Frequently Asked Questions

Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is performed with the latest technology of Key Hole Surgery.  The surgeon makes several small holes (incisions) in the tummy (abdomen) and inserts specialized surgical instruments, including a camera and a long, thin tube with a light (laparoscope), to view the inside of the tummy (abdomen) and perform the surgery.

Common advantages of laparoscopic Bariatric surgery are:

• Less postoperative pain,
• Shorten hospital stays,
• Quicker return to bowel function,
• Quicker return to normal activity &
• Better cosmetic results

Generally, the cost of bariatric surgery in India ranges from INR 2,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 (approximately USD 3,500 to USD 7,000) for a standard procedure like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.

The cost of bariatric surgery in India can vary depending on several factors such as the type of procedure, associated medical conditions in the patient, the surgeon’s experience, and hospital amenities.

Yes. Bariatric Surgery is excluded from insurance under the following conditions:

• The routine waiting period after a new policy is activated is 30 days. But for Bariatric surgery its 2-5 years varying with health insurance providers.
• If surgery is being undertaken for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons.
• If the weight gain is a byproduct of medication or poor mental health.

Yes, Bariatric surgery is covered in health insurance or mediclaim schemes in India since 2019.

Health insurance cover Bariatric Surgery only if the following criteria are fulfilled:

• Age more than 18 years while undergoing the surgery.
• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) value must be 40 or above.
• Your BMI is 35 or above and you suffer from comorbidities like diabetes, heart disease or stroke.
• You must possess the doctor’s prescription and relevant diagnostic test result reports.

Like other medical treatments or surgeries under health insurance or mediclaim schemes, there may be specific requirements or limitations such as waiting periods, pre-authorisation or limits in the amount of coverage.

We provide weight loss treatment (bariatric surgery) under health insurance or mediclaim schemes.

Following health insurance providers covers bariatric surgery in India

• IFFCO Tokio Health Insurance Company- https://www.iffcotokio.co.in/
• Bajaj Allianz Health Insurance Company- https://www.bajajallianz.com/
• Care Health Insurance Company (Religare)- https://www.careinsurance.com/
• HDFC ERGO General Health Insurance Company- https://www.hdfcergo.com/
• Tata AIG Health Insurance Company- https://www.tataaig.com/
• Star Health Insurance Company- https://www.starhealth.in/
• ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Company- https://www.icicilombard.com/
• United India Insurance Company Ltd.- https://uiic.co.in/

Weight loss treatment or surgery may be recommended in certain situations where other methods of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, have not been effective or when obesity-related health conditions pose significant risks to your health. Here are some reasons why weight loss treatment or surgery may be necessary:

1. Obesity-related health conditions: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of developing various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and joint problems. If you have these conditions or if your health is significantly impacted by obesity, weight loss treatment or surgery may be recommended to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications.
2. Failed attempts at weight loss: If you have made consistent efforts to lose weight through lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, but have not achieved significant or sustainable weight loss, weight loss treatment or surgery may be considered as an alternative or additional approach to help you reach a healthier weight.
3. Higher Body mass index (BMI): In cases of severe obesity, where the body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, or when BMI is between 35 and 39.9 accompanied by obesity-related health conditions, weight loss surgery may be recommended. Surgery can provide significant and sustained weight loss, leading to improvements in overall health and quality of life.
4. Impact on mental and emotional well-being: Obesity can have a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being, leading to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Weight loss treatment or surgery can help improve body image and psychological well-being, promoting a better quality of life.

Determining whether you are suffering from obesity involves assessing your body weight in relation to your height and evaluating other factors related to your health. Here are some common methods used to identify obesity:

• Body Mass Index (BMI):

1. • BMI is a widely used tool to assess body weight relative to height.
   • It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters (BMI = weight in kg / (height in meters)^2). The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes BMI ranges as follows:

1. • 1. Underweight: BMI < 18.5
     2. Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
     3. Overweight: BMI 25 – 29.9
     4. Obesity (Class 1): BMI 30 – 34.9
     5. Obesity (Class 2): BMI 35 – 39.9
     6. Severe obesity (Class 3): BMI ≥ 40

• Waist Circumference:

1. • Measuring your waist circumference can provide additional information about abdominal obesity, which is associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions.
   • Generally, a waist circumference above 40 inches (102 cm) for men and 35 inches (88 cm) for women is considered indicative of abdominal obesity.

• Health Assessment:

1. • Assessing your overall health and the presence of obesity-related conditions can also indicate if you are suffering from obesity.
   • Conditions commonly associated with obesity include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint problems, and heart disease.
   • If you have these conditions or if your healthcare provider diagnoses you with obesity-related health issues, it suggests the presence of obesity.

Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases affecting the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

In some cases, alternative treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be used as alternatives or in combination with surgery to treat cancer.

The appropriate treatment plan will depend on the specific type and stage of cancer.

Preparing for laparoscopic or bariatric surgery involves several important steps to ensure a successful outcome and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare:

At Home:

• Stop smoking: If you smoke, you should quit at least four weeks before surgery. Smoking can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
• Adjust your diet: Consume more protein and fewer carbohydrates and fats. This will help you lose weight and reduce the size of your liver, making the surgery easier to perform.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your surgery. Proper hydration will help your body function optimally during and after the procedure.
• Get enough rest: Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night in the days leading up to your surgery. Getting enough rest is crucial for your body to heal properly after surgery.
• Manage your medications: Inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before the surgery, specially blood thinners

At Hospital:

• Pre-operative testing: Blood tests, Chest x-ray and ECG (electrocardiogram) to check your lungs and your heart’s electrical system & USG to look at the size of left lobe of liver.
• Anaesthetic Assessment before Surgery:
• Informed Consent for Surgery
• Getting ready for Surgery

1. 6 hour Fasting before surgery.
2. Laxative to clear your colon.
3. Shaving of Operative part to reduce the risk of infection.