Bariatric Surgery FAQs

You may be eligible for bariatric surgery if your BMI is 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. For Asian patients, bariatric surgery may be considered at a BMI of 27.5 to 35 when medically supervised weight-loss efforts have not achieved lasting results.

Bariatric surgery may be considered when excess weight significantly affects health, mobility, daily functioning, or quality of life. Dr Manoj Khanna evaluates each patient individually to determine whether surgical weight-loss treatment is clinically appropriate.

Common bariatric procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and other minimally invasive weight-loss procedures. Dr Manoj Khanna determines the most suitable option, depending on a patient's medical history, weight-loss goals, existing health conditions, and the bariatric surgeon's recommendations.

Pre-operative evaluation typically includes blood tests, cardiac assessment, nutritional screening, imaging, and medical consultations. These tests help Dr Manoj Khanna determine surgical suitability, identify potential risks, and optimise treatment planning before surgery.

Bariatric surgery is considered a safe and established treatment for obesity when performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon. Advances in minimally invasive techniques, patient screening, and post-operative care have significantly improved safety outcomes and recovery experiences.

Potential risks include bleeding, infection, nutritional deficiencies, blood clots, acid reflux, and other procedure-specific complications. Serious complications are relatively uncommon when surgery is performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon with appropriate follow-up care and monitoring.

Most bariatric procedures take approximately 1 to 3 hours to perform. The exact duration depends on the type of surgery, the patient's individual health factors, and the complexity of the procedure. Talk to Dr Manoj Khanna to know more.

Most patients recover from bariatric surgery within 2 to 6 weeks and can gradually return to normal daily activities. However, weight loss, dietary adjustments, and long-term metabolic changes continue to evolve over the next 12 to 18 months as the body adapts to its new digestive system. Learn more from Dr Manoj Khanna.

After bariatric surgery, patients will follow a staged diet that progresses from liquids to pureed and soft foods, then to regular foods, over about 4 to 6 weeks. High-protein meals, small portions, slow eating, and thorough chewing are essential for proper healing and long-term weight loss success.

Most patients lose around 50% to 80% of their excess body weight within 12 to 24 months after bariatric surgery. In terms of total body weight, this typically translates to a reduction of approximately 25% to 35%, provided recommended dietary, exercise, and follow-up guidelines are followed.

Many obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnoea, often improve after bariatric surgery. The degree of improvement depends on overall health, disease severity, and commitment to long-term lifestyle modifications.

In addition to significant weight loss, bariatric surgery may improve metabolic health, mobility, cardiovascular risk factors, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Many patients also experience better control of obesity-related medical conditions over time.

Bariatric surgery provides long-term support for weight management, but lasting results depend on healthy eating habits, physical activity, and regular medical follow-up. Weight regain can occur if recommended lifestyle changes are not maintained after treatment.

Bariatric surgery in Kolkata generally costs between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh, with an average treatment cost of around ₹3.5 lakh. Prices vary based on the procedure, hospital facilities, and the surgeon's experience. Speak to Dr Manoj Khanna for cost-related queries.