Explore the In-Depth Guide to Bariatric Surgery in India

Are you struggling with obesity and seeking a lasting solution? Dive into our comprehensive guide to bariatric surgery in India, where transformative health journeys begin. What types of procedures are available, and how do they help achieve sustainable weight loss? Discover the expertise of Indian healthcare professionals renowned for their skill in bariatric surgery. From pre-operative preparation to post-operative care, explore how these procedures can positively impact your life and well-being.

Bariatric Surgery Procedure in India

Pre-operative Evaluation

Before undergoing bariatric surgery in India, patients typically go through a comprehensive evaluation process:

1. Initial Consultation: Patients meet with a bariatric surgeon to discuss their medical history, weight loss journey, and reasons for considering surgery. This consultation helps the surgeon understand the patient's goals and assess their suitability for surgery.

2. Medical Assessments: Various tests are conducted to evaluate the patient's overall health and readiness for surgery. These may include:

• Blood Tests: To check for any underlying medical conditions or deficiencies.
• Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasound or CT scans to assess the abdomen and organs.
• Cardiac Evaluation: ECG and echocardiogram to ensure heart health.
• Nutritional Evaluation: Assessing current dietary habits and nutritional status.

3. Psychological Evaluation: Some hospitals may require a psychological assessment to evaluate the patient's understanding of the procedure, their mental health, and their readiness to adhere to post-operative lifestyle changes.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

a. Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Gastric sleeve surgery reduces your stomach size by removing about 75-80%, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach that limits how much you can eat at once. This helps you lose weight by reducing the amount of food you can consume and, consequently, the calories you take in. During the procedure, surgeons use small incisions and a camera to precisely remove part of your stomach, making it less invasive than other types of weight loss surgeries.

One of the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery is that it lowers the production of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for making you feel hungry. With less ghrelin in your system, you're likely to feel less hungry and find it easier to stick to a healthier eating plan. Unlike some other procedures, gastric sleeve surgery doesn't alter the natural path of digestion, so your body can still absorb nutrients normally.

Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery is often faster compared to procedures that involve intestinal changes. However, it's essential to understand that this surgery is permanent. To maintain your weight loss and health improvements, you'll need to commit to lifelong changes in your diet and lifestyle. This includes choosing nutritious foods, eating smaller portions, and incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine. These lifestyle adjustments are crucial for achieving long-term success and enjoying the full benefits of gastric sleeve surgery.

b. Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass)

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure where they create a small pouch from your stomach and connect it directly to your small intestine, skipping a big chunk of your stomach and upper intestine. This change in how your body processes food and absorbs nutrients helps with weight loss by limiting how much you can eat and how many calories your body absorbs. It also affects hormones in your gut that control hunger and metabolism, which makes it really effective for losing a significant amount of weight.

A lot of people who have gastric bypass surgery see major improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, along with losing a lot of weight. But because the surgery changes how your digestive system works, you'll need to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of your life to make sure you're getting enough nutrients.

One thing to watch out for is dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly through your system. It can give you symptoms like feeling sick, throwing up, diarrhoea, or feeling weak, especially after eating sugary or fatty foods. Following the diet advice from your healthcare team is crucial to managing these symptoms and helping your recovery go smoothly.

Overall, gastric bypass surgery is a big step towards losing weight and improving your health if you're dealing with obesity-related issues. It means making lasting changes to how you eat and keeping up with regular check-ups to stay healthy in the long run.

c. Gastric Banding (Adjustable Gastric Band)

Gastric banding involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch. The band is connected to a port placed under the skin, allowing for adjustments over time. The band restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time, promoting weight loss by reducing calorie intake. Adjustability allows for personalized weight loss goals.

Gastric banding is less invasive compared to other bariatric surgeries and is reversible. It offers a lower risk of nutrient deficiencies compared to procedures involving intestinal bypass. Weight loss may be slower compared to other surgeries, and regular adjustments are necessary to achieve optimal results. Complications such as band slippage or erosion can occur and may require additional surgery.

d. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

BPD/DS is a complex surgery involving two steps. Firstly, a sleeve gastrectomy is performed to remove a large portion of the stomach. Secondly, a significant portion of the small intestine is bypassed, altering the digestive process. This procedure combines restriction (reduced stomach size) with malabsorption (reduced absorption of calories and nutrients). It limits both the amount of food that can be eaten and the absorption of nutrients from food. BPD/DS results in significant and sustained weight loss, making it effective for patients with severe obesity or those with obesity-related health conditions.

There is a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies due to reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals. Lifelong supplementation and regular monitoring are essential to prevent deficiencies and maintain health.

Each type of bariatric surgery offers unique benefits and considerations, and the choice of procedure should be based on individual health factors and weight loss goals. Consulting with a qualified bariatric surgeon is crucial to determine the most suitable option and ensure a successful outcome.

Bariatric Surgery Doctors in India

India is home to many highly skilled bariatric surgeons who have extensive experience and training in performing weight loss surgeries. Some of the renowned bariatric surgeons in India include:

• Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala: Renowned for his expertise in laparoscopic and bariatric surgeries, he practices at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai.
• Dr. Ajay Kumar Kriplani: A leading surgeon with vast experience in minimally invasive and bariatric surgeries, he practices at Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon.
• Dr. Ramen Goel: Specializes in metabolic and bariatric surgery and is associated with Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai.

Bariatric Surgery Hospitals in India

India boasts several world-class hospitals equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced medical professionals. Some of the top hospitals for bariatric surgery in India include:

Top hospitals for Bariatric Surgery in India

1. Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

• Established in 1996
• Number of Beds: 1000
• State-of-the-art facilities with the latest medical technologies.

Bariatric Surgery Cost in India (USD)

Bariatric surgery in India is a cost-effective option compared to many Western countries. Here's a range for the cost:

• Minimum: ₹1,80,000 (around $2,134 USD)
• Average: ₹2,98,000 (around $3,542 USD)
• Maximum: ₹5,20,000 (around $6,170 USD)

Factors affecting the cost:

• Type of surgery: Sleeve gastrectomy is generally less expensive than bypass surgeries.
• Surgeon's experience and hospital facilities: Reputed surgeons and higher-end hospitals may have higher costs.
• Patient's health condition: Pre-existing health issues might require additional tests or procedures, impacting the cost.

Bariatric Surgery Success Rate in India

India is a popular destination for bariatric surgery due to:

• Skilled surgeons: Many Indian bariatric surgeons are highly qualified and experienced.
• Advanced technology: Hospitals often have modern equipment for these procedures.
• Generally high success rates: Success rates in India are comparable to those in developed countries.

How can HealthTrip assist with your treatment?

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Hear from our satisfied patients

India offers a cost-effective and efficient option for individuals struggling with severe obesity through bariatric surgery. The country boasts state-of-the-art facilities and expert surgeons, resulting in success rates that rival those of other countries. Opting for bariatric surgery in India means receiving top-notch medical care at a fraction of the cost, although patients must be dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for lasting results. By adequately preparing and seeking support, patients can experience substantial weight loss and enhanced well-being, solidifying India as a premier choice for bariatric procedures.