Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India, with the country projected to have the third-largest obese population in the world by 2030. For many patients, diet and exercise alone are insufficient to achieve lasting weight loss — especially when obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and joint disease are already present. Bariatric surgery offers a proven, durable solution.
Bariatric surgery is not cosmetic surgery. It is a life-changing medical procedure for patients with severe obesity that significantly reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Who Is Eligible for Bariatric Surgery?
Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary team including a surgeon, physician, dietitian, and psychologist. International and Indian guidelines recognise the following criteria:
Patients should generally be between 18 and 65 years of age. Younger patients may be considered in exceptional cases. There are no absolute upper age limits, but surgical risk increases with age and must be carefully assessed.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Available at SAI Hospital
| Procedure | How It Works | Expected Weight Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeve Gastrectomy | Removes ~80% of the stomach, creating a small sleeve-shaped pouch. Reduces hunger hormone (ghrelin). | 60-70% excess weight loss |
| Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass | Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine. Restricts intake and reduces absorption. | 70-80% excess weight loss |
| Adjustable Gastric Band | An inflatable band placed around the upper stomach restricts food intake. Reversible. | 40-50% excess weight loss |
All procedures at SAI Hospital are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthesia, meaning smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery than open surgery.
Who Cannot Have Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is not suitable for all patients. Contraindications include:
- Untreated major psychiatric disorders (depression, eating disorders must be addressed first)
- Active substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy within 12-18 months
- Severe medical conditions that make general anaesthesia unsafe
- Lack of commitment to long-term dietary and lifestyle changes
Life After Bariatric Surgery
Surgery is the beginning of a lifelong journey — not a quick fix. Success depends heavily on adherence to post-operative guidelines:
Diet Progression
- Weeks 1-2: Clear liquids only
- Weeks 3-4: Full liquids and soft pureed foods
- Months 1-3: Soft, easy-to-chew foods
- Month 3+: Gradual return to regular foods in small portions
Nutritional Supplementation
All bariatric patients require lifelong supplementation with multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Regular blood tests are essential for monitoring.
Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery provides remarkable health benefits beyond weight reduction:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Remission in up to 80% of patients after gastric bypass
- Hypertension: Resolution or improvement in 75% of patients
- Sleep Apnoea: Resolved in up to 85% of patients
- Joint Pain: Significant reduction in knee and back pain
- Fertility: Improvement in PCOD and hormonal balance in women
Preparing for Your Consultation at SAI Hospital
When you visit SAI Hospital for a bariatric surgery consultation, bring:
- All previous medical records, blood test results, and imaging
- A record of previous weight loss attempts (diets, medications, programmes tried)
- Current medication list
- Questions about the procedure, risks, and recovery
Our team will assess your medical fitness, calculate your BMI and comorbidities, perform pre-operative investigations, and guide you through the informed consent process.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey
Book a consultation with our Bariatric Surgery team at SAI Hospital, Rajahmundry.
Book a Consultation