Indications of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is considered as a treatment of choice for the patients who:

• Have a BMI of more then 30
• Have failed to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise
• Are at health risks due to excessive weight (chronic disease deeply rooted in obesity)

This weight loss surgery is not recommended in the following cases  

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Common myths about bariatric surgery

Myth: Surgery is an easy way out 

Reality: Bariatric surgery is used as a tool that helps achieve lifestyle and diet leading to sustained weight loss. These lifestyle changes were often adopted by patients before surgery but have been rendered ineffective however surgery allows these changes to be effective.

Myth: You cannot eat normal food after surgery 

Reality: Patients can eat a regular healthy diet but in controlled portions to sustain weight loss goals.

Preparation for surgery

Your surgeon does a complete clinical examination before scheduling the surgery. The assessment includes 

Physical health examination: Lab tests including blood and urine tests, and imaging modalities such as X-rays and scans to look for blood clots, ulcers, or hernias. 

Mental well-being: Your ability and willingness to stick to long-term lifestyle changes required for bariatric surgery which also includes post-surgery follow-ups and medications. 

Eating habits: History of your weight loss approaches. 

At JJ Aesthetics, the team of specialists counsels you about the risks and benefits of the surgery. You also follow a pre-surgery diet plan, a few weeks before your operation to reduce fat inside your abdomen. This makes the operation safer and minimizes the risk of complications.

How is Bariatric surgery done?

Bariatric surgery is done under general anesthesia. Surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to perform weight loss surgery (laparoscopic surgery). Unlike traditional open surgery, bariatric surgery involves small incisions which ensures less pain, less scarring, and faster healing. Bariatric surgery before and after pictures help you to compare results obtained from the surgery.

Insert Pictures

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Following are the different types of weight loss surgery:

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in which about 80% of your stomach is removed leaving behind a small portion like a sleeve. It not only limits the amount of food consumed but also reduces the secretion of hunger hormones to help you feel fuller faster. It has minimal risk of complications. You can loose weight upto 30-40% within one year.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

In gastric bypass, surgeons divide the stomach into two sections and create a small pouch. This pouch is attached to the lower part of the small intestine bypassing the remaining portion of the stomach and upper intestine. It helps in achieving 60% to 80% of weight loss within 2 years. 

Biliopancreatic Diversion and Duodenal Bypass (BPD-DS)

It is similar to gastric bypass but a more extensive bypass of the small intestine (about 75%) to achieve greater weight loss. It reduces the production of hunger hormones thus helping in greater weight loss and for improvement of metabolic diseases like diabetes. (diabetes treatment & metabolic treatment)

Post-surgery care

These are our clinic-protocols may differ from others.

Day 0

(Your day of surgery)

•         After the Procedure patient will Kept in recovery room to awake from GA effect.
•         Once shifted in room patient might be having drains and catheters for monitoring purpose.
•         Patient not allowed to eat and drink anything unless instructed by the doctor.
•         You can expect Anaesthesia sickness.

Day -1

•         You will be mobilized.
•         Doctor will allow you for the sips of water.
•         Your drains will be removed once you properly mobilized.
•         You will be discharged within 24 hours depending upon the condition.

Day 2-7

•         Daily Fluid intake should be 1.5-2L /48-64oz (consult the plan for personalized water intake calculations).
•         F/U 7th day for wound care.
•         In case of severe weakness you can have IV-drips of R/L once daily.
•         In case of severe vomiting, abdominal pain and abdominal distention immediately visit our hospital.

Day 7-12

•         Same diet plan continue.
•         In case of severe weakness you can have IV-drips of R/L once daily.

Day 12-14

•         Now you can switch to semi solid diet according to personalized plan.

DAY 14

•         F/U and care.

‘Patient would be refer to clinical Nutrition physician for detailed dietary-plans’

3-MONTHS

•         Regular F/U would done after every three months this will include your blood tests , your skin treatment and hair treatments.
•         3rd month and 6th months test treatments will be free of cost.

NOTE

In case of emergency immediately visit our hospital.

Recovery Period

Bariatric surgery has fast recovery as it is a minimally invasive surgery.

• You are mobilized after 3-4 hours of your surgery.
• You will need 24-48 hours stay in the hospital.
•  You are allowed to take oral fluids before discharge.
• Stitches are removed between 7-10 days.
• You can travel after two weeks.
• You can resume your office work after 3 days.
• You can resume exercise/gym after 3-4 weeks.

Advantages of bariatric surgery

• Bariatric surgery improves medical conditions like heart diseases, hypertension, arthritis, asthma, acid reflux, stroke, back ache, sleep apnea, diabetes, infertility treatment etc. 
• It is used as a polycystic ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which further helps in treatment of infertility.
• Reduces the mortality rate as mortality is more linked with obesity-related complicated diseases. 
• Gives you a better quality of life by helping you perform physical activities ( walking, swimming, gardening, etc) at greater ease.
• Balances female hormones which cause infertility and irregular menses due to being overweight. 
• Improves arthritis by reducing excessive weight on weight-bearing joints.

Risk Factors of Bariatric Surgery

Usually bariatric surgery is considered safe, if done by the expert surgeons & with the use of proper equipment/gadgets. In some cases, there may be short-term or long-term risk factors associated with bariatric surgery. Initial side effects include reaction to anesthesia related complications, excessive bleeding, blood clot formation, infection, breathing problems, gastrointestinal leakage & hypoglycemia.

In addition to these effects often depend upon the type of surgery performed these include 

Vomiting on over eating, gallstones, dumping syndrome (flushing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) loose skin, hair loss, revision or second surgery.

Bariatric surgery and hair loss have a strong connection. Temporary hair loss is often seen 3 to 6 months after the surgery due to nutritional deficiency, weight loss, hormonal changes, and surgery-related stress. Our team of doctors and surgeons at JJ Aesthetics follow the most appropriate measures to minimize all surgery-related side effects.

Alternatives to bariatric surgery

• Switching to a healthy and balanced diet 
• Doing more exercise and physical work 
• FDA-approved weight loss medicines, injections & drips under your doctor’s guidance 
• Nonsurgical options such as gastric balloons
• Stomach botox
• Liposuction
• Tummy Tuck
• Cryolipolysis

But bariatric surgery gives you more promising & long lasting results & these alternatives can not give you desired results, these are temperory solutions.

Bariatric Surgery Cost in Pakistan

Bariatric surgery cost varies in different regions of Pakistan based on the clinic facilities, expertise of the surgeon and the type of surgery you undergo. In general Pakistan surgery cost in Islamabad usually ranges from PKR 500,000 and PKR 1,200,000 depending upon the conditions and circumstances.

We are providing all bariatric surgery & cosmetic surgery options in Rawalpindi & Islamabad & we give customised plans accordingly as per candidate’s choice.

JJ Aesthetics – Your Trusted Partner For Bariatric Surgery 

At JJ Aesthetics, we have a team of highly qualified and experienced surgeons ensuring the highest standards of patient care and surgical precision. Our specialists: 

• Are board-certified in bariatric and metabolic surgery. 
• Have performed hundreds of successful surgeries with high patient satisfaction and desirable outcomes.
• Utilize the latest robotic and laparoscopic techniques for minimally invasive surgery, leading to fewer complications and faster recovery. 
• Have membership in prestigious organizations including the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
• Always offer personalized treatment plans according to the patient’s health and weight loss goals. 

By choosing JJ Aesthetics, you can benefit from expert care, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated team of professionals committed to fulfilling your weight loss goals.