Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure for individuals with severe obesity who have not achieved lasting weight loss through diet, exercise, and medication. The surgery works by reducing the stomach size and/or rerouting the digestive tract to limit food intake and nutrient absorption. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, we perform laparoscopic bariatric procedures including sleeve gastrectomy — where about 75–80% of the stomach is removed to create a narrow tube (sleeve) — and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for patients who need a more comprehensive approach. Dr. Rajesh Kanungo brings 34 years of surgical expertise with FMAS, FIAGES qualifications and advanced laparoscopic training from IRCAD Strasbourg, France. Our bariatric programme includes pre-operative counselling, nutritional assessment, surgery, and long-term follow-up to ensure sustained weight loss and resolution of obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Who Needs Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery?

• •Individuals with a BMI of 40 or above (severe obesity) who have not achieved lasting weight loss with conservative methods
• •Patients with a BMI of 35–39.9 who also have obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or joint disease
• •Asian patients with a BMI of 32.5 or above with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (metabolic surgery criteria)
• •People who have tried supervised diet, exercise, and weight-loss medications for at least 6 months without adequate results
• •Patients whose excess weight is significantly impacting their quality of life, mobility, and psychological well-being

How to Prepare

1. 1Comprehensive evaluation by the bariatric team including surgeon, physician, nutritionist, and psychologist
2. 2Blood tests, thyroid function, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver function, and vitamin levels to assess metabolic health
3. 3Upper GI endoscopy to check for any stomach abnormalities before surgery
4. 4Follow a pre-operative low-calorie diet for 2–4 weeks to reduce liver size and make surgery safer
5. 5Psychological evaluation to assess readiness for the lifestyle changes required after surgery
6. 6Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before surgery to reduce anaesthesia and healing risks

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia using a laparoscopic approach with 4–5 small incisions (0.5–1 cm each)
2. 2For sleeve gastrectomy: about 75–80% of the stomach is removed along the greater curvature using a surgical stapler, leaving a narrow banana-shaped sleeve
3. 3For gastric bypass: a small pouch is created from the upper stomach and connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing a significant portion of the stomach and duodenum
4. 4The staple lines are checked for any leaks using a methylene blue dye test or air leak test
5. 5The removed stomach portion (in sleeve gastrectomy) is extracted through one of the port sites
6. 6The incisions are closed and the patient is moved to the recovery ward for monitoring

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓Hospital stay is typically 2–3 days; clear liquids are started on day 1, gradually progressing to full liquids, pureed foods, and soft foods over 4–6 weeks
• ✓Follow the post-operative diet phases strictly: clear liquids (week 1), full liquids (week 2), pureed foods (weeks 3–4), soft foods (weeks 5–6), then regular healthy foods
• ✓Eat small portions (60–100 ml per meal initially), chew thoroughly, and stop eating when you feel full
• ✓Start light walking from day 1; gradually increase activity over 4–6 weeks; avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks
• ✓Take prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements daily (multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron) for life to prevent deficiencies
• ✓Attend regular follow-up appointments at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and annually for weight monitoring, blood tests, and nutritional assessment

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Staple line leak — the most serious early complication (1–3% risk); monitored closely during hospital stay and managed with antibiotics and/or re-intervention
• ⚠Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) — prevented with blood thinners, compression devices, and early mobilisation
• ⚠Nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D) — prevented with lifelong supplementation and regular blood tests
• ⚠Dumping syndrome (with gastric bypass) — nausea, dizziness, and diarrhoea after eating sugary or fatty foods; managed with dietary modification
• ⚠Gallstones may develop due to rapid weight loss — treated with medication or surgery if symptomatic

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions