Bariatric Surgery

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Things you need to know

What is Bariatric Surgery ?

Why do you need Bariatric Surgery ?

Bariatric surgery is indicated for:

Severe obesity:
- BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with obesity-related conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea).
- Symptoms: Difficulty with daily activities, joint pain, diabetes, cardiovascular risks.
- Prevalence in India: 5–10% of adults are obese (BMI ≥30); higher in urban areas and women (2023 data).
Other indications:
- Failed non-surgical weight loss: Diet, exercise, or medications (e.g., 6–12 months without significant loss).
- Obesity-related comorbidities: Diabetes (50–70% remission post-surgery), hypertension (40–60% improvement).
Types:
- Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y): Small stomach pouch created, rerouted to small intestine (40–50% of cases).
- Sleeve gastrectomy: 80% of stomach removed, reducing capacity (40–50% of cases).
- Adjustable gastric banding: Band placed around stomach to restrict intake (5–10%, less common now).
Associated treatments:
- Pre-op: Nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, medical optimization (e.g., diabetes control).
- Post-op: Multivitamins (lifelong), dietary changes (small, frequent meals), regular exercise.
Timing:
- Performed in adults (average age 30–50 years); elective, scheduled after multidisciplinary evaluation.

The procedure aims to achieve significant weight loss, improve comorbidities, and enhance quality of life, with high success rates for sustained weight loss when paired with lifestyle changes.

Why Do Costs Vary in Philippines?

Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Before Procedure Evaluation:
- Assessment:
  - Blood tests: Diabetes (HbA1c), liver/kidney function, nutritional status (e.g., vitamin D, iron).
  - Imaging: Ultrasound to check for gallstones (common in obesity); ECG for cardiac health.
  - Psychological evaluation: Assess readiness for lifestyle changes (required in 80–90% of programs).
- Preparation: Low-calorie diet (2–4 weeks pre-op to shrink liver), fasting 6–8 hours, stop smoking.
- Consent: Risks, including nutritional deficiencies, are explained.
Procedure Technique:
- Sleeve Gastrectomy (Laparoscopic):
  - Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
  - Process:
    - Incisions: 4–5 small incisions (0.5–1 cm) in abdomen.
    - Laparoscope inserted; 80% of stomach removed using stapling device, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach.
    - Stomach capacity reduced to 100–150 mL (from 1–1.5 L); no intestinal rerouting.
    - Closure: Incisions closed with sutures or Steri-Strips; no drains typically needed.
- Gastric Bypass:
  - Similar approach; small stomach pouch (30 mL) created, rerouted to small intestine; 2–3 hours.
- Intraoperative Tools:
  - Laparoscope: Camera for visualization.
  - Endoscopic stapler: Divides stomach tissue.
  - Bougie: Guides stomach sizing (sleeve gastrectomy).
After Procedure:
- Hospital stay: 2–4 days.
- Care: Start with liquids (day 1–2), progress to pureed foods (weeks 1–4); monitor for dehydration or leaks.
- Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 1–3 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., paracetamol).
- Instructions: Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks; follow strict diet; attend nutritional counseling.

Recovery After Bariatric Surgery

Hospital Stay: 2–4 days.
Post-Procedure Care:
- Pain: Mild to moderate for 1–3 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks; light walking encouraged (day 1–2) to prevent clots.
- Diet: Liquids (weeks 1–2), pureed foods (weeks 3–4), soft foods (weeks 5–6), solids by 2–3 months; small portions.
- Weight loss: 60–80% excess weight loss in 1–2 years (e.g., 50–70 kg if 100 kg overweight).
- Comorbidities: Diabetes remission in 50–70%, hypertension improvement in 40–60% within 6–12 months.
Follow-Up:
- Visits at 1 week (check wounds), 1 month, and every 3–6 months (monitor weight, nutrition).
- Blood tests: At 3–6 months to check for deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron); 80–90% maintain weight loss at 5 years with adherence.

Most resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks; full recovery takes 1–2 months, with lifestyle changes ongoing. Success rate: 60–80% excess weight loss; 80–90% comorbidity improvement; 10–20% weight regain at 5 years if non-compliant.

Risks and Complications

Procedure Risks:
- Bleeding (1–2%): At staple line; may need transfusion or reoperation.
- Infection (1–3%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
- Leak (1–2%): From staple line; may need emergency surgery (serious).
Post-Procedure:
- Nutritional deficiencies (20–30%): Vitamin B12, iron, calcium; managed with supplements.
- Dumping syndrome (10–20%, gastric bypass): Rapid food passage causing nausea, diarrhea; managed with dietary changes.
- Gallstones (10–15%): Due to rapid weight loss; may need cholecystectomy.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, 0.5–1%): Minimized by early walking (links to your thrombectomy query).
Long-Term:
- Weight regain (10–20% at 5 years): If dietary/exercise adherence poor; needs lifestyle counseling.
- Sagging skin (20–30%): May need body contouring surgery (e.g., tummy tuck).

Report fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for bariatric surgery?

Severe obesity (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities) causing health issues, after failed non-surgical weight loss.

Can I avoid bariatric surgery?

Yes, if less severe: Diet, exercise, medications (30–50% success); surgery needed for significant, sustained weight loss.

Is bariatric surgery painful?

Mild to moderate pain for 1–3 days; managed with medication; resolves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?

Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 1–2 months; avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance in India?

Often covered (medical necessity); confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or swelling.

How effective is bariatric surgery?

60–80% excess weight loss in 1–2 years; 80–90% comorbidity improvement; 10–20% regain at 5 years.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Follow strict diet (small, frequent meals), take multivitamins, exercise regularly, avoid alcohol, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

Looking for Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.

City	Minimum Price (₱)	Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery encompasses procedures that promote weight loss by modifying the stomach and/or intestines, typically for individuals with severe obesity who have not achieved success with diet and exercise. Common types include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. In the Philippines, bariatric surgery is performed in specialized bariatric or general surgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering advanced care at relatively affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is indicated for:

Severe Obesity:
- BMI ≥40, or BMI ≥35 with obesity-related conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea).
- Symptoms: Difficulty with daily activities, joint pain, fatigue, diabetes, cardiovascular risks.
- Prevalence: Approximately 5–10% of adults in the Philippines are obese (BMI ≥30), with higher rates in urban areas and among women (2023 estimate).
Other Indications:
- Failed non-surgical weight loss: Diet, exercise, or medications (e.g., 6–12 months without significant loss, <5–10% body weight).
- Obesity-related comorbidities: Diabetes (50–70% remission post-surgery), hypertension (40–60% improvement), sleep apnea (60–80% resolution).
Types:
- Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Small stomach pouch created, rerouted to small intestine (40–50% of cases).
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: 80% of stomach removed, reducing capacity (40–50% of cases).
- Adjustable Gastric Banding: Band placed around stomach to restrict intake (5–10%, less common due to lower efficacy).
Associated Treatments:
- Pre-op: Nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, medical optimization (e.g., diabetes control).
- Post-op: Multivitamins (lifelong), dietary changes (small, frequent meals), regular exercise (e.g., 150 min/week moderate activity).
Timing:
- Performed in adults (average age 30–50 years); elective, scheduled after multidisciplinary evaluation by a bariatric team.

The procedure aims to achieve significant weight loss (60–80% of excess weight), improve comorbidities, and enhance quality of life, with high success rates when paired with sustained lifestyle changes.

Why Do Bariatric Surgery Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000, based on:

Procedure Type:
- Sleeve gastrectomy: ₱500,000–₱800,000.
- Gastric bypass: ₱600,000–₱1,000,000 (more complex, longer surgery).
- Adjustable gastric banding: ₱400,000–₱700,000 (less common).
Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱600,000–₱1,000,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱200,000–₱500,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or Z Benefit Package).
Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced bariatric surgeons charge higher fees.
Additional Costs: Anesthesia (₱30,000–₱80,000), hospital stay (₱10,000–₱50,000/day), pre-op tests (e.g., blood tests, ECG, ultrasound: ₱20,000–₱50,000), medications (₱10,000–₱20,000), follow-up care (₱10,000–₱20,000).
Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱30,000–₱100,000 depending on case type); private insurance may

Bariatric Surgery Procedure

Before Procedure Evaluation:

Assessment:
- Blood Tests: Diabetes (HbA1c), liver/kidney function, nutritional status (e.g., vitamin D, iron).
- Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound to check for gallstones (common in obesity); ECG or echocardiogram for cardiac health.
- Psychological Evaluation: Assess readiness for lifestyle changes (required in 80–90% of programs).
Preparation: Low-calorie diet (2–4 weeks pre-op to shrink liver, reducing surgical risk), fasting 6–8 hours, stop smoking (increases complication risk by 30–40%). Consent includes discussion of risks like leaks or nutritional deficiencies.
Multidisciplinary Team: Involves bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist, and cardiologist.

Procedure Technique:

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Laparoscopic):
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–2 hours.
- Process:
  - Incisions: 4–5 small incisions (0.5–1 cm) in the abdomen.
  - Laparoscope: Camera inserted for visualization.
  - Stomach Reduction: 80% of stomach removed using an endoscopic stapling device, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach (100–150 mL capacity, down from 1–1.5 L).
  - No intestinal rerouting; reduces hunger hormone (ghrelin).
  - Closure: Incisions closed with sutures or Steri-Strips; no drains typically needed.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y):
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 2–3 hours.
- Process:
  - Small stomach pouch (30 mL) created; rerouted to small intestine, bypassing part of stomach and upper intestine.
  - Combines restriction and malabsorption for greater weight loss.
Intraoperative Tools:
- Laparoscope: Camera for visualization.
- Endoscopic stapler: Divides stomach tissue.
- Bougie: Guides stomach sizing (sleeve gastrectomy).

After Procedure:

Hospital Stay: 2–4 days.
Care: Start with clear liquids (day 1–2), progress to pureed foods (weeks 1–4); monitor for dehydration or staple line leaks.
Pain Management: Mild to moderate pain for 1–3 days; managed with painkillers (e.g., paracetamol, tramadol).
Instructions: Avoid heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks; follow strict dietary protocol; attend nutritional counseling.

Recovery After Bariatric Surgery

Hospital Stay: 2–4 days.
Post-Procedure Care:
- Pain: Mild to moderate for 1–3 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks; light walking encouraged (day 1–2) to prevent blood clots.
- Diet: Clear liquids (weeks 1–2), pureed foods (weeks 3–4), soft foods (weeks 5–6), solids by 2–3 months; small portions (1–2 cups per meal).
- Weight Loss: 60–80% excess weight loss in 1–2 years (e.g., 50–70 kg if 100 kg overweight).
- Comorbidities: Diabetes remission in 50–70%, hypertension improvement in 40–60%, sleep apnea resolution in 60–80% within 6–12 months.
Follow-Up:
- Visits at 1 week (check wounds), 1 month, and every 3–6 months (monitor weight, nutrition).
- Blood tests: At 3–6 months to check for deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron, calcium); 80–90% maintain weight loss at 5 years with adherence.
Most resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks; full recovery takes 1–2 months, with lifelong dietary and exercise changes. Success rate: 60–80% excess weight loss; 80–90% comorbidity improvement; 10–20% weight regain at 5 years if non-compliant.

Risks and Complications

Procedure Risks:
- Bleeding (1–2%): At staple line; may need transfusion or reoperation.
- Infection (1–3%): At incision site; treated with antibiotics.
- Leak (1–2%): From staple line; serious, may need emergency surgery.
Post-Procedure:
- Nutritional Deficiencies (20–30%): Vitamin B12, iron, calcium; managed with lifelong supplements.
- Dumping Syndrome (10–20%, gastric bypass): Rapid food passage causing nausea, diarrhea; managed with dietary changes (e.g., avoid sugars).
- Gallstones (10–15%): Due to rapid weight loss; may need cholecystectomy.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT, 0.5–1%): Minimized by early walking.
Long-Term:
- Weight Regain (10–20% at 5 years): If dietary/exercise adherence poor; needs lifestyle counseling.
- Sagging Skin (20–30%): May need body contouring surgery (e.g., tummy tuck, ₱200,000–₱500,000).
Report fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or swelling promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the need for bariatric surgery?
Severe obesity (BMI ≥40 or ≥35 with comorbidities) causing health issues, after failed non-surgical weight loss.

Can I avoid bariatric surgery?
Yes, if less severe: Diet, exercise, or medications (30–50% success); surgery needed for significant, sustained weight loss and comorbidity resolution.

Is bariatric surgery painful?
Mild to moderate pain for 1–3 days; managed with medication; resolves in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume normal activities?
Light activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 1–2 months; avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱30,000–₱100,000); private insurance may cover additional costs for medical necessity (e.g., BMI ≥40 or comorbidities). Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications?
Fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or swelling require immediate attention.

How effective is bariatric surgery?
60–80% excess weight loss in 1–2 years; 80–90% comorbidity improvement; 10–20% weight regain at 5 years if non-compliant.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Follow strict diet (small, frequent meals), take multivitamins lifelong, exercise regularly (e.g., 150 min/week), avoid alcohol, and attend follow-ups.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is an effective option for managing severe obesity, offering significant weight loss and comorbidity improvement with proper adherence to lifestyle changes. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) provide advanced care at costs ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to approach treatment confidently. Consult a bariatric surgeon for personalized guidance and to ensure a successful outcome.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.

City	Minimum Price (₱)	Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City	80,000	350,000
Antipolo	80,000	350,000
Bacolod	80,000	350,000
Bacoor	80,000	250,000
Baguio	80,000	350,000
Butuan	80,000	250,000
Cagayan de Oro	80,000	350,000
Caloocan	80,000	250,000
Cebu City	100,000	500,000
Dasmariñas	80,000	250,000
Davao City	100,000	500,000
General Santos	80,000	350,000
General Trias	80,000	250,000
Iligan	80,000	350,000
Iloilo City	80,000	350,000
Las Piñas	80,000	350,000
Makati	100,000	500,000
Malolos	80,000	250,000
Manila	100,000	500,000
Muntinlupa	80,000	350,000
Parañaque	80,000	350,000
Pasay	80,000	350,000
Pasig	100,000	500,000
Puerto Princesa	80,000	350,000
Quezon City	100,000	500,000
San Fernando	80,000	250,000
San Jose del Monte	80,000	250,000
Taguig	100,000	500,000
Valenzuela	80,000	250,000
Zamboanga City	80,000	350,000