22 Bariatric Surgery Doctors in Chennai

Frequently asked questions 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery reduces the size of the stomach and restricts or decreases the amount of food intake at a time and is used to treat medical conditions like severe obesity along with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, joint pains, abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood, sleep apnea, etc. 

What are the indications of Bariatric Surgery?

Indications of Bariatric Surgery are the following:

1. Severe obesity, conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, joint pains, abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood, sleep apnea, etc.
2. BMI of more than 35-40 
3. Unable to lose weight by medications
4. Weight gain even after medication treatment
5. Risk of heart disease

What can be the advantages of Bariatric Surgery?

Some of the advantages of Bariatric Surgery are:

1. Decreases the risk of heart diseases
2. Improved blood pressure
3. Healthy Bodyweight

What is the preparation for Bariatric Surgery?

1. The health condition of the patient may be checked by the doctor before undergoing Bariatric Surgery.
2. Take food and drinks as instructed by your doctor.
3. Lab tests or other examinations may be recommended by the doctor.
4. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor or surgeon.

What are the steps involved in Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery involves the following steps:

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band:

1. A ring with an inner inflatable band is placed around the top of the stomach to create a small pouch to help in restricting food and you will feel full after eating a small quantity.
2. The surgeon may change the size of the pouch by injecting or removing the solution with the help of a small device called a port that is placed below the skin.

Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve): In this procedure, most of your stomach is stapled leaving a banana-shaped section inside and reduces the intake of food by making you feel fuller. 

Duodenal switch or Biliopancreatic diversion: The process is similar to the gastric sleeve process and also involves redirecting food to bypass through your small intestine. The bypassed section is reattached to the last part of the small intestine. This will help in allowing the digestive juices to mix with your food. This procedure will help to lose weight more when compared with the other three methods.

Gastric bypass: This process is also called as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. 

There are two steps involved in this procedure:

1. The stomach is stapled to look like a little pouch in the top region to make the stomach smaller in size so that the individual can accommodate less quantity of food.

2. Later, the small intestine is cut and attached to the lower part of the pouch to bypass the food through the stomach and the higher portion of the small intestine to the lower part of the small intestine to change the gut hormones, gut bacteria, appetite, metabolism.

What is the post-surgery care taken for patients after Bariatric Surgery?

1. Follow the diet for at least 12 weeks.
2. Take liquids first and then slowly progress to soft and regular food.
3. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor after this surgery.

Who can perform?

Bariatric Surgery is performed by a qualified Gastroenterologist or Surgeon who is well experienced in performing Bariatric Surgery.

What is the price of Bariatric Surgery in Chennai?

Expenses for Bariatric Surgery in Chennai changes due to the following factors:

1. Medical condition
2. Surgeon's fee
3. Type of facility (hospital) & room that you opt for
4. Post-surgical complications
5. Time for recovery from surgery
6. The method used for Bariatric Surgery

Minimum amount to be paid in Chennai starts from Rs.2,00,000

Average charges in Chennai is approximately Rs.2,50,000

Maximum cost in Chennai rises up to Rs.3,00,000

Is Bariatric Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is a major surgery. 

What is the eligibility criteria for Bariatric Surgery?

The following is the eligibility criteria for Bariatric Surgery:

1. Body mass index more than 40 with comorbid conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, etc.
2. Bodyweight more than 200 Kgs.
3. Obese individuals who are more than 18 years.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Bariatric Surgery?

The following is the ineligibility criteria for Bariatric Surgery:

1. BMI below 35 and do not have any comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or abnormal lipid profile, etc.
2. Individuals suffering from mental illness.
3. Eating disorders 
4. Individuals with obesity and not committed/willing to change.
5. Addicted to drugs and alcohol.

What are the risks and complications of Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery has the following risks and complications:

1. Excessive bleeding, blood clots
2. Leakage in the intestinal system
3. Infection
4. Gallstones, hernias, bowel obstruction, ulcers, etc.
5. Hypoglycemia (low levels of glucose)
6. Malnutrition
7. Dumping syndrome

What is the recovery time for Bariatric Surgery?

It may take 7 to 15 days to recover from Bariatric Surgery depending on the type of surgery and health condition.

What is the success rate of Bariatric Surgery?

A few factors may determine the success rate of Bariatric Surgery and they are:

1. Medical condition of the patient
2. Experience of the surgeon
3. Patient age
4. Type of surgery performed

However, The overall success rate of Bariatric Surgery maybe 50-70%.

Does Bariatric Surgery hurt the patient?

Every surgery comes with a certain level of pain and some discomfort. You won't be experiencing pain during this process because you will be under anesthesia.

What can be the long-term effects of Bariatric Surgery?

Long term goals of Bariatric Surgery are the following:

1. Improved blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, joint pains, and abnormal lipid parameters, etc.
2. Maintaining weight

What measures can be taken if Bariatric Surgery fails?

In case of a failed Bariatric Surgery, the doctor may suggest:

1. Restrict the consumption of foods high in cholesterol
2. Take all the medications prescribed by your doctor
3. Regular visits to the clinic

Are there any alternatives to Bariatric Surgery?

Alternatives for Bariatric Surgery are:

1. Daily physical activity for 1 hour
2. Weight loss pills as directed by your doctor