Bariatric Surgery in Telangana

Bariatric surgery is a group of weight-loss surgeries that involves making changes to the digestive system, some of which are non-reversible. The idea behind these types of surgeries is to help patients lose weight by either limiting the amount of food they can consume/digest at any one time or reducing their body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Some procedures do both. 

Bariatric surgeries should only ever be the final option when diet and exercise have proved inadequate and there are now serious health concerns caused by a person's weight. In general, these surgeries can only be an option for patients whose body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity). In certain cases, patients whose BMI is 30 to 39.9 may qualify for certain types of bariatric surgery if they have serious weight-related problems, such as type 2 diabetes.

The three most common types of Bariatric Surgeries are as follows:

1. Gastric Sleeve – The most common surgery, in which about 80% of the stomach is irreversibly removed, resulting in a sleeve or tube-like structure. This smaller stomach will not be able to hold as much food and produces less of the hormone that regulates appetite (ghrelin), which can lessen the patient’s desire to eat. 
2. Gastric Bypass – A more complicated procedure in which the stomach is divided into two parts; a small upper pouch and a large lower ‘remnant’ pouch. The small intestine is rearranged to bypass the large pouch. As a result, the volume of the stomach is significantly reduced. This causes food to go into the small upper pouch of the stomach and then directly into the small intestine. The small upper pouch can only hold around an ounce of food. Gastric Bypass is typically not reversible. 
3. Gastric Band – Involves an inflatable silicone device that is fitted around the top portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach pouch. This procedure causes the patient to feel fuller with less food but still allows the body to digest food as usual, without malabsorption. The device can be removed when the patient reaches their desired weight.

The bariatric surgeries mentioned above are typically performed laparoscopically, in which the surgeon creates around one to five small incisions in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a long narrow tube with a camera) and surgical tools. The patients are usually given a general anesthetic, so they will not feel anything throughout the surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Telangana?

After bariatric surgery, an overnight stay in the hospital is usually required. In some cases, you may need to stay longer (around 3 to 5 days). However, it is not advisable to leave Telangana as soon as you are discharged from the hospital. Stay at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery for initial recovery and follow-up checkups. During the follow-up checkups, your surgeon will remove your stitches and check your overall condition.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The recovery time may take around 3 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to go back to your normal activities, including work, with some restrictions. You must avoid heavy work and strenuous activities, such as lifting, pushing, or carrying heavy loads for at least the first three months after surgery. You should also avoid sitting and standing without moving for long periods to avoid blood clots forming in your legs.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given a special diet plan immediately after your surgery, as well as detailed post-operative instructions. Make sure to follow the diet plan and instructions to avoid complications and speed up your recovery. In order to maximize and maintain weight loss, it is important that you commit to healthy eating and regular exercise. There may be restrictions on how much food you can consume. You may also need to change your eating habits, such as eating 6 small meals instead of 3 large meals each day. You should take vitamins and mineral supplements to ensure proper nutrition. 

What's the Success Rate?

The success rates vary for each of the different types of bariatric surgery. In general, within the first six months following the surgery, most patients lose around 30% to 55% of their excess weight. Then, as early as 12 months after surgery, most patients lose over 70% of their excess weight. Patients could also maintain a 50% to 60% loss of excess weight for 10 to 14 years after their bariatric surgery. Although the success rates are high, there are risks associated with bariatric surgery, such as bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, infections, spleen injury, stenosis, and infections.

Are there Alternatives?

There is a non-surgical Bariatric procedure, known as the Gastric Balloon. This involves an inflatable device that is temporarily inserted into the stomach via endoscopic placement. A sizable area of the stomach is obstructed by the balloon or balloons, thus reducing the amount of food it can contain at any one time, leading to eventual weight loss. The balloons are usually removed after 6 or 12 months. 

If you cannot or do not want to undergo any surgery or medical procedure, you may be able to work with a doctor who is experienced in treating extreme obesity and a dietician as the alternative. They may recommend you to change your diet, adding physical activity, and prescribe medications.

Bariatric Surgery in and around Telangana

About Telangana

Telangana is the 29th state in the country. Although the state is relatively new, it is rich in cultural heritage and historical sites. It is also the twelfth-largest and twelfth-most populated state in India. In recent years, Telangana has emerged as a major Indian state with a top-class ecosystem to support medical tourism. High-quality healthcare, warm hospitality, competitive pricing, and improvement in-flight connectivity have dramatically transformed the state into a hotspot for inbound medical tourists in India. A majority of the patients come from Oman, Tanzania, the Middle East, Bangladesh, Nepal, as well as Southeast Asian countries. The most sought-after medical treatments are brain and spine surgery, IVF, dental procedures, bariatric surgery, and preventative health checkups. 

Popular Parts of Telangana

Telangana has so much to offer its visitors, from beautiful temples and intriguing history to beautiful nature and interesting wildlife. The most popular destination, both for vacation and medical tourism, is its capital city, Hyderabad. This city is steeped in history, with its Old City being one of the most evocative ancient quarters of India. Here, visitors can admire the impressive Islamic architectures, visit the magnificent Golconda Fort, and explore its busy lanes lined with chai shops and spice merchants. The state’s second city, Warangal, should not be missed either. It was the capital of the Kakatiya Kingdom and it has numerous historical sites and temples, such as Warangal Fort and Thousand Pillared temple.

Transport in Telangana

The only international airport in Telangana is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is located in Hyderabad. It has direct flights from many countries around the world. Lower-cost airlines that operate from this airport include AirAsia, GoAir, and IndiGo. To get around the state, buses are available. Inside big cities, metro, buses, and auto-rickshaws are available.

Visas in Telangana

Citizens of Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal are allowed to visit and stay in India without a visa. Citizens of other countries will need to obtain a visa. A visa on arrival is available for holders of passports issued by Japan, the UAE, and South Korea, while e-Visa is provided for 150 other countries.

Weather in Telangana

Summer, from March to May, is very hot, with an average temperature of 39°C. From June to September is the monsoon season, which experiences a lot of wet days. During this season, the temperature is a lot cooler than summer, but the humidity level increases significantly. Winter, between November and early January, is mild with pleasant weather. The average temperature in winter is around 13°C to 28°C.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  The local currency of Telangana is the Indian Rupee (INR). The exchange rate for 1 USD is approx. 73 INR.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can be found in many parts of the state. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but always bring cash with you. Tipping is not obligatory. 
3. Local Language: The official language is Telugu, which is spoken by the majority of the people. However, most educated people can also speak Hindi and English, especially in major cities. 
4. Local Culture and Religion: About 84% of Telangana’s population adheres to Hinduism. Other religions are also present, with Islam and Christianity being the biggest minor religions. 
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Sankranti, Doljatra, Babu Jangjivan Ram Birthday, Independence Day, Bathukamma Starting Day, Vijaya Daasami, and Deepavali are some of the most important public holidays.