Is Weight Loss Surgery for me?
Did you know that Obesity has been declared as an epidemic by the WHO (World Health Organization)?
Did you also know that at least 2.8 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese?
Did you also know that by 2020, Obesity would be the number ONE cause of deaths worldwide?
Obesity undoubtedly is detrimental, not only to a person’s physical health but mental and social wellbeing as well.
Obesity can be the root cause of several serious, life-threatening diseases. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, high cholesterol, heart disease, joint pains, gout, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), infertility etc.
Over 50% of morbidly overweight patients are known to suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Besides, obese people are also known to suffer from poor self-esteem, anxiety and other serious psychological problems such as depression and eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia.
| Obesity and its Effects on Various Systems |
Research has proved that these conditions can be controlled or even reversed after weight loss.
However, not everyone is a candidate for weight loss surgery.
Requirements for Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing phenomenon. Thus, it is vital to understand if the individual is physically, emotionally and psychologically fit to undergo the procedure.
Besides, there are limitations on eating and drinking, lifestyle adjustments to deal with drastic changes in diet and workouts, quitting smoking, and in some cases, lose a certain amount of weight even before having bariatric surgery.
Given below are some general guidelines that most surgeons keep in mind when choosing a patient for bariatric surgery.
- Patient has been obese for a minimum of 2-5 years and has tried other non-surgical techniques for weight loss.
- BMI of 35 or more with or without co-morbidities
- Patients with BMI>30 with Type 2 diabetes mellitus who are inadequately controlled by medication and lifestyle modifications.
However, a thorough physical and psychological evaluation is done before the procedure. This includes blood tests, ECG, Upper GI endoscopy, consultation with the psychologist, anesthetist, dietitian etc. Only after they give a clearance, a patient is taken for the surgery.
Know More About Bariatric Surgery and FAQs on Bariatric Surgery
Know More About Bariatric Surgery and FAQs on Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric Surgery in Specific Conditions
There may be specific conditions medical or otherwise when people are not sure if they should choose Obesity surgery.
Here’s a list of few most popular of them. However, if you have any other condition and query, do feel free to write to us.
Bariatric Surgery after Angioplasty/ Cardiac Bypass
Morbid obesity and associated metabolic syndrome are considered as risk factors for heart disease. These could be more acute and develop further blockages in the heart if the person continues to be obese even after angioplasty/cardiac bypass surgery.
Such patients thus definitely need bariatric surgery to lose weight and thus avoid further risk of a cardiac problem.
Also, Read- 10 Simple Strategies to Keep Your Heart Healthy
Also, Read- 10 Simple Strategies to Keep Your Heart Healthy
However, cardiac fitness is mandatory prior to surgery. No undue risk can be taken if it is risky for the patient to undergo bariatric surgery even after cardiac treatment.
It is at the same time important to note that weight loss surgery should be done in a tertiary hospital with adequate emergency and cardiac facilities.
Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery
It is a well-known fact that Obesity is one of the most common causes of infertility. Besides, chances of complications and childhood diabetes increase multiple times when the mother suffers from Obesity.
Bariatric surgery not only improves the chances of conception to a great extent in morbidly obese women, but the chances of complications during pregnancy or delivery also go down significantly if the mother is not grossly overweight.
However, it is very important that women should not plan their pregnancy within the first 12-16 months following bariatric surgery.
This is because the maximum weight loss happens during the first 12-16 months. Also, sometimes nutritional deficiencies linked with bariatric surgery may starve the fetus from adequate nutrition and proper development.
So, one should plan the pregnancy only after 18 months of the surgery so that you have physically, emotionally and psychologically healed well, your weight fluctuation is no more and you are free to focus on the development of the fetus properly.
Before or after Knee Replacement
Failure of implants in obese patients has been a cause of concern among the medical fraternity for a long time. Whether or not insurance should cover knee replacement in obese patients has also been a matter of debate in many countries.
Research over the years shows that the chances of failure or knee replacement surgery increase by a great extent in morbidly obese patients. It is thus advisable to undergo bariatric surgery before knee replacement surgery to make sure that knee replacement is successful and the new joints do not succumb under the weight of your weight!
Regarding the best timing for knee replacement, research states that the majority of patients lose up to 50% of their excess weight by the end of 6 months. Thus, a knee replacement is best after six months of weight loss surgery.
However, if the condition of the knee is severe, one can choose to undergo knee replacement immediately before or after the bariatric surgery, provided your health and your doctor allow this.
Read and watch the story of this lady from Australia who had the same issue. Knee pain and Obesity.
However, if the condition of the knee is severe, one can choose to undergo knee replacement immediately before or after the bariatric surgery, provided your health and your doctor allow this.
Read and watch the story of this lady from Australia who had the same issue. Knee pain and Obesity.
Psychological Conditions
Bariatric or weight loss surgery is a life-changing phenomenon. It would make you completely change your eating habits and lifestyle.
The patient thus needs to be psychologically and emotionally prepared to embrace change in eating and lifestyle habits. Most of the weight loss success stories are dependent on the mental health conditions of the patients.
A patient may be obese due to a binge-eating disorder, substance abuse, depression, fretfulness, childhood sexual abuse, etc. These conditions need to be treated and managed before undergoing an operation.
Besides, these help in the better assessment of your willingness and capability to follow through the required diet plan and exercise regimen made by the surgeons.
Limitations of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not a magic and isn’t an assurance of losing excess weight or maintaining the lost weight over the long term unless healthy and active lifestyle changes are made.
Also, it is not a panacea for your psychological problems as well. You would surely feel good about your body and with yourself when you lose weight. Research also states that 90% of the people have an improved sense of self-esteem after the surgery and 55% of the people with clinical depression overcome the disease.
Thus, a talk with a medical expert is ideal to know if you are eligible for the procedure.
Why Bariatric Surgery in India?
Bariatric Surgery Medical Tourism to India has caught up with many from the West and African countries. The most important reason for this is the low cost of surgery in India with the same standards of care.
Bariatric surgeons in India are known for their skills and expertise all across the world. Many of them are Board certified and are even awarded the “Bariatric Deal of Excellence” for their work in the field.
Few of the best bariatric surgery hospitals in India are not only accredited but provide special services or International patients.
Bariatric Surgery Cost in India
The cost of bariatric surgery in India is a fraction of what it costs to get the surgery done in the West. To give you an example, while the cost of gastric bypass in India starts from US $ 6000, the cost of gastric bypass in the USA costs around the US $ 30,000 or more.
Also, bear in mind that there is no compromise on the quality of care and treatment. The surgery is done by a board-certified surgeon at well-equipped and accredited hospitals.
You can thus expect to save a lot of money when you choose to get your weight loss surgery in India.
Read More- How much does Gastric Sleeve Cost in India?
Why IndiCure?
IndiCure is the most renowned and largest medical tourism company in India. We help you choose the best options for weight loss surgery in India that meet your budget and preferences along with making certain your surgery is safe, secure, and low-priced.
We help you get a free medical opinion from our experts, counted among the best bariatric surgeons in India and at best bariatric surgery hospitals in India.
All you need to do is e-mail your medical history and details to [email protected] or call us at +91-932-003-6777 (India) or +1-877-270-2448 (US Toll-Free) or Skype us @ Indicure
