21 Bariatric Surgery Doctors in Pune

Frequently asked questions 

What is Bariatric Surgery and its advantages?

Bariatric Surgery is done to aid weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach to restrict and decrease the amount of food consumed and thus, the individual will be consuming lesser calories. This method can treat:

1. Severe obesity
2. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, joint pains, abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood, etc. 
3. Body mass index greater than 35 at risk of developing a heart disease
4. Unable to lose weight by medications
5. Weight gain even after using medicines

Advantages of Bariatric Surgery are:

1. Decreases the chances of developing heart disease
2. Controls blood pressure
3. Controls body weight

What are the indications of Bariatric Surgery?

Indications of Bariatric Surgery are the following:

1. Severe obesity
2. Changes in the diet
3. Conditions such as diabetes, sleep disorders, hypertension, joint pain, abnormal cholesterol levels in the blood, etc.
4. Individuals who are unable to lose weight by medications
5. Individuals with a risk of developing heart disease
6. Weight gain even after medication treatment

What can be the preparation for Bariatric Surgery?

1. Medical screening or other tests would be recommended by the doctor.
2. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor or surgeon.
3. Past and present medical and medications history should be informed to the doctor.
4. Discuss all the risks and complications along with the benefits of Bariatric Surgery with the doctor.
5. Take food and drinks as instructed by your doctor.

How Bariatric Surgery is done?

There are four types of surgical procedures in Bariatric Surgery:

1. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band
2. Gastric bypass
3. Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve)
4. Duodenal switch

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band:

1. A ring with an inner inflatable band is placed around the top of the stomach by your surgeon to create a small pouch.
2. This will help in diet restriction as this will make you feel full after eating a small quantity of food.
3. The surgeon can change the size of the pouch by injecting or removing the fluid within the pouch with the help of a small device called a port placed below your skin.

Gastric bypass:

The process is also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The steps involved in this procedure are: 

1. Primarily stomach will be stapled by the surgeon, to create a little pouch in the top region which reduces the size of the stomach and allows the lesser intake of food.
2. Later, the small intestine will be 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 absorb only fewer calories.
3. The bypass procedure will change the gut hormones, gut bacteria, appetite, and metabolism and is difficult to reverse.

Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve):

This process is also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy. In this procedure, most of your stomach is stapled leaving a banana-shaped section inside which reduces the intake of food by making you feel fuller.

Duodenal switch or Biliopancreatic diversion:

1. It has two separate surgeries involved.
2. The first is similar to gastric sleeve process.
3. The second surgery involves redirecting food to bypass through your small intestine.
4. Then 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 will help to lose weight more when compared with the other three methods.

Which specialist can perform Bariatric Surgery?

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

What is the recovery care for Bariatric Surgery?

Few steps are recommended by the doctor for the recovery from Bariatric Surgery and they are:

1. You will be recommended to follow a specific diet as instructed by the doctor for at least 12 weeks.
2. Start taking liquids first and then progress to soft food and then slowly to regular food.
3. You would be restricted to eat for one or two days after the surgery.
4. There should be follow-up visits to your doctor after this surgery to adjust the size of the opening of the band or if there any problems. 
5. Follow the restrictions on how much to eat and what to eat and drink.
6. Care must be taken as the individual may experience changes like body aches, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, dryness of the skin, feeling cold, hair loss or hair thinning, or mood changes, etc.

How much does Bariatric Surgery cost in Pune?

Cost varies based on the method/approach chosen to execute Bariatric Surgery other factors that may affect the cost are:

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

Minimum expenses for Bariatric Surgery in Pune starts from Rs.1,80,000

Average amount to be paid for Bariatric Surgery in Pune is approximately Rs.2,21,800

Maximum charges for Bariatric Surgery in Pune rise up to Rs.2,50,000 

Is Bariatric Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

Bariatric Surgery is major surgery as it involves in the reduction of the size of the stomach of a person. 

To what kind of people Bariatric Surgery is recommended?

Bariatric Surgery is recommended in the following individuals:

1. Body mass index more than 40 with co-morbidities conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, etc.
2. Weighing more than 400 pounds 0r 200 kilograms.
3. Above 18 years old suffering from obesity.

To what kind of people Bariatric Surgery is not recommended?

Bariatric Surgery is not recommended in the following individuals:

1. Individuals whose BMI lower than 35 and do not have any co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or abnormal lipid profile, etc.
2. Patients with eating disorders that are not manageable.
3. Individuals with obesity and do not have a commitment to change.
4. Addiction to drugs and alcohol.
5. Individuals with mental illnesses

What are the risks and complications associated with Bariatric Surgery?

Risks and complications of Bariatric Surgery are:

1. Breathing problems, excessive bleeding, blood clots.
2. Dumping syndrome, leakage in the intestinal system, infection.
3. Gallstones, hernias, bowel obstruction, ulcers, etc.
4. Hypoglycemia (low levels of glucose).
5. Malnutrition.

How long does it take to recover from Bariatric Surgery?

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

What is the success rate of Bariatric Surgery?

The factors that affect the success rate of Bariatric Surgery are:

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

However, The success rate of gastric bypass surgery is known to be 65% and 56% for sleeve gastrectomy and 49% in gastric banding. 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, after the surgery, there may be mild to moderate pain.

What are the long-term results of Bariatric Surgery?

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

1. Improved blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, joint pain, abnormal lipid parameters, etc.
2. Maintaining a healthy body weight.

What can be done if Bariatric Surgery fails?

If Bariatric Surgery fails, then the doctor may provide a few suggestions like: 

1. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice an increase in the bodyweight even after undergoing Bariatric Surgery.
2. Restrict the consumption of food items which are high in cholesterol.
3. Take all the medications prescribed by your doctor.
4. Consult your doctor regularly.

What are the other treatments apart from Bariatric Surgery?

Alternative treatment options apart from Bariatric Surgery are the following:

1. Physical activities for about 30-60 minutes daily.
2. Weight loss pills as directed by your doctor.
3. Modifications or changes in daily food intake.