BARIATRIC AND METABOLIC,
TREATMENT, COST & PROCEDURE
Wockhardt Hospitals is one of the best weight loss and bariatric surgery hospitals in India.
Why to Choose Wockhardt Hospitals
for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery?
The Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Department at Wockhardt Hospitals has recorded high success rates and excellent clinical results for bariatric surgery. Therefore, it ranks among the top hospitals for metabolism and bariatric treatment in India.
We have state-of-the-art operating rooms with integrated laparoscopic systems and specialized equipment required for surgical operations. We also have experienced teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists, doctors, and nurses. Together these professionals work to resolve your metabolic problems.
We at Wockhardt Hospitals place heavy emphasis on offering comprehensive treatment. The bariatric surgery procedure is specially designed for each patient based on their weight and health condition. In addition to the surgical process, we place a strong emphasis on patient counseling, dietary management, and regular follow-up to address all weight-related issues.
Renowned Bariatric Surgeons
at Wockhardt Hospitals
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery, commonly called weight loss surgery, is a class of medical procedures designed to assist obese patients in weight loss. When all other weight loss options have failed and it appears that obesity poses a larger risk to your health, your doctor may advise bariatric surgery. It is a laparoscopic procedure, or “microsurgery,” in which alterations are made to the patient’s stomach and/or intestine. Many metabolic conditions linked to obesity, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease, can be treated and prevented using this procedure.
Bariatric surgery is quite safe, and recovery is swift; in fact, the patient is expected to walk on the same day as the surgery. During the first few months after surgery, the patient loses weight rapidly. Blood sugar levels also drop to normal levels. Bariatric surgery is perhaps the fastest route for weight loss, which makes it a popular choice for obese and diabetic patients.
Why is Bariatric Surgery Required?
Bariatric surgery changes the way your body metabolizes the food you eat. It is usually recommended for patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus. In particular, it is beneficial for patients with class obesity, which is hard to overcome with diet and exercise alone since in such cases, the body has adapted to the new increased weight.
With the help of bariatric surgery, it is easier to implement lifestyle changes that will enhance your health and maintain your weight in the long term.
Other benefits of bariatric treatment include reducing the risk of weight-related conditions, such as
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Fatty liver
Various studies indicate that bariatric surgery may reduce mortality rates for people with obesity.
Who is the Right Candidate
for Weight Loss Surgery?
If you are considering bariatric surgery, you will first be evaluated and screened to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. The important evaluation criteria include the following:
- BMI of 35 or above, a body weight higher than 76 pounds, or 30 kg over optimal weight.
- BMI of at least 30, a body weight higher than 40 pounds, or 15 kg over optimal weight. and at least one associated health issue such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes or gallbladder disease.
- BMI of 27.5 or above, a body weight higher than 25 pounds, or 10 kg over optimal weight. and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes on regular medication.
What to Expect After Bariatric Surgery?
Health benefits of bariatric and metabolic surgery include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Remission or Control of diabetes
- Controlled blood pressure
- Cure or improvement in sleep apnea
- Improvement in arthritis
- Controlled cholesterol
Types of
Bariatric Surgery
The common bariatric and metabolic procedures include
- Gastric Bypass
In this laparoscopically done procedure, a portion of the intestine is bypassed to create a small stomach pouch. The procedure alters how your stomach and intestine process food. This type of bariatric operation helps reduce weight as well as control diabetes.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
With a sleeve Gastrectomy, a portion of the stomach is removed surgically to lose weight. After both gastric bypass & sleeve gastrectomy, besides the meal size reduction, there are gut hormone changes as well, which leads to reduced appetite and better blood sugar control.
- Endoscopic Bariatric Procedure
In this type of procedure, the stomach size is reduced from within either by placement of a soft balloon or suturing of the patient’s stomach. This leads to reduced gastric capacity and hunger.
How to Treat
Potential Side Effects?
Any surgical intervention can potentially have short or long-term side effects. After minimally invasive bariatric surgery at Wockhardt Hospital, the possibility of acute complication is less than 1% while long-term side effects are seen only in non-compliant patients. If you experience any problems post-surgery, discuss them with the surgeon.
- Constipation: usually not seen after 1-3 months of surgery. Your doctor will prescribe medication to relieve it.
- Infections in the surgical wound are rare as surgery is done in completely aseptic conditions in highly accredited (JCI & NABH) hospitals with a strict infection control policy. They usually present with redness and warmth at the surgical site and are addressed during your follow-up visits.
- Rarely, high-sugar meals after surgery can result in dumping syndrome. This usually presents as nausea, weakness, cramps, palpitations, sweating etc. Please visit the doctor if the symptoms persist.
- Weight loss is a precipitating factor for gallstone formation. Your doctor generally prescribes a bile salt tablet for 6 months to avoid this. Only 1%-2% of patients may have gallstones if they take prescribed medicine.
- Rarely surgical site may bleed which can present as crimson or black stools or pain in the abdomen. Generally, the blood loss in these surgeries is less than 50 ml and no blood transfusion is required. Please inform your doctor right away or visit the emergency room if you suspect bleeding.
- Due to immobility after surgery and obesity, rarely a patient may experience blood clots in the legs and lungs. Generally, all bariatric patients are kept on blood thinners and mobilised early to prevent blood clots. This can present as pain in the legs, breathlessness and sweating. Please contact your doctor immediately if symptomatic.
- Post bariatric nutritional deficiencies can be prevented by regular and adequate intake of proteins & vitamin supplements as prescribed by the bariatric team. Non-compliance may result in related deficiencies.
What should I Do After Bariatric Surgery to Keep My Weight Off?
Many patients who undergo bariatric surgery procedures are concerned about the possibility of gaining weight afterward. With some lifestyle changes – a nutritious diet, and regular exercise, you can
- Religiously follow the prescribed bariatric diet – usually usually high proteins and a low-fat diet.
- Keep track of your protein consumption and aim for 60–80 g daily. High-protein foods will keep you full and satisfied.
- Give yourself 30 minutes between eating and drinking.
- Ensure that you eat slowly and have 3 - 5 meals a day.
- Drink 48 to 64 ounces or 1.5 liters of low- or non-calorie liquids to satisfy your fluid requirements.
- Take the daily recommended doses of multivitamins and minerals.
- Strength training is preferable after bariatric surgery for 250 to 300 minutes a week.
- Monitor progress through regular follow-ups with the bariatric team.
What are the Hospital Facilities
Available for Bariatric Surgery in India?
Wockhardt Hospitals provides the following facilities for bariatric surgery:
- Advanced imaging technology
- Comprehensive health and weight screening services
- Trained and well-experienced nursing staff
- Arrangement of a mode of transport
- Treatment for weight loss and body thinning
- Food and lodging for the patient and their family
- Private rooms to stay
- Foreign exchange facility
What are the Risks
of Bariatric Surgery?
There are certain short- and long-term health concerns associated with bariatric surgery as with any major treatment. Some risks associated with bariatric surgery might include:
- Infection: An infection can happen inside or at the site of the incision during any surgical treatment.
- Blood Clots: Blood clots may develop in the legs after surgery, with the possibility that they will move to the lungs and result in pulmonary embolism, a dangerous disease.
- Excessive Bleeding: During or after surgery, there's a risk of excessive bleeding, necessitating medical intervention.
- Abscess: Following your surgery, a fluid pocket may form. An abscess may form if the fluid becomes infected due to bacteria.
- Infected Bladder: Urinary catheters are sometimes placed to control urine accumulation; they are typically left in place for the first night following the surgery. Bladder infections can result from having a catheter, which are often treated with antibiotics.
- Dumping Syndrome: After certain bariatric procedures, particularly gastric bypass, eating high-sugar or high-fat foods can cause rapid and uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Gallstones: Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones formation, a condition that can cause pain and potential complications.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): When food and stomach acid travel back up into the oesophagus, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Symptoms include heartburn, sore throats, difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, and chest discomfort.
- Ulcers or Hernias: Stomach ulcers or hernias may occur due to changes in the digestive system's structure after surgery.
- Skin Separation: Your incision may burst open and cause skin separation if it hasn't healed. The doctor may choose to seal the incision or let the wound heal naturally.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Post-surgery, patients might face challenges in Consuming or absorbing essential nutrients, necessitating supplements intake and careful dietary management.
Diagnostic Tests for Bariatric Surgery
Before having a bariatric surgery procedure, the following basic diagnostic tests are required:
- Blood Panel Test
- Urinalysis
- Liver Function Tests
- Thyroid Test
- Ultrasound whole abdomen
- Chest Xray
- Pulmonary function testing
- Upper GI endoscopy
Bariatric and Metabolic Care Blogs
FAQs on Bariatric Surgery in India
Q. Is bariatric surgery painful?
Bariatric treatment may cause some amount of pain like any other surgery. With our pain protocol, the majority of patients are able to walk within hours after surgery. Ask your doctor for additional prescription medicines, if required.
