FAQs About Bariatric Surgery

You may qualify for bariatric surgery if:

• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 40 (severe obesity).
• Your BMI is above 35 and you also suffer from conditions such as:
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
  • Osteoarthritis of knees/hips
• You have tried non-surgical methods like diet, exercise, and medications without lasting success.
• You are mentally prepared for long-term lifestyle changes and follow-up care.

Our expert surgeon carefully evaluates every patient with a detailed preoperative assessment, including blood tests, heart/lung evaluation, and psychological readiness before recommending surgery.

Yes. Bariatric surgery is considered safe when performed by experienced surgeons using modern laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques. In fact, the risk level is comparable to common operations such as gallbladder or hernia surgery.

In our practice, with over 25 years of surgical experience and more than 400 bariatric surgeries, we have consistently achieved excellent safety outcomes. Every surgery is conducted in advanced operation theatres with strict safety protocols.

Sleeve Gastrectomy is currently the most popular bariatric procedure worldwide. During this surgery:

• About 70–80% of the stomach is removed.
• The remaining stomach looks like a narrow “sleeve” or tube.
• Patients feel full quickly and consume much smaller portions.
• Levels of ghrelin (hunger hormone) drop, reducing cravings.

The surgery not only leads to weight loss but also has a metabolic effect, improving conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol even before major weight loss occurs.

• Duration of surgery: 1–2 hours (on average).
• Hospital stay: Most patients are discharged within 2–3 days after surgery.
• Patients start walking the same evening or the next day.

This quick recovery is possible because the surgery is done laparoscopically through small incisions, with minimal pain and faster healing.

No major scars. The surgery uses keyhole incisions (0.5–1 cm each). These tiny cuts usually heal well and fade over time, leaving only small, faint marks that are barely noticeable.

Most patients lose about 60–70% of their excess body weight within 12–18 months. For example:

• If a patient is 40 kg overweight, they can expect to lose 25–30 kg.
• Weight loss continues steadily for the first year and stabilizes thereafter.

Importantly, weight loss is not just cosmetic—it brings back health, energy, and confidence.

Yes. Bariatric surgery is often called “metabolic surgery” because of its powerful impact on health. In many patients:

• Type 2 Diabetes improves or goes into remission (within weeks).
• Blood pressure and cholesterol reduce significantly.
• Sleep apnea improves.
• PCOS symptoms in women (irregular cycles, infertility) improve.
• Joint pain reduces due to less weight load.

In short, bariatric surgery helps patients live longer, healthier lives.

Yes, if patients commit to healthy eating habits, regular activity, and follow-ups. Bariatric surgery is a tool—it makes lifestyle change easier and sustainable. However, long-term success depends on cooperation between the patient and the medical team.

The diet progresses in phases:

• Liquid diet (first 1–2 weeks) → soups, juices, protein shakes.
• Soft foods (weeks 3–4) → mashed foods, dals, khichdi, yogurt.
• Solid diet (after 1 month) → balanced meals in smaller portions.

Our dieticians will provide personalized meal plans that ensure nutrition while supporting weight loss.

Yes. Because food intake is reduced, vitamin and mineral supplements are essential lifelong. These include:

• Multivitamins
• Calcium + Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Iron (if needed)

This is a small but important step to ensure good health after surgery.

Yes, but in controlled portions. You will be able to enjoy most foods after 2–3 months, provided you eat slowly, chew well, and avoid high-calorie junk food. Surgery is not about deprivation—it’s about learning balance.

Most patients return to light office work in 7–10 days. Physical labor may require 3–4 weeks. By 6 weeks, most patients can resume full activities, including exercise.

Yes. In fact, fertility improves after weight loss, especially in women with PCOS and obesity-related infertility. However, it is recommended to wait 12–18 months before planning pregnancy so that the body stabilizes.

Loose skin can occur after major weight loss, especially in older patients. Factors like age, genetics, and speed of weight loss play a role. If required, cosmetic body contouring surgery can help remove excess skin.

Like any surgery, bariatric procedures carry risks, though they are rare. Possible risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Leakage from the staple line
• Nutritional deficiencies (preventable with supplements)

With our experienced team and advanced facilities, complication rates are very low, and patients are closely monitored to ensure safety.

Yes, many health insurance companies in India now cover bariatric surgery, provided you meet eligibility criteria (BMI >35 with comorbidities or BMI >40). Our staff will assist you with documentation and approvals.

The cost depends on:

• The type of surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, etc.).
• Hospital facilities and stay.
• Insurance coverage.

Bariatric surgery is generally more affordable compared to metro cities, and we provide transparent, all-inclusive packages.

Yes. Follow-ups are crucial for safe, sustained results. A typical schedule includes visits at:

• 1 week
• 1 month
• 3 months
• 6 months
• 1 year
• Annually thereafter

These visits include weight monitoring, nutritional assessment, and counseling.

Most patients experience:

• Improved confidence and self-esteem.
• Better mobility and independence.
• Enhanced social and professional life.

However, some may find the lifestyle changes challenging initially. Our team provides counseling and support groups to ensure emotional wellbeing.