About Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is now a widespread problem. It often brings associated medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain forms of cancer.
The amount of body fat can be expressed in terms of body mass index (BMI). For an adult, BMI is calculated by dividing their weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in metres). An obese person has a BMI over 40.
Sometimes, even after making the best efforts, it becomes difficult to lose extra body fat by natural means such as exercising and diet control.
Bariatric surgery proves effective in this critical condition. It is suggested for patients having a BMI (kg/m2) more than 40 or if their BMI ranges between 35-39.9, accompanied by comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, joint pain, etc.
It is a series of procedures that focuses on minimising the patient's appetite by reducing the size of the stomach.
About Bariatric Surgeons in India
The medical professionals who identify the problem of obesity from the perspective of treating it by surgery are referred to as Bariatric surgeons.
Bariatric surgeons perform various surgeries, such as gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric band surgery, etc., to help reduce obese patients' extra body fat. As a result of this, obesity and its related problems can be controlled.
Criteria To Choose The Best Bariatric Surgeon in India
Preoperative assessment and post-surgical health management are the cornerstones of bariatric surgery. Proper evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical condition, and psychological well-being must be performed. Hence, it is essential to choose the best bariatric surgeons who can consider all aspects of health issues that can arise during bariatric surgery.
Here, we list some of the criteria for choosing the best bariatric surgeon in India.
Bariatric surgeon's experience
A bariatric surgeon should have extensive experience performing various types of weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding.
A surgeon who has experience in managing critical bariatric cases is more reliable and, hence, more preferred by obese patients.
Hospital accreditation
The patient should choose a hospital accredited by recognised organisations, such as the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) in India. Accreditation ensures strict quality and safety protocols, thus building patients' trust.
Availability of the bariatric surgeon
Post-bariatric surgery, regular follow-ups are significant in maintaining and monitoring the health conditions of the patients. So it is advisable to choose a bariatric surgeon in India who is available full-time for follow-ups and further consultations. If any complication arises, they should promptly assess the situation and provide appropriate medical intervention.
Some patients may develop cibophobia, the fear of food after the surgery. Bariatric surgeons should also identify these problems and provide the best possible solutions as soon as possible.
Which Procedures Do Bariatric Surgeons Perform?
Bariatric surgery involves various surgical techniques, each with its benefits, risks, and complications. They must carefully select the most suitable surgical procedure based on individual patient health conditions, such as BMI, anatomy, comorbidities, and preferences.
Some of the procedures performed by best bariatric surgeon in India are as follows:
Gastric bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery)
This procedure focuses on minimising the amount of food a patient can consume by stapling off the upper section of the stomach and attaching this pouch directly to the small intestine.
Sleeve gastrectomy
In this procedure, 80% of the patient's stomach is removed, which reduces the food intake and accelerates gastric emptying.
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
This surgery restricts the malabsorption of food, thus helping to reduce fat content in the body. In this procedure, a diversion is created and then the jejunum is attached to the ileum, a process called a duodenal switch.
Single-anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S)
This surgical procedure ensures that the food remains in the intestine for a short period by reducing the size of the ileum by 40%.
In this procedure, the duodenum is closed by surgery. This opening below the new stomach is then connected to a part of the ileum known as the duodenal-ileal bypass.
In this way, reduced absorption limits unnecessary weight gain.
Gastric band surgery (Lap-Band)
In this procedure, an adjustable silicone band mimics a small stomach. The band stores food, giving a sense of fullness even after small amounts of food are consumed.
This is a reversible process and is less preferred over other methods due to its high failure rate.
Bariatric surgeons suggest any of these surgical procedures considering body mass index, eating habits, other medical issues, previous surgeries, and the risk factors associated with each procedure.
Why Choose Vaidam for Bariatric Surgery?
After bariatric surgery, patients undergo some dietary limitations, evolving perceptions of body image, altered hormonal changes, and an emerging different lifestyle. This contributes to their journey toward improved health in the long run. Vaidam understands how obesity may impact a person's overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We team up with the best bariatric surgeon in India, who plans the surgical procedure and carries out pre- and post-assessments.
Vaidam is a leading global healthcare assistance company that receives 100+ inquiries related to bariatric surgery every day. We have assisted patients not only from India but also from more than 125 countries worldwide. So, if you seek high-quality medical services abroad, we are here to help you schedule an appointment with a specialist doctor.
Don't let your health suffer any longer. Reach out to us, and let us help you get the medical care you deserve!