series of stitches are created inside with a special suture, giving it the shape of a narrow tube (similar to a banana). During the procedure, no incisions are made in the skin or abdominal cavity – the entire process is internal.
- The volume of the stomach is increased by approximately 70%.
- The duration of the procedure is approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Patients stay in the hospital for approximately 2-3 hours, after which they can go home.
Results
- On average, patients lose 15-20% of their total weight within 6-12 months.
- Results depend on diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.
- Weight loss can be maintained in the long term and healthy lifestyle principles are followed.
Possible risks and side effects
- Temporary bloating, nausea, or discomfort.
- In rare cases, bleeding, infection, or loosening of stitches may occur.
- Weight loss largely depends on the patient’s discipline and lifestyle changes.
A liquid-only diet should be followed for one week before the procedure.
After the procedure:
- For the first four weeks, follow a liquid-only diet.
- A gradual transition to a full, then a complete diet takes place over 4–6 weeks.
- Portion control and regular meals are essential.
- For long-term success, the support of a nutritionist, psychologist, and physical activity specialist, as well as your lifestyle changes, is required.
Service offered by: Dr. Feders German-Latvian Center of Cardiology
Nutritionist consultations
A nutritionist consultation is necessary for preventive purposes as well as in cases of serious illnesses. Nutrition is the body’s main source of energy, which ensures all vital processes in the body. The diet consumed affects the processes of body obesity, the health of nails, hair, facial skin and general well-being, mood. As we age, the body’s needs and reactions to food, its quantity and type change.
With the help of a nutritionist, it is possible to balance eating habits by assessing the patient’s health status, eating habits and age, as well as applying physical activity. This specialist consultation is especially useful for those who want to lose or gain weight.
Clinics that offer nutritionist consultations: Anti-Aging Institute, GenEra, iVF Riga, Era Esthetica laser dermatology clinic, AIWA Clinic, Jurmala Hospital, Via Vitalité, Baltic Beach Hotel, Rehabilitation Center Ligatne, Rehabilitation Center Krimulda, Aesthetica Clinic, Medical Center ARS.
Nowadays, nutritionists also offer various additional tests, which can help to adjust the patient’s diet and activities individually, based on the specifics of your body:
Bioimpedance
The bioimpedance method measures body mass composition and analyzes body proportions. Body mass measurements are performed under the supervision of a certified nutritionist or body aesthetics specialist, analyzing the data obtained and providing recommendations for improving appearance and health.
Bioimpedance is offered by: Anti-Aging Institute
Calorimetry with “Cosmed”
During the examination, the body’s energy consumption at rest is assessed – metabolic rate, consumption ratios of the main energy sources (carbohydrates or fats) in order to individually calculate the necessary food intake for each client or select nutritional therapy to control the course of the disease.
Cosmed is offered by: Anti-Aging Institute
Gene tests
Various types of gene tests are offered in Latvia, each of which has a different purpose. For example, the NutriGen Nutrition Test analyzes 384 genetic variations related to weight loss, exercise response, intolerances, and nutrient metabolism. This unique test reveals the patient’s nutritional metabolism and is available to the patient only through healthcare professionals.
Wellness DNA tests are performed to improve long-term health. There are 5 different types of tests available: Personalized Nutrition DNA Test, which includes a diet and exercise plan; Gutwell Health – Gut Microbiome Test to regulate appetite and weight; Lactose Intolerance DNA Test; Celiac Disease Risk DNA Test; and Vitamin Metabolism DNA Test.
Viva Genomics Lifestyle DNA Genetic Tests help you understand yourself better and determine the most suitable lifestyle and habits for you! This test helps you find answers to questions about proper eating habits, vitamins – what to take, what not to take, how to fight excess weight, how to get more energy and strength to achieve the desired results, and what cosmetics to use to maintain healthy and youthful skin.
There are also many other genetic tests that can help understand other, specific gene characteristics.
Gene tests are offered by: Anti-Aging Institute, GenEra, Hair Transplant Clinic Rubenhair, iVF Riga, Era Esthetica Laser Dermatology Clinic
Slimming device procedures
ICOONE LASER
ICOONE is a non-invasive fractional vacuum massage – the only device in the world that allows the use of two heads simultaneously for massage to symmetrically affect blood circulation and lymph flow. The procedure is intended for solving various aesthetic imperfections, medical and rehabilitation indicators, weight loss and cellulite prevention. 100% painless. 100% effective. ICOONE technology MMAS allows for 1180 multimicroalveolar stimulations per dm2 of skin, thanks to rollers covered with tiny alveoli (holes). The rollers can rotate in several directions (forward – backward, and inward – outward), allowing for the best physiological effect in the skin rehabilitation process, activating cell functions and naturally stimulating lipolysis and collagen production.
ICOONE is offered by: Sky Dream Clinic
Endosphere procedure
Against cellulite, skin tone and silhouette correction. The technology consists of 55 rotating silicone spheres that create low-frequency vibrations. During the procedures, microvibration compressive therapy is used, which creates a lymphatic drainage, toning effect. Course duration: 6-12 procedures twice a week.
Endosphere procedure is offered by: Anti-Aging Institute
Velashape
VelaShape is an effective complex, non-invasive medical device for reducing body circumference. It is an effective ELOS technology that combines four contouring and cellulite removal methods – bipolar radio waves (RF); infrared rays (IR); pulsating vacuum and classic mechanical massage. VelaShape simultaneously acts on both superficial and deep tissues, tones the skin, eliminates cellulite and reduces body size, the procedures are a healthy alternative to liposuction.
Velashape is offered by: Era Esthetica laser dermatology clinic