Bariatric surgery is as safe as gallbladder or appendix surgery in the hands of an expert and experienced doctor.

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity, but like any surgery, it does carry some risks and potential complications. Here are some of the common side effects and complications that can occur after bariatric surgery:

Complications during or after Bariatric Surgery, include:

• Complications related to Anaesthesia: Reactions to drugs used (anesthesia) or other medicines. Although rare, these can be serious because they can cause dangerously low blood pressures.
• Complications related to underlying medical illness like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, malnutrition.
• Complications related to Specific Operations, Bariatric Surgery:
  •  Infection of wound: 1-2%
  • Bleeding: 0.1 – 1 %
  • Blood clot in legs: 0.5-1%
  • Vitamin deficiency: 10-30%
  • Ulcer: 1-5%
  • Weight Regain: 5-10%
• Conversion to open surgery: In a small number of patients the laparoscopic method is not feasible because of the inability to visualize or handle the organs (stomach or intestine) effectively. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety.

It’s important to remember that the risks and complications of bariatric surgery are relatively low, and the benefits of the procedure typically outweigh the risks.

Most patients experience significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health problems after bariatric surgery.

Choosing the best bariatric surgeon for your weight loss surgery is an important decision. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a bariatric surgeon:

1. Credentials: Look for a bariatric surgeon who is board-certified and has specialized training and experience in bariatric surgery. Check their credentials and certifications, and make sure they have a good track record of successful surgeries.
2. Experience: Choose a bariatric surgeon who has performed a high volume of weight loss surgeries. Surgeons who perform a high volume of surgeries tend to have lower complication rates and better outcomes.
3. Reputation: Look for a bariatric surgeon who has a good reputation in the medical community and among their patients. You can check online reviews, ask for referrals from other doctors, and talk to other patients who have had weight loss surgery.
4. Communication: Choose a bariatric surgeon who communicates well with you and takes the time to answer your questions and address your concerns. You should feel comfortable talking to your surgeon and confident that they have your best interests at heart.
5. Team: A bariatric surgeon is part of a larger team that includes nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals. Look for a surgeon who works with a team that can provide comprehensive care before and after surgery.
6. Cost: Weight loss surgery can be expensive, so it’s important to choose a surgeon who is transparent about their fees and who works with your insurance provider to maximize coverage.

Obesity is a long-standing disease that can have serious complications if left untreated. The longer the treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of developing these complications.

Here are some of the complications of obesity that can arise if treatment is delayed:

1. Type 2 diabetes:
2. Cardiovascular disease: Obesity increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke (Paralysis).
3. High Blood Pressure: Excess body fat can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular problems.
4. Sleep apnea: Obesity is a leading cause of sleep apnea, a condition in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
5. Joint problems: Obesity puts extra stress on the joints, particularly the knees and hips. Over time, this can lead to joint pain, osteoarthritis, and other joint problems.
6. Mental health problems: Obesity can have a negative impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
7. Cancer: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of about 12 types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
8. Reproductive health problems: Obesity can cause reproductive problems in both men and women. In women, obesity can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, and complications during pregnancy. In men, obesity can lead to low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, and other reproductive problems.

The good news is that many of these complications can be prevented or managed through weight loss and other lifestyle changes. If you are struggling with obesity, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to minimize your risk of developing these complications.

• Wound care: keep it dry and clean. Apply water proof bandage.
• Rest: Take Sufficient rest, but avoid over-resting
• Diet: Take a healthy & nutritious home-made diet.
• Activity: Walk regularly
• Bath: Take regular Bath
• Engage in reading & meditation
• Follow doctors’ advice
• Medicines: Take all medicines

At Home:

• Stop smoking: If you smoke, you should quit at least four weeks before surgery. Smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
• Adjust your diet: Consume more protein and fewer carbohydrates and fats. This will help you lose weight and reduce the size of your liver, making the surgery easier to perform.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your surgery. Proper hydration will help your body function optimally during and after the procedure.
• Get enough rest: Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night in the days leading up to your surgery. Getting enough rest is crucial for your body to heal properly after surgery.
• Manage your medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before the surgery, especially blood thinners. Top of FormBottom of Form

At Hospital:

• Pre-operative testing: Blood tests, Chest x-ray and ECG (electrocardiogram) to check your lungs and your heart’s electrical system & USG to look at the size of the left lobe of the liver.
• Anaesthetic Assessment before Surgery:
• Informed Consent for Surgery
• Getting ready for Surgery: 
  • 6-hour Fasting before surgery.
  • Laxative to clear your colon.
  • Shaving of the Operative part to reduce the risk of infection.

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is performed with the latest technology of Key Hole Surgery.  The surgeon makes several small holes (incisions) in the tummy (abdomen) and inserts specialized surgical instruments, including a camera and a long, thin tube with a light (laparoscope), to view the inside of the tummy (abdomen) and perform the surgery.

Common advantages of laparoscopic Bariatric surgery are:

• Less postoperative pain,
• Shorten hospital stays,
• Quicker return to bowel function,
• Quicker return to normal activity &
• Better cosmetic results

Generally, the cost of bariatric surgery in India ranges from INR 2,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 (approximately USD 3,500 to USD 7,000) for a standard procedure like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

The cost of bariatric surgery in India can vary depending on several factors such as the type of procedure, associated medical conditions in the patient, the surgeon’s experience, and hospital amenities.

Yes. Bariatric Surgery is excluded from insurance under the following conditions:

• The routine waiting period after a new policy is activated is 30 days. But for Bariatric surgery its 2-5 years varying with health insurance providers.
• If surgery is being undertaken for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons.
• If the weight gain is a byproduct of medication or poor mental health.

Yes, Bariatric surgery is covered in health insurance or mediclaim schemes in India since 2019.

Health insurance cover Bariatric Surgery only if the following criteria are fulfilled:

• Age more than 18 years while undergoing the surgery.
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) value must be 40 or above.
• Your BMI is 35 or above and you suffer from comorbidities like diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
• You must possess the doctor’s prescription and relevant diagnostic test result reports.

Like other medical treatments or surgeries under health insurance or mediclaim schemes, there may be specific requirements or limitations such as waiting periods, pre-authorisation or limits in the amount of coverage.

We provide weight loss treatment (bariatric surgery) under health insurance or mediclaim schemes.

Following health insurance providers covers bariatric surgery in India

• IFFCO Tokio Health Insurance Company- https://www.iffcotokio.co.in/
• Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance Company- https://www.bajajallianz.com/
• Care Health Insurance Company (Religare)- https://www.careinsurance.com/
• HDFC ERGO General Health Insurance Company- https://www.hdfcergo.com/
• Tata AIG Health Insurance Company- https://www.tataaig.com/
• Star Health Insurance Company- https://www.starhealth.in/
• ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Company- https://www.icicilombard.com/
• United India Insurance Company Ltd.- https://uiic.co.in/

Weight loss treatment or surgery may be recommended in certain situations where other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, have not been effective or when obesity-related health conditions pose significant risks to your health. Here are some reasons why weight loss treatment or surgery may be necessary:

1. Obesity-related health conditions: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and joint problems. If you have these conditions or if your health is significantly impacted by obesity, weight loss treatment or surgery may be recommended to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
2. Failed attempts at weight loss: If you have made consistent efforts to lose weight through lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, but have not achieved significant or sustainable weight loss, weight loss treatment or surgery may be considered as an alternative or additional approach to help you reach a healthier weight.
3. Higher Body mass index (BMI): In cases of severe obesity, where the body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or when BMI is between 35 and 39.9 accompanied by obesity-related health conditions, weight loss surgery may be recommended. Surgery can provide significant and sustained weight loss, leading to improvements in overall health and quality of life.
4. Impact on mental and emotional well-being: Obesity can have a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being, leading to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Weight loss treatment or surgery can help improve body image and psychological well-being, promoting a better quality of life.