Bariatric surgery is a simple surgical procedure wherein the size of the stomach is curtailed leading to reduced consumption of calories. 

Given that India and the world has a burgeoning population of obese people, bariatric surgery proves to be the best and most effective way to lose and maintain weight. Bariatric surgery not only cures obesity but also its allied co-morbidities.

People who fall in the Grade III category of obesity stand most eligible, patients in Grade II obesity with one or more co-morbidities may also opt for bariatric surgery.

Bariatric surgery leads to drastic weight loss, in a significantly smaller time frame; it also requires less effort to lose weight. More importantly bariatric surgery significantly increases the life span of an obese individual simultaneously ridding of co-morbidities.

• Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB)
• Laparascopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
• Laparascopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
• Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass (LGB)

All of our patients have recovered from a bariatric surgery procedure without any complications. We encourage our patients to get out of bed and start walking by the next day. The hospital stay varies from a day or two depending on each case and the procedure opted for.

Success in weight loss is inevitable with bariatric surgery. However we consider it successful only when our patient loses 50 percent or more of his or her excess weight. Most patients lose all of their excess weight and gain numerous health benefits, while some may require exercising to accelerate the weight loss rate.

Like in any other surgery a few hours or days of rest are recommended. One can resume everyday activities almost immediately after the surgery. We recommend a week's rest before resuming work. We also mention that one should avoid strenuous activities like weight lifting etc until a month. Walking is strongly recommended, to hasten the healing process and accelerate the weight loss.

Unfortunately insurance companies in India do not cover bariatric surgery, however efforts are being made to amend this, as bariatric surgery is now proving to be a lifesaver for most patients.

Since bariatric surgery deals with the metabolism of the body it is important to alter ones diet before and after surgery. All the dietary requirements will be taken care of by the resident bariatric nutritionist. For a detailed pre and post operation diet plan click here.

Excess weight loss begins right after surgery and continues for 18-24 months after surgery.

Bariatric surgery is the only clinically proven way to lose and maintain weight. However there are marginal chances of weight gain, only if one opts for an irresponsible and unhealthy lifestyle.

Reversible procedures include:

• Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB)
• Laparascopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)

Permanent procedures include:

• Laparascopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
• Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass (LGB)

Yes. One can eat all kinds of food, however it is important to make a healthy choice as portion sizes will be smaller.

Yes, alcohol is permitted 12 months after surgery; however a responsible diet will not include alcohol, as it has empty calories that do not deliver any nutritional value.

One of the many reasons for hair loss is a sudden change in bodily functions. When one loses weight significantly through surgery or otherwise hair loss is inevitable. Hair loss after bariatric surgery generally appears around three to five months. The degree and rate of loss varies on an individual basis. However by increasing the amount of protein in ones diet and by consuming multivitamins as per a doctor's recommendation hair loss can be minimised.

Patients losing large amounts of weight may have excess skin. This depends on an individual basis, age and elasticity of one's skin plays an integral role in determining excess skin. If the excess skin causes skin infections or affects your appearance, you may consider undergoing body lifts or abdominoplasty.

Preparation for surgery is not very complicated. Here are a few simple steps.

The day before surgery:
Pack your hospital bag. This should ideally contain:

• Face towels and wet tissues
• Two pairs of loose-fitting garments
• Comfortable undergarments
• A book or magazine
• iPod, loaded with soft, calming music
• Chapstick or lip balm
• Moisturizing lotion
• Comfortable slippers with non-slip soles, that are easy to get on and off
• Eye-patch, hair-band, ear plugs, breath-freshener spray
• Toileteries

Arrange for a responsible adult (your spouse, a relative or a close friend) to drive you to the hospital and stay there with you until you are discharged. Eat or drink nothing after midnight - this means no tea or coffee the morning of your surgery.

The day of your surgery:

Medications
Be careful about the medications you take. If you take insulin, take half to three-fourths of your morning insulin dose as directed by your physician. Take only your blood-pressure, heart and asthma medications with a small sip of water. Do carry all your medications and recent blood reports (including X-rays and sonographies) with you.

At home
Take a shower before coming to the hospital. Do not carry money, valuable belongings or jewellery with you. Do not wear make-up, fingernail or toenail polish and trim your nails short. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Please arrive at the hospital at the instructed time.

At the hospital
Please check yourself in at the admission desk at the ground floor. After registration, you will be directed to your room. Give your purse or wallet and mobile phone to the person accompanying you. Please remove any dentures, glasses, hearing aids, contact lenses, hairpins and combs before going into surgery; give these items to your companion. Be prepared for a potential long wait - carry a book or magazine.

The day after surgery:

Please make arrangements to have someone pick you up from the hospital when you are being discharged. Your hospital stay should be about one day for Lap Band patients and two days for Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy patients.

After discharge:

Avoid driving till about 5 days after the surgery. You can have a shower as the dressings we use are waterproof. The stitches will dissolve on their own. Do not worry if the dressings come off - just use a small band-aid over the wound. Finally, make sure you visit the doctor seven days after your surgery.