FAQs on Obesity And Metabolic Surgery

Q- Is this surgery safe?

Ans- This type of surgery is being performed in western countries for more than five decades with exceptional safety. Your surgeon will also inform you about complications/side effects of your chosen surgical procedure. Risk of this surgery is similar to gall bladder surgery.

Q- Which operation is best for me?

Ans- There are a number of bariatric / metabolic procedures to choose from and no one procedure fits all patients. Our surgeons will recommend the most appropriate procedure for you. If you have a strong opinion regarding the best procedure for yourself, please discuss it with your surgeon. We also offer robotic surgery at our center.

Q- Do I need to lose some weight prior to surgery?

Ans- Weight loss immediately prior to surgery is known to improve surgical safety in some patients. Our surgeons will advise you appropriately. We also recommend a liver reducing diet for 10-14 days prior to surgery to improve safety of this surgery.

Q- I suffer with diabetes. Do I need this surgery?

Ans- Please refer to question no. 2. If your BMI is more than 35, you are a suitable candidate for this surgery. If your BMI is between 27.5 and 35, you will only be considered suitable for this surgery if you suffer with inadequately controlled diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus). Your physician or endocrinologist will be able to give you appropriate advice.

Q- How much weight will I lose?

Ans- Typically, patients lose approximately 75-85% of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months after surgery (with sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass) and maintain most of that in the long term. However, as can be expected, weight loss also depends on individuals’ ability to reform their eating behavior and lifestyle. It is extremely uncommon with current surgical procedures to lose “too much” weight.

Q- Is this surgery cost effective?

Ans- This surgery should be considered as an investment in your health and personality with manifold returns in future. It is widely recognized that this surgery pays back for itself in approximately 2 year time through reduced healthcare costs and gain in individual’s economic productivity. It is commonly described as something that adds “years to your life” and “life to your years”.