There are several factors that decide the eligibility criteria for a weight loss surgery –

• Should be mentally ready for the surgery
• Should have tried non-surgical options for weight loss before the surgery (exercise, diet, etc)
• Should have a BMI over 35( Asians 32.5) with associated problems
• Should be aware of the benefits and risks associated with the surgery

Significant weight loss is not the only benefit from the surgery. The patient also experiences benefits via improved associated medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, PCOs, sleep apnoea and others are improved by weight-loss surgery.

Weight-loss surgery is a major life decision and you will have to do a lot of research before coming to the final decision. One thing to be understood is that the procedure is not a cure-all, and its success depends on the patient. There are a few things that you can do to prepare yourself for the surgery -

• Make healthy changes in your lifestyle and eating habits
• Make sure that you follow a daily exercise routine
• Follow-up with your physician and abide by their recommendations
• Join support groups
• Being mentally ready to adopt the new lifestyle

There are certain health problems (comorbidities) that might qualify a patient for a weight loss surgery. They include –

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Lipid abnormalities
• Osteoarthritis
• pcos
• Gastrointestinal disorders

This is a very common question. A weight loss surgery is considered successful if the patient losses 50% or more of the excess body weight.

There can be a few side effects depending on the type of weight loss surgery.

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Dumping syndrome
• Hormonal changes
• Depression

Your physician will give you detailed information about the possible side effects before the surgery & how to prevent them.

Your stay at the hospital depends on the type of bariatric procedure. Your stay ranges from 1 night to 2 nights in the hospital.

Contact your insurance provider for the policy information and find whether it covers the surgery. Most insurance providers have stringent requirements for weight-loss surgery including a meeting with the physician.

Yes, you can drink alcohol after surgery. But in moderation.

Well, very first year it is advisable to avoid it as you are losing weight but in case it happens then get in touch with us for a better approach during your pregnancy so we can work on a plan that is best for you and the baby.

Other complications (although rare) patients may develop after weight loss surgery

• Ulcers
• Gallstones
• Hernia
• Dehydration
• Hypoglycaemia
• Kidney stones

Healthy eating & regular exercise is best thing to follow to maintain your weight loss results. In some cases, patients regain weight after a brief period. This could be due to consumption of high calorie food instead of healthy foods. This leads to increase in size patients’ surgical stomach or digestive system absorbing more calories, resulting in weight gain.

To have best results after weight loss procedure or sustain the weight loss goals, you should follow healthy eating habits including

• Consuming nutritious small meals
• Eat a lot of protein food
• Taking the supplements as recommended by the surgeon to fight the vitamin deficiencies. Well trained dietitians can help with the diet and nutrition plan for the you.

Your body has some difficulty absorbing some vital nutrients (especially gastric bypass) after weight loss surgery Hence doctors advise patients to take supplements including -

• Calcium
• Iron
• Multi-Vitamin

Your relationships with friends and family may change after weight loss surgery. You would have to leave behind food and drink for socializing and adopt new, healthy ways to socialize after undergoing weight loss surgery.

Likewise, as you would get in shape, the outcomes will be self-evident (such as increased confidence), so be prepared to answer the questions related to weight loss surgery.

If you are searching for a good bariatric surgeon, go for experienced professional. As he/she has operated many cases and can lower the risk of complications during or after the surgery.

Also for nonsurgical weight loss procedures like gastric balloon or POSE better choose a well experienced bariatric surgeon over medical GI spaecialist as in case any complications happen then surgeon is in better position to handle then nonsurgeons.

Check on the internet for excellent surgeons in your area or ask your friends and family members who know about weight loss surgery. You can also check with the hospitals or health centres that giving seminars on weight loss surgery. This not only helps you with gaining knowledge about the actual procedures of the surgery but also let you know the names of professionals who perform the surgeries.

Yes, in a positive way. You will start looking young and energetic within a few weeks of losing weight. However, many people who lose a lot of weight often discover their skin turns loose( can be countered by regular exercise) . Plastic surgery is an effective solution to remove this excess skin.

There are two weight loss surgery options to reduce weight. They include

• Restrictive surgery
• Malabsorptive surgery

Restrictive surgery (like lap band, sleeve surgery ) works by physically confining your stomach's size, restricting the nourishment intake. After weight loss surgery, the capacity of the stomach to store food is reduced from three ounces to one ounce. The stomach's capacity may come back to normalcy over time.

Malabsorptive surgery (like gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass) works by altering the food absorption process in your digestive tract. This involves removal of some parts of your intestine. This results absorption of fewer nourishments into the body.

The amount of weight loss after surgery depends upon the various factors including -

• Kind of weight loss surgery you choose
• Your age
• Your gender
• Starting BMI
• Your ability to adapt to lifestyle changes required to make weight surgery a success.
• Exercising / diet

Exercise is vital but take the advice of your surgeon before you start. You can start with simple exercises right away and increase the pace steadily. You can go for a short walk during the hospital stay. You can even start swimming once your wound is healed. Heavy workouts like lifting weights or sports must be avoided for initial 6- 8 weeks.

Weight loss results are quick and dramatic, and the weight loss percentage totally depends on the weight loss surgery and your commitment to the treatment.

Patients who have gastric bypass surgery can expect to lose between 60% and 80% of their extra body weight lost within first year after the surgery.

Patients who have adjustable gastric banding (lap banding) surgery can lose 40% to 50% of their extra weight within a year after the surgery.