1) What is bariatric surgery?

Also called weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery collectively constitutes a group of surgical procedures done for obese people to lose weight. Bariatric surgeries can be performed safely and effectively at any age, in the presence of multiple co-morbidities, and in any patient from mild to severe and extreme morbid obesity.

2) Is bariatric surgery safe? 

Yes. Bariatric surgery is among the safest surgical procedures. Research demonstrated that bariatric surgeries are as safe or even safer when compared to other elective surgeries. Surgeries like the sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures use a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach to achieve a quicker recovery time, excellent cosmetic outcomes, and sustained long-term well-being.[BM6.1]

3) How does bariatric surgery reverse diabetes?

Weight-loss surgery treats type 2 diabetes in two important ways:

• Maintaining body mass index (BMI): Bariatric surgery can provide a healthier body mass index (BMI) when the food intake of the patient is decreased, thus reducing calorie intake. This reduces insulin resistance, reducing diabetes. 
• Alteration of gut hormones: Triggers changes to gut hormones that encourage healthier metabolism and more stable blood sugar levels. [BM7.1]

4) Can you have bariatric surgery after a heart attack?

An observational research study in 2022 demonstrated that patients undergoing bariatric surgery need to be cautious about their decision. They are at an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects after the surgery when compared with patients with severe obesity without heart disease. At KIMS-Arete Hospital the bariatric surgery is performed only after a careful and positive preoperative cardiovascular workup. [BM8.1]

5) Is bariatric sleeve surgery safe?

Sleeve gastrectomy (bariatric sleeve surgery) is the most common bariatric procedure performed, accounting for over 60% of all bariatric procedures. Its popularity is owed largely to its excellent short-term safety profile and technical ease. Its safety is also recognised among high-risk patient groups, such as older patients with multiple comorbidities. [BM9.1]

6) Does bariatric surgery cure type 2 diabetes?

Bariatric surgery is a significant potential factor to reverse type 2 diabetes and, in many cases, achieves significant long-term resolution. The metabolic syndrome is controlled to the point where the patients may no longer need to take medication to stabilise their blood sugar levels. However, their symptoms may come back, and medication may be needed if a patient regains the lost weight. [BM10.1]

7) What are the different types of bariatric surgery?

Various types of bariatric surgery include  

• Sleeve Gastrectomy 
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) 
• Mini-gastric Bypass 
• ILEAL Interposition 
• NISSENS-sleeve 
• Gastric Banding 

8) What are the side effects of bariatric surgery?

The common bariatric surgery side effects could include acid reflux, nausea and vomiting, weight gain or failure to lose weight, dumping syndrome, low blood sugar, malnutrition, hernias, etc.

9) How successful is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a very successful surgery. It can be illustrated by a 2020 study. This research was conducted to understand the status of 66 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery 5 years ago and its effects on cardiovascular risk factors and outcome. It was found that the survival rate of 97% is seen in the operated individuals. Significant reduction of weight was maintained even 5 years after surgery. Significant weight reduction was associated with better control of diabetes and increased self-reported physical activity with reduced anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive medications. [BM11.1]

10) What to do for hair loss after bariatric surgery?

Hair loss is a recognised complication of bariatric surgery, as it is seen in more than half of the patients during the short term after bariatric surgery. Researchers have demonstrated that iron and zinc levels are associated with hair loss. Hair loss does not usually result in severe morbidity. Increased protein and vitamin intake (especially B vitamins) could help in restricting hair loss. Also, maintaining iron and zinc levels could help. 

11) How long does bariatric surgery last?

There are different bariatric surgeries, and each surgery is different, with individualised durations. While laparoscopic gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy can be performed in 1-2 hours, gastric bypass, on the other hand, is generally performed in 2-3 hours.  

12) Which is the best hospital for bariatric surgery in Hyderabad? 

KIMS-Arete Hospital is the best hospital for bariatric surgery in Hyderabad since it cherry-picks the best bariatric surgeons who demonstrate not just the academic skill from their medical school but also integrate the skill of adapting and integrating the ever-changing medical technology through their years of practice.

Our holistic approach recognises the interrelation of physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Understanding that obesity is not just a physical condition but also impacts various aspects of a person's life, the bariatric surgeons at KIMS-Arete Hospital provide tailor-cut treatment plans to address the individual needs of each patient.

Apart from surgical approaches such as Sleeve Gastrectomy, ILEAL Interposition, Mini-gastric Bypass, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), NISSENS- sleeve, Gastric Banding, etc., we also emphasise on-surgical approaches to achieve weight loss.

13) How can we choose the best bariatric surgery hospital in Hyderabad? 

Patients in and around Hyderabad who are looking for the best bariatric surgery hospital with a humanistic experience in Hyderabad can type in phrases such as “bariatric surgery near me" or "the best bariatric surgery in Hyderabad" or "the best bariatric surgery hospital in Hyderabad” in Google to open KIMS-Arete Hospital homepage to find a "book an appointment" on the top right-hand side. Upon clicking it, the slots of the doctors are displayed. The patients can book the desired slot with their choice of doctors for appointments. Alternatively, the patients can also call 040-69696969 for appointment assistance.

14) What is the cost of bariatric surgery in India?

There is no distinct bariatric surgery cost in India. There are various types of bariatric surgery, and each one comes in ranges with upper and lower limits. The average cost of a laparoscopic bariatric surgery is anywhere between 5 lakhs and 10 lakhs, depending on the type of bariatric or metabolic surgery required. There are several factors that can influence the cost of bariatric surgery, such as the type of surgery, quantity of materials used in surgery, type of room, hospital facilities, experience of the surgeon or physician, etc. 

15) What is single-incision laparoscopic surgery?

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has emerged as another modality of carrying out the bariatric procedures. It involves a laparoscopic surgery performed using only one 15-20 mm incision. Initially, SILS was used in bariatric procedures such as adjustable gastric banding (AGB) and sleeve gastrectomy. Currently SILS is being performed in more complex bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion procedures that require gastrointestinal anastomosis. This new approach leaves only a single scar, which is hidden in the umbilicus.[