What Is Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a key hole / laparoscopic procedure to increase body’s metabolism by stimulating gut hormones. The stomach size is reduced and the passage of food in intestine is altered to achieve the desired result.
No fat is removed in this procedure. It’s not same as liposuction where in fat below skin is sucked out using special technique.
Bariatric Surgeries are restrictive, malabsorptive or a combination of both.
Restrictive Surgeries make the stomach smaller, helping the person consume less food and feel full sooner.
Malabsorptive Surgeries bypass part of the digestive system so fewer calories are absorbed from food.
What are the most common types of Bariatric Surgeries?
Sleeve gastrectomy
The stomach is stapled to form a thin sleeve and the rest of the stomach is removed, reducing the size of the stomach. Decreasing the stomach size makes you feel fuller sooner. However, food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order.
Gastric bypass
A small pouch is created from the stomach and is connected to the small intestine, bypassing part of the system. The remainder of the stomach is not removed. The surgery fulfills two goals i.e. making you feel full sooner as well as reducing the absorption of calories and nutrients in the body.
Mini Gastric bypass
The stomach is reduced by separating a tube-like pouch of stomach from the rest of the stomach. This tubular gastric pouch is connected (anastomosed) to the intestine, by passing up to 200cm of the upper part of the intestine. It is simple and reversible form of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

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What is the Real Procedural Cost of Bariatric Surgery in India?

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The expense of weight loss surgery in India depends on the city you are getting it done from.It is an expensive surgery and goes upto few lakhs. Known as bariatric surgery, it is one of the most popular weight-loss surgeries that help people lose weight through medical procedure. It involves altering your digestive system. The procedure reduces the stomach size which subsequently reduces the food intake, helping the person lose weight.

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What is the need for bariatric surgery?

Obesity has been a very common issue among people due to lifestyle changes and other factors have contributed in the past few years. This surgery is usually done as a last option when all other methods including diet and exercise have failed. Usually, morbidly obese patients with co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels, joint aches, sleep apnea etc. can think about this option if every other method of weight loss fails.

Factors influencing the cost of bariatric surgery in India

• Category of hospital (Government or Private)

• Expenses paid by using a medical insurance or self-paid

• Age

• The type of surgery performed

• Post-surgery complications

• Qualification of the surgeon

• Charges by surgeon

• Overall health and fitness of the patient

• Hospital room chosen

Cost of Bariatric Surgery

The expense of bariatric surgery is very high in abroad, especially in western countries, often costing. Even in India, it can cost lakhs and is often an expensive affair when other necessary factors such as the type of surgery, surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and other costs are included. The equipment and technology used in this surgery costs also go into lakhs. Comparatively, even if the cost of surgery is lower than abroad, it is still very high for average Indians which may be a problemfor the patient. Hence, it is important to have a financial backup for such emergencies and that is when a medical insurance comes handy.

Does a medical insurance cover bariatric surgery?

According to the IRDAI's guideline, bariatric or weight loss surgery has been included under medical insurance cover since October 2019. This coverage is included in several health insurance companies in India through several family floaters as well as critical illness policies. The coverage depends on the threats and co-morbidities faced by the insured and can be availed only if it is medically necessary. It also depends on the terms and conditions of the policy chosen.

CONCLUSION

The financial burden of any surgery doesn’t end once the procedure is over. There arepost-surgical needs which require further expenses. In case you or your loved ones are planning to undergo this surgery, buy medical insurance covering bariatric surgery. This will save a lot of expenses and additional costs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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