Bariatric Surgery

What are the different types of bariatric surgeries?

Bariatric surgeries aim at reducing the food intake and increase satiety. This is achieved by different procedures as mentioned below:

• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) – A small pouch is created with the help of a band to minimizefood intake and increase satiety.
• Gastric balloon – A balloon is placed inside the stomach to promote early satisfaction.
• Gastric bypass–Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – A small pouch is placed that bypasses stomach and deodenum. The bypass mechanism is believed to cause changes in the gut hormones, and hencepromote satiety and suppress hunger.
• Gastric sleeve– Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy – A portion of the stomach is removed to form a narrower gastric sleeve.
  
  

What to expect before, during and after bariatric surgery?

Before Surgery: The medical team will explain to you about the procedure and also give you instructions about do’s and don’ts before and after the surgery. You will also undergo some pre-operative investigations.

During Surgery: Surgery is carried out under general anaesthesia by a specialized team of anaesthetists, surgeons and other medical staff. Depending on the type of surgery, surgeons perform the surgery in a couple of hours.

After Surgery: Depending upon your health status, you may need to stay in hospital for a few days. Recovery and rehabilitation varies from person to person. You will receive dietary and exercise guidance from the medical team, which is critical for the success of the surgery.

What diet should be taken after bariatric surgery?

A dietician will provide a complete diet plan that should be followed after bariatric surgery to ensure nutritional adequacy. After a few hours of surgery, only clear liquid is given. This is followed by pureed food for few weeks and then small, tender and easily chewable pieces. After eight weeks of surgery, firmer food can be started. Normal diet may be followed after about four months of surgery.

Throughout the diet, one should eat and drink slowly, keep meals small and chew thoroughly.

What factors govern the cost of bariatric surgery? Is there an insurance coverage available?

The cost of surgery is governed by several factors, such as

• Availability of skilled and specialized surgeon and facilities
• Medical condition of the patient
• Time-to-recovery
• Usage of medications and additional investigations

Check if the hospital is enrolled with majority of Third-party Administrator (TPA) and insurers. If you have an insurance policy, seek help from the TPA desk at the hospital to determine whether your policy covers the surgery or not.

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