The Department of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery at KIMS-Arete Hospital addresses the multiple complex challenges of obesity and metabolic diseases. Our team of highly skilled surgeons and healthcare professionals is committed to providing innovative solutions and compassionate support to help patients achieve lasting weight loss and improved metabolic health.

The Department of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery at KIMS-Arete Hospital addresses the multiple complex challenges of obesity and metabolic diseases. Our team of highly skilled surgeons and healthcare professionals is committed to providing innovative solutions and compassionate support to help patients achieve lasting weight loss and improved metabolic health.

At the heart of our department's philosophy is a holistic approach that 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, we therefore tailor our bariatric treatment plans to address the individual needs of each patient, considering their unique circumstances and challenges.

One of the main highlights of our Department is our emphasis on non-surgical approaches to weight management. We offer a range of non-invasive interventions, including the swallowable gastric balloon, which requires no anaesthesia and can be done in 20 minutes in an outpatient setting. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and ileal interposition are designed to help patients achieve significant weight loss, resolve co-morbidities including type 2 diabetes mellitus, and achieve overall well-being. These interventions are performed with precision and care, utilising advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery techniques and robotic techniques to minimise discomfort and promote faster recovery with a 2-day hospital stay on an average.

Diagnostic tests done before bariatric surgery

A holistic preoperative evaluation is done before bariatric surgery. Our skilled team emphasises that each patient is different. The assessment and eligibility of a patient undergoing bariatric surgery is approved by an interdisciplinary team encompassing endocrinologists, dieticians, psychologists, anaesthesiologists, nurses, cardiologists, and bariatric surgeons. The common tests include:

Psychological Evaluation: Only psychologically fit patients undergo bariatric surgery. For this, the patient is tested for mental disorders, depression, eating disorders, prior weight loss attempts, motivational levels, etc.
Nutritional Evaluation: Nutritional assessment is necessary to guide the patient towards the necessary dietary modifications after surgery. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery (especially sleeve gastrectomy) expect to lose about 60-65% of excess body weight in 2 years. Any nutritional and vitamin deficiencies are identified and corrected.
Glycaemic profile: The presence or absence of diabetes, its severity, and the glycaemic control in the patient undergoing bariatric surgery are assessed, monitored, and factored into the decision-making of the type of surgery best suited to a particular patient.
Weight Loss Plan: A guided weight loss plan is necessary. Failure to lose weight before surgery could predict how unreliable the patient may be during the postoperative period.
Medical Clearance: A complete medical evaluation, which includes a detailed history and physical, review of past medical and surgical history, psycho-social factors influencing weight loss, laboratory workup, etc., needs to be cleared before the patient undergoes bariatric surgery.
Preoperative Imaging Tests: Imaging modalities guide the bariatric surgeon in determining the type of bariatric surgical procedures to offer the patient. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is one such abdominal ultrasound scan. [

Our Key Subspecialties

Management of Obesity: Our approach to managing obesity encompasses a range of strategies tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient.

Lifestyle Changes: At KIMS-Arete Hospital, we believe in the power of sustainable lifestyle modifications. Our approach includes personalised dietary plans, tailored exercise regimens, and behavioural strategies aimed at fostering long-term weight loss. We provide thorough support and education to empower individuals to make healthy choices and maintain their progress over time.
Non-Surgical Interventions: Our innovative non-surgical options, such as swallowable gastric balloons, done with no anaesthesia and in an outpatient setting, offer effective tools for weight management. These minimally invasive procedures help reduce stomach volume temporarily, leading to feelings of fullness and aiding in weight loss. Combined with expert dietary guidance and structured exercise programs, these interventions form a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthier weight.
Medication Therapy: In certain cases, medication therapy may be recommended to augment weight loss efforts. Our experienced medical team prescribes medications designed to suppress appetite, reduce cravings, or inhibit fat absorption as part of individualised treatment plans. Close monitoring and adjustment ensure the safety and efficacy of medication therapy.
Bariatric Surgery: For individuals with severe morbid obesity or those who have not responded to other interventions, Bariatric weight loss surgery is the only treatment option. At KIMS-Arete Hospital, our skilled Bariatric Surgeons perform advanced procedures designed to restrict food intake, decrease nutrient absorption, or modify the digestive process. These surgical options are tailored to each patient's unique needs and health goals, with extensive preoperative and postoperative care.

Management of Diabetes: The Department of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery at KIMS-Arete Hospital manages diabetes by prioritising overall well-being through a multifaceted approach.

Multidisciplinary Team Approach: Our dedicated team includes endocrinologists, physicians, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and other specialists who work collaboratively to address the diverse needs of individuals with diabetes.
Medication Management: When necessary, our team may prescribe medications to help control blood sugar levels and prevent complications associated with diabetes. These medications are carefully selected based on each patient's medical history, preferences, and treatment goals.
Yoga, Meditation, and Stress Management: We recognise the significant impact of stress on diabetes management. To address this, we offer holistic interventions such as yoga, meditation, and other stress reduction techniques. These practices promote relaxation, improve emotional well-being, and help patients better cope with the challenges of living with diabetes.
Laparoscopic Metabolic Surgery: In cases of severe, long-standing diabetes not responding to medication, or when diabetes is complicated by obesity or other factors, laparoscopic metabolic surgery is the gold standard for treatment. This minimally invasive approach can help improve insulin sensitivity, promote weight loss, and enhance overall metabolic health with excellent long-term glycaemic control and, in many cases, complete resolution of diabetes.

Conditions and diseases associated with obesity

Cancer: Postmenopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, colon and rectal cancers, gallbladder cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, etc.
Cardiovascular diseases: Coronary artery disease, obesity‐associated cardiomyopathy, increased blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, cor pulmonale, accelerated atherosclerosis, obesity-induced pulmonary hypertension, dyslipidaemia, chronic heart failure, etc.
Gastrointestinal diseases: Various types of gallbladder diseases, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux oesophagitis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fatty liver, acute pancreatitis, etc.
Metabolic and endocrine: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, etc.
Central nervous system: Stroke, dementia, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, meralgia paraesthesia, etc.
Psychological problems: depression, anxiety, personality disorder, etc.

Dr. Surendra Madhukar Ugale

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT