134 Bariatric Surgery Doctors in India

Frequently asked questions 

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is used to treat weight loss by restricting food intake. This is done by reducing the size of the stomach using rubber bands and staples, etc. Bariatric surgery is considered treatment for:

1. Body mass index of 35-40
2. Risk of heart disease, abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood, etc
3. Severe obesity
4. Sleeping disorders
5. Diabetes, hypertension, joint pains
6. Not able to lose weight by medications
7. Changes in lifestyle and diet

Four types of Bariatric surgery can be done:

1. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band
2. Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve)
3. Gastric bypass
4. Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

What are the benefits of Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery helps in:

1. Decreasing body weight
2. Improves blood pressure, erectile dysfunction
3. Decreases the risk of heart diseases

What are the indications of Bariatric Surgery?

This surgery is indicated for:

1. Severe obesity
2. BMI greater than 35-40 
3. Obese people with diabetes, hypertension, joint pains, abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood, sleep disorders, etc.
4. Heart diseases 
5. Unable to lose weight by medications 
6. Lifestyle and diet modifications

What is the preparation required for Bariatric Surgery?

1. Discuss all the risks, complications, and benefits associated with Bariatric Surgery.
2. The doctor may suggest the patient a few lab tests.
3. The health condition of the patient will be evaluated before the procedure.
4. Follow the diet as instructed by your doctor.
5. Meet your Anesthesiologist after scheduling your surgery date.

What are the steps involved in Bariatric Surgery?

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 restrict the diet.
2. This makes the person feel full after eating a small quantity of food.
3. The size of the pouch can be changed by injecting or removing the solution with the help of a small device called a port.

Gastric bypass or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This done by two steps:

Step-1: The stomach will be stapled to look like a little pouch in the top region which reduces the size of your stomach. 

Step-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 which will allow the body to absorb only fewer calories.

This procedure will change the gut hormones, gut bacteria, appetite, and metabolism and is irreversible.

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

Duodenal switch (Biliopancreatic diversion):

1. This process is more complex than other types. This has two separate surgeries involved. The first surgery process is similar to the gastric sleeve process.
2. The second surgery involves redirecting food to bypass through your small intestine, then the bypassed section is reattached to the last part of the small intestine.
3.  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.

What is the postprocedure care for Bariatric Surgery?

1. You are restricted to eat for one or two days after the surgery.
2. Follow the specific diet as instructed by your doctor for at least 12 weeks.
3. Start taking liquids first and then progress to soft food and then slowly to regular food. 
4. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor after this surgery to adjust the size of the opening of the band, etc.
5. Changes in weight can be seen in the first three to six months of surgery. 
6. The person can also experience body aches, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, dryness of the skin, feeling cold, hair loss or hair thinning, or mood changes.

Who can perform Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is performed by a qualified Gastroenterologist who is well experienced in performing bariatric surgery. 

What can be the cost of Bariatric Surgery?

Cost may also vary based on the method/approach chosen to execute Bariatric Surgery. The following factors may also affect the cost of bariatric surgery:

1. Medical condition
2. Type of facility (hospital) & room that you opt for
3. Post-surgical complications
4. Time to recovery
5. The method used for Bariatric Surgery

Minimum cost of Bariatric Surgery in India starts from Rs.2,30,000

The average price of Bariatric Surgery in India is approximately Rs.3,13,300

Maximum expenses of Bariatric Surgery in India rise up to Rs.3,90,000

Is Bariatric Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is major surgery as it involves reducing the size of the stomach to accommodate less food thus reducing the body weight. 

Who can undergo Bariatric Surgery?

Following are the individuals who can undergo Bariatric Surgery:

1. Body mass index more than 40 
2. Co-morbid conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, etc.
3. Bodyweight more than 400 pounds 0r 200 kilograms
4. Obesity

Who cannot undergo Bariatric Surgery?

Following are the individuals who cannot undergo Bariatric Surgery

1. BMI below 35 and do not have any conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or abnormal lipid profile, etc.
2. Eating disorders
3. Obese individuals and do not have a commitment to change
4. Addiction to drugs and alcohol
5. Mental illness

What are the complications and risks involved in Bariatric Surgery?

Following are the risks and complications of Bariatric Surgery:

1. Excessive bleeding, Blood clots
2. Lung or breathing problem.Infection
3. Leakage in your intestinal system
4. Reactions to anesthesia

Few of the long term risk associated with this procedure are the following:

1. Gallstones, hernias, bowel obstruction, ulcers, etc
2. Hypoglycemia (low levels of glucose)
3. Malnutrition
4. Dumping syndrome

What is the recovery time for Bariatric Surgery?

Recovery time from Bariatric Surgery can be 7 to 15 days.

What is the success rate of Bariatric Surgery?

Few factors may affect the success rate of Bariatric Surgery:

1. Patient age
2. Health condition
3. Type of surgery performed 

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

Does Bariatric Surgery cause pain?

Bariatric Surgery does not cause any pain during surgery. However, The patient may experience discomfort or pain after the surgery.

What are the long-term effects of Bariatric Surgery?

Long term outcomes or results of Bariatric Surgery are the following:

1. Improved blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, joint pains, and abnormal lipid parameters, etc.
2. Bariatric surgery may lead to dumping syndrome where contents of the stomach are emptied rapidly.
3. It also helps in maintaining weight loss.

What are the available options if Bariatric Surgery is not successful?

If Bariatric Surgery is not successful:

1. Your doctor will recommend a revision surgery or weight loss medication and lifestyle changes to better controlling weight loss.
2. Restrict the consumption of food items that are high in cholesterol.
3. Take all the medications prescribed by your doctor.
4. Consult your doctor for regular check-ups.

What can be the alternatives for Bariatric Surgery?

Some alternatives to the Bariatric Surgery for weight loss are the following:

1. Modifications or changes in lifestyle and food intake
2. Physical activity for at least 30-60 minutes
3. Taking weight loss pills