Weight Loss Surgery in India: Procedures, Cost Considerations, & Affordable Surgery Types

The cost of weight loss surgery in India varies from $5000 to $8000, depending on the type of the surgery and the profile of the patient. 

Weight loss surgery cost in Turkey varies from $2800 to $5500 and in UAE from $7500 to $12500. The cost of the same in countries like the US, UK, Canada and Australia is between $15000 and $33000.

What is Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure that helps individuals with obesity lose weight by altering the digestive system. The most common types of weight loss surgeries are gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. 

These procedures work by reducing the size of the stomach, causing individuals to eat less and feel full sooner. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery can also improve obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. However, weight loss surgery is not a quick fix and requires significant lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, for long-term success.

What is the cost of weight loss surgery in India?

The following table highlights the cost of weight loss surgery in India at some of the hospitals:

**These are only approximate expenses and cover the cost of treatment and hospitalisation. The actual cost may vary as per the status, diagnosis and profile of the individual patient.

What are the common types of weight loss surgeries?

Sleeve Gastrectomy 

Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of weight loss surgery that involves removing a portion of the stomach to create a smaller, banana-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach reduces the amount of food a person can eat at one time, which helps to reduce caloric intake and promote weight loss. The procedure is typically performed laparoscopically, meaning small incisions are made in the abdomen and a tiny camera and instruments are used to perform the surgery. 

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy does not involve rerouting the intestines. Sleeve gastrectomy is often recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

The cost of gastric sleeve surgery in India is between $5000 and $6000.

Gastric Bypass

In gastric bypass surgery, also known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch by stapling a section of the stomach. This smaller stomach is then connected directly to the middle part of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. This rerouting of the digestive system reduces the amount of food a person can eat at one time and also limits the amount of calories and nutrients the body can absorb. 

Gastric bypass surgery is typically performed laparoscopically and is a more invasive procedure than sleeve gastrectomy. It is usually recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 to 39.9 with obesity-related health conditions. Gastric bypass surgery can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions, but it also carries more risks and requires lifelong changes in diet and lifestyle.

The cost of gastric bypass surgery in India is between $5500 and $6800.

Gastric Balloon

Gastric ballooning, also known as intragastric balloon, is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that involves placing a deflated silicone balloon into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is filled with saline solution, which expands the balloon and creates a feeling of fullness. 

The balloon remains in the stomach for about six months, during which time the individual follows a restricted-calorie diet and makes lifestyle changes to promote weight loss. After six months, the balloon is removed endoscopically. Gastric ballooning is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40 who have not been successful with other weight loss methods. It is less invasive than weight loss surgery but also typically leads to less weight loss.

The cost of a gastric balloon in India is between $3000 and $4000.

Recovery After Weight Loss Surgery

Recovery after weight loss surgery varies depending on the type of surgery, but in general, it involves a period of adjustment and requires significant lifestyle changes. After surgery, patients typically spend one to three days in the hospital before being discharged. They may experience pain, nausea, and discomfort during the first few days after surgery, but these symptoms usually improve over time. During the first few weeks after surgery, patients will need to follow a liquid or pureed diet and gradually transition to solid foods over several weeks. They will also need to make significant changes in their eating habits, including smaller portion sizes, more frequent meals, and avoidance of high-calorie and high-fat foods.

In terms of weight loss, patients can expect to lose a significant amount of weight in the first six months to a year after surgery, but weight loss will vary depending on individual factors such as starting weight, diet, exercise, and adherence to post-surgery guidelines. It is common for patients to experience a plateau in weight loss after the first year and to regain some weight over time, which underscores the importance of lifelong lifestyle changes and follow-up care with healthcare providers.

As for precautions, patients will need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a period of time after surgery and follow post-operative care instructions from their healthcare team. They will also need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent deficiencies and undergo regular check-ups with their healthcare team to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.