What is Bariatric Surgery? A Complete Guide to Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a treatment that involves medical operations that help you lose weight by either reducing the size of your stomach or altering how your body digests food. The goal is to help you eat less food, feel full sooner, and consume fewer calories.

If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or more and have obesity-related complications like high blood pressure or diabetes, bariatric surgery may be suitable for you.

Read Also: Bones Matter: Are You Giving Yours the Attention They Deserve

At Iris Hospital, our team of experienced surgeons offers various types of bariatric surgery in Kolkata depending on your health condition and weight loss goals:

1. Gastric Bypass Surgery

It entails making a small pouch in your stomach and attaching it directly to the small bowel. It limits the quantity of food you can consume and the number of calories you can absorb.

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

Approximately 80% of the stomach is taken out, and a smaller "sleeve"-like stomach is left behind. You get hungry sooner and consume less.

3. Adjustable Gastric Band (Lap-Band)

A silicone band is put around the upper part of the stomach to form a small pouch. This procedure is less invasive and adjustable over time.

4. Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS)

A more involved surgery that combines stomach volume reduction along with rerouting of intestines. For patients with extremely high BMI and serious health issues.

Read Also: Right Side Chest Pain: Common Causes and When to See a Doctor

Pre-Operative:

• Health screening and laboratory tests
• Dietary counseling
• Pre-operative diet advice
• Psychological counseling, if required

Post-Operative:

• Recovery depends on type of surgery (typically 2–4 weeks)
• Start liquid diets and gradually soft foods
• Early and marked weight loss
• Permanent improvements in diseases like diabetes and hypertension

We stand by you every step of the way—with an integrated care team, including surgeons, nutritionists, and physical therapists.

Read Also: How To Check Your Heart Health: Tests, Signs & Prevention Tips

Bariatric surgery patients usually have:

• Long-term weight loss
• Improved glucose
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
• Relief from joint pain and sleep apnea
• Increased mobility and energy
• Better self-esteem and confidence

Read Also: Angioplasty Cost in Kolkata: Everything You Need to Know

There is always some risk involved with every surgery, and bariatric surgery is no exception. But at Iris Hospital, we use state-of-the-art laparoscopic (keyhole) technology to keep complications to a minimum and recovery to a speedy result.

Possible Risks Are:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Deficiencies of nutrients
• Dumping syndrome (feeling ill after eating sweets)
• Gallstones or skin left over after major weight loss

These hazards can be controlled with proper follow-up and diet control.

Read Also: 10 Common Symptoms Of Kidney Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

The cost of bariatric surgery in Kolkata is much lower than in most other places on the earth. At Iris Hospital, our emphasis lies on quality services at reasonable rates.

Approximate Cost Range: ₹2,50,000 to ₹4,50,000
(This includes surgery, stay in the hospital, tests, and post-op care)

We also help the patients in managing insurance benefits, EMI schemes, and financial planning for the surgery. 

Read Also: How Long Does It Take To Recover From Brain Surgery? Recovery Timeline & Tips

Surgery is not enough. You will need to adopt good habits after the surgery to make sure your outcomes are long-lasting.

We help you with at Iris Hospital:

• Personalized diet plan
• Effective and safe exercise routines
• Routine health check-ups and follow-up
• Nutritional supplements to avoid deficiencies
• Ongoing support from our bariatric team

Our goal is to help you live a healthy, active, and fulfilling life—and not just to lose weight.

Read Also: What Is Hernia Surgery? Procedure, Recovery & When It’s Needed