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FAQ’s Bariatric surgery

Effectiveness of weight-loss surgery

The actual weight a patient will lose after the procedure is dependent on several factors.These include:

  • Patient's age

  • Weight before surgery

  • Overall condition of patient's health

  • Surgical procedure

  • Ability to exercise

  • Commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines and other follow-up care

  • Motivation of patient and cooperation of their family, friends and associates

benefits of weight loss surgery
weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery is now accepted as the best and most effective treatment for morbid obesity. About 65 percent of all bariatric surgery patients are able to lose their excess weight and keep it off for more than five years.

More than 30 co-morbid conditions are associated with morbid obesity, the most serious of which are hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, and degenerative joint disease. Two recent landmark studies in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrate significant evidence that bariatric surgery reduces long-term mortality associated with obesity

Bariatric surgery is not only successful for weight loss, but also for preventing, improving or resolving type 2 diabetes.  Recent studies demonstrate that bariatric operations, particularly gastric bypass, can achieve a resolution rate as high as 83 percent, rendering these patients normoglycemic. Other studies have shown that patients with a BMI as low as 30 may have successful resolution of diabetes with gastric bypass surgery or gastric banding.5 Preparation for bariatric surgery

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FAQ's

  • What is the status of bariatric and metabolic surgery insurance coverage in india​?
    As per the IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) latest guidelines, bariatric or weight loss surgery will be included under health insurance cover with effect from 1st October 2019, offering some relief to morbidly obese people suffering from the disease. The inclusion will help lakhs of patients in India who cannot afford the treatment, that is spread 8-38% in rural areas and 15-30% in urban areas. As per the experts, “Barring a few, the surgery was not covered by many insurance firms as it was considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a life-saving treatment.”
  • Who is Bariatric Surgery Insurance suitable for?
    Anyone who is morbidly obese or those who tip the scales at 100 kg or more over their normal body weight. Also, if anyone has a history of obesity in the family or has a tendency of gaining abnormal weight in a small span of time.
  • So, how does Bariatric Surgery Insurance work?
    Few years back, bariatric surgery was a standard exclusion across the industry. However, with the changing needs of the world and the technical advancements, bariatric surgery is considered by many insurance companies now. If you are hospitalized for a Bariatric Surgery which is medically necessary, on the advice of a Medical Practitioner, we cover the related medical expenses. However, it is to be kept in mind that Bariatric Surgery Insurance benefit can be availed only when it is medically necessary and not for cosmetic purposes.
  • What are the conditions that should be kept in mind to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    To cover the expenses of your bariatric surgery in health insurance, these are the conditions that needs to be kept in mind: a) The insured person undergoing the surgery is at least 18 years old. b) BMI more than >=40 or Conditions like morbid obesity (BMI 35-39.9) with heart disease or diabetes or stroke or disease involving heart and lungs are mostly covered under bariatric surgery.
  • What are the procedures that can be undertaken in a Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Some of the common procedures that are covered under Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Biliopancreatic Diversion with or without Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass Sleeve Gastrectomy Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
  • Does Bariatric Surgery Insurance have a waiting period?
    Yes, bariatric surgery in health insurance has a waiting period of usually 2 to 4 years. Which means, if you want to cover your expenses for bariatric surgery you will have to wait for 2 years from the start of your policy. So, it is always advisable to opt for such a benefit with your first health insurance policy itself.
  • What happens to your Bariatric Surgery benefit if you are porting your health insurer?
    If you are porting an existing policy from some other General or Health Insurance Company or if you are adding this cover while renewing your health policy, a fresh waiting period will be applied for bariatric surgery benefit.
  • What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric surgery for the following reasons is not covered: a) For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons. b) For treating drug-induced obesity, for severe untreated hormonal imbalance, psychiatric and eating disorders-induced obesity.
  • What are the documents required to avail bariatric surgery in health insurance?
    What is required is a documented detailed history of your obesity-related health problems, difficulties, and treatment attempts demonstrating that a multidisciplinary approach with dietary, other lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and behavioral modification), and pharmacological therapy, if appropriate, have been unsuccessful, at least for past 6 months.
  • Do you have to pay anything extra to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric Surgery is usually not covered with most insurers in the base policy. However, health insurers nowadays provide an option where you add this benefit to your health insurance policy by paying a little extra premium. So, before buying a health insurance policy, do your bit of the research. Bariatric Surgery Insurance is a fresh take at how health insurance is gradually becoming completely customer friendly, with plans that can be personalized according to relevant needs!
  • What is the status of bariatric and metabolic surgery insurance coverage in india​?
    As per the IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) latest guidelines, bariatric or weight loss surgery will be included under health insurance cover with effect from 1st October 2019, offering some relief to morbidly obese people suffering from the disease. The inclusion will help lakhs of patients in India who cannot afford the treatment, that is spread 8-38% in rural areas and 15-30% in urban areas. As per the experts, “Barring a few, the surgery was not covered by many insurance firms as it was considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a life-saving treatment.”
  • Who is Bariatric Surgery Insurance suitable for?
    Anyone who is morbidly obese or those who tip the scales at 100 kg or more over their normal body weight. Also, if anyone has a history of obesity in the family or has a tendency of gaining abnormal weight in a small span of time.
  • So, how does Bariatric Surgery Insurance work?
    Few years back, bariatric surgery was a standard exclusion across the industry. However, with the changing needs of the world and the technical advancements, bariatric surgery is considered by many insurance companies now. If you are hospitalized for a Bariatric Surgery which is medically necessary, on the advice of a Medical Practitioner, we cover the related medical expenses. However, it is to be kept in mind that Bariatric Surgery Insurance benefit can be availed only when it is medically necessary and not for cosmetic purposes.
  • What are the conditions that should be kept in mind to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    To cover the expenses of your bariatric surgery in health insurance, these are the conditions that needs to be kept in mind: a) The insured person undergoing the surgery is at least 18 years old. b) BMI more than >=40 or Conditions like morbid obesity (BMI 35-39.9) with heart disease or diabetes or stroke or disease involving heart and lungs are mostly covered under bariatric surgery.
  • What are the procedures that can be undertaken in a Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Some of the common procedures that are covered under Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Biliopancreatic Diversion with or without Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass Sleeve Gastrectomy Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
  • Does Bariatric Surgery Insurance have a waiting period?
    Yes, bariatric surgery in health insurance has a waiting period of usually 2 to 4 years. Which means, if you want to cover your expenses for bariatric surgery you will have to wait for 2 years from the start of your policy. So, it is always advisable to opt for such a benefit with your first health insurance policy itself.
  • What happens to your Bariatric Surgery benefit if you are porting your health insurer?
    If you are porting an existing policy from some other General or Health Insurance Company or if you are adding this cover while renewing your health policy, a fresh waiting period will be applied for bariatric surgery benefit.
  • What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric surgery for the following reasons is not covered: a) For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons. b) For treating drug-induced obesity, for severe untreated hormonal imbalance, psychiatric and eating disorders-induced obesity.
  • What are the documents required to avail bariatric surgery in health insurance?
    What is required is a documented detailed history of your obesity-related health problems, difficulties, and treatment attempts demonstrating that a multidisciplinary approach with dietary, other lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and behavioral modification), and pharmacological therapy, if appropriate, have been unsuccessful, at least for past 6 months.
  • Do you have to pay anything extra to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric Surgery is usually not covered with most insurers in the base policy. However, health insurers nowadays provide an option where you add this benefit to your health insurance policy by paying a little extra premium. So, before buying a health insurance policy, do your bit of the research. Bariatric Surgery Insurance is a fresh take at how health insurance is gradually becoming completely customer friendly, with plans that can be personalized according to relevant needs!
  • What is the status of bariatric and metabolic surgery insurance coverage in india​?
    As per the IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) latest guidelines, bariatric or weight loss surgery will be included under health insurance cover with effect from 1st October 2019, offering some relief to morbidly obese people suffering from the disease. The inclusion will help lakhs of patients in India who cannot afford the treatment, that is spread 8-38% in rural areas and 15-30% in urban areas. As per the experts, “Barring a few, the surgery was not covered by many insurance firms as it was considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a life-saving treatment.”
  • Who is Bariatric Surgery Insurance suitable for?
    Anyone who is morbidly obese or those who tip the scales at 100 kg or more over their normal body weight. Also, if anyone has a history of obesity in the family or has a tendency of gaining abnormal weight in a small span of time.
  • So, how does Bariatric Surgery Insurance work?
    Few years back, bariatric surgery was a standard exclusion across the industry. However, with the changing needs of the world and the technical advancements, bariatric surgery is considered by many insurance companies now. If you are hospitalized for a Bariatric Surgery which is medically necessary, on the advice of a Medical Practitioner, we cover the related medical expenses. However, it is to be kept in mind that Bariatric Surgery Insurance benefit can be availed only when it is medically necessary and not for cosmetic purposes.
  • What are the conditions that should be kept in mind to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    To cover the expenses of your bariatric surgery in health insurance, these are the conditions that needs to be kept in mind: a) The insured person undergoing the surgery is at least 18 years old. b) BMI more than >=40 or Conditions like morbid obesity (BMI 35-39.9) with heart disease or diabetes or stroke or disease involving heart and lungs are mostly covered under bariatric surgery.
  • What are the procedures that can be undertaken in a Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Some of the common procedures that are covered under Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Biliopancreatic Diversion with or without Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass Sleeve Gastrectomy Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
  • Does Bariatric Surgery Insurance have a waiting period?
    Yes, bariatric surgery in health insurance has a waiting period of usually 2 to 4 years. Which means, if you want to cover your expenses for bariatric surgery you will have to wait for 2 years from the start of your policy. So, it is always advisable to opt for such a benefit with your first health insurance policy itself.
  • What happens to your Bariatric Surgery benefit if you are porting your health insurer?
    If you are porting an existing policy from some other General or Health Insurance Company or if you are adding this cover while renewing your health policy, a fresh waiting period will be applied for bariatric surgery benefit.
  • What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric surgery for the following reasons is not covered: a) For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons. b) For treating drug-induced obesity, for severe untreated hormonal imbalance, psychiatric and eating disorders-induced obesity.
  • What are the documents required to avail bariatric surgery in health insurance?
    What is required is a documented detailed history of your obesity-related health problems, difficulties, and treatment attempts demonstrating that a multidisciplinary approach with dietary, other lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and behavioral modification), and pharmacological therapy, if appropriate, have been unsuccessful, at least for past 6 months.
  • Do you have to pay anything extra to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric Surgery is usually not covered with most insurers in the base policy. However, health insurers nowadays provide an option where you add this benefit to your health insurance policy by paying a little extra premium. So, before buying a health insurance policy, do your bit of the research. Bariatric Surgery Insurance is a fresh take at how health insurance is gradually becoming completely customer friendly, with plans that can be personalized according to relevant needs!
  • What is the status of bariatric and metabolic surgery insurance coverage in india​?
    As per the IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) latest guidelines, bariatric or weight loss surgery will be included under health insurance cover with effect from 1st October 2019, offering some relief to morbidly obese people suffering from the disease. The inclusion will help lakhs of patients in India who cannot afford the treatment, that is spread 8-38% in rural areas and 15-30% in urban areas. As per the experts, “Barring a few, the surgery was not covered by many insurance firms as it was considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a life-saving treatment.”
  • Who is Bariatric Surgery Insurance suitable for?
    Anyone who is morbidly obese or those who tip the scales at 100 kg or more over their normal body weight. Also, if anyone has a history of obesity in the family or has a tendency of gaining abnormal weight in a small span of time.
  • So, how does Bariatric Surgery Insurance work?
    Few years back, bariatric surgery was a standard exclusion across the industry. However, with the changing needs of the world and the technical advancements, bariatric surgery is considered by many insurance companies now. If you are hospitalized for a Bariatric Surgery which is medically necessary, on the advice of a Medical Practitioner, we cover the related medical expenses. However, it is to be kept in mind that Bariatric Surgery Insurance benefit can be availed only when it is medically necessary and not for cosmetic purposes.
  • What are the conditions that should be kept in mind to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    To cover the expenses of your bariatric surgery in health insurance, these are the conditions that needs to be kept in mind: a) The insured person undergoing the surgery is at least 18 years old. b) BMI more than >=40 or Conditions like morbid obesity (BMI 35-39.9) with heart disease or diabetes or stroke or disease involving heart and lungs are mostly covered under bariatric surgery.
  • What are the procedures that can be undertaken in a Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Some of the common procedures that are covered under Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Biliopancreatic Diversion with or without Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass Sleeve Gastrectomy Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
  • Does Bariatric Surgery Insurance have a waiting period?
    Yes, bariatric surgery in health insurance has a waiting period of usually 2 to 4 years. Which means, if you want to cover your expenses for bariatric surgery you will have to wait for 2 years from the start of your policy. So, it is always advisable to opt for such a benefit with your first health insurance policy itself.
  • What happens to your Bariatric Surgery benefit if you are porting your health insurer?
    If you are porting an existing policy from some other General or Health Insurance Company or if you are adding this cover while renewing your health policy, a fresh waiting period will be applied for bariatric surgery benefit.
  • What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric surgery for the following reasons is not covered: a) For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons. b) For treating drug-induced obesity, for severe untreated hormonal imbalance, psychiatric and eating disorders-induced obesity.
  • What are the documents required to avail bariatric surgery in health insurance?
    What is required is a documented detailed history of your obesity-related health problems, difficulties, and treatment attempts demonstrating that a multidisciplinary approach with dietary, other lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and behavioral modification), and pharmacological therapy, if appropriate, have been unsuccessful, at least for past 6 months.
  • Do you have to pay anything extra to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric Surgery is usually not covered with most insurers in the base policy. However, health insurers nowadays provide an option where you add this benefit to your health insurance policy by paying a little extra premium. So, before buying a health insurance policy, do your bit of the research. Bariatric Surgery Insurance is a fresh take at how health insurance is gradually becoming completely customer friendly, with plans that can be personalized according to relevant needs!
  • What is the status of bariatric and metabolic surgery insurance coverage in india​?
    As per the IRDAI’s (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) latest guidelines, bariatric or weight loss surgery will be included under health insurance cover with effect from 1st October 2019, offering some relief to morbidly obese people suffering from the disease. The inclusion will help lakhs of patients in India who cannot afford the treatment, that is spread 8-38% in rural areas and 15-30% in urban areas. As per the experts, “Barring a few, the surgery was not covered by many insurance firms as it was considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a life-saving treatment.”
  • Who is Bariatric Surgery Insurance suitable for?
    Anyone who is morbidly obese or those who tip the scales at 100 kg or more over their normal body weight. Also, if anyone has a history of obesity in the family or has a tendency of gaining abnormal weight in a small span of time.
  • So, how does Bariatric Surgery Insurance work?
    Few years back, bariatric surgery was a standard exclusion across the industry. However, with the changing needs of the world and the technical advancements, bariatric surgery is considered by many insurance companies now. If you are hospitalized for a Bariatric Surgery which is medically necessary, on the advice of a Medical Practitioner, we cover the related medical expenses. However, it is to be kept in mind that Bariatric Surgery Insurance benefit can be availed only when it is medically necessary and not for cosmetic purposes.
  • What are the conditions that should be kept in mind to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    To cover the expenses of your bariatric surgery in health insurance, these are the conditions that needs to be kept in mind: a) The insured person undergoing the surgery is at least 18 years old. b) BMI more than >=40 or Conditions like morbid obesity (BMI 35-39.9) with heart disease or diabetes or stroke or disease involving heart and lungs are mostly covered under bariatric surgery.
  • What are the procedures that can be undertaken in a Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Some of the common procedures that are covered under Bariatric Surgery: Gastric Bypass The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Biliopancreatic Diversion with or without Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) Gastric Bypass Sleeve Gastrectomy Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
  • Does Bariatric Surgery Insurance have a waiting period?
    Yes, bariatric surgery in health insurance has a waiting period of usually 2 to 4 years. Which means, if you want to cover your expenses for bariatric surgery you will have to wait for 2 years from the start of your policy. So, it is always advisable to opt for such a benefit with your first health insurance policy itself.
  • What happens to your Bariatric Surgery benefit if you are porting your health insurer?
    If you are porting an existing policy from some other General or Health Insurance Company or if you are adding this cover while renewing your health policy, a fresh waiting period will be applied for bariatric surgery benefit.
  • What is not covered under Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric surgery for the following reasons is not covered: a) For cosmetic/aesthetic reasons. b) For treating drug-induced obesity, for severe untreated hormonal imbalance, psychiatric and eating disorders-induced obesity.
  • What are the documents required to avail bariatric surgery in health insurance?
    What is required is a documented detailed history of your obesity-related health problems, difficulties, and treatment attempts demonstrating that a multidisciplinary approach with dietary, other lifestyle modifications (such as exercise and behavioral modification), and pharmacological therapy, if appropriate, have been unsuccessful, at least for past 6 months.
  • Do you have to pay anything extra to avail Bariatric Surgery Insurance?
    Bariatric Surgery is usually not covered with most insurers in the base policy. However, health insurers nowadays provide an option where you add this benefit to your health insurance policy by paying a little extra premium. So, before buying a health insurance policy, do your bit of the research. Bariatric Surgery Insurance is a fresh take at how health insurance is gradually becoming completely customer friendly, with plans that can be personalized according to relevant needs!

The following questions may help you decide whether weight-loss surgery is right for you:

  • Do you meet the weight and health guidelines established to determine eligibility?

  • Are you determined to lose weight and improve your health?

  • Have you been unsuccessful at long-term weight loss using non-surgical methods?

  • Are you well informed about the surgical procedure and the effects of treatment?

  • Do you fully realize how your life may change after the operation, such as requiring you to chew food well and eat smaller meals?

  • Have you been informed of the potential for serious complications, dietary restrictions, and occasional failures?

  • Are you committed to lifelong medical follow-up and vitamin/mineral supplementation?

  • Your doctor has told you that you have diabetes or prediabetes (your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not as high as with diabetes).

Our Expert Team Will Support You Every Step of the Way

The AIG’s comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program is composed of a multidisciplinary team of bariatric specialists who provide personalized treatment, committing to years of follow-up care and supporting your effort to maintain a healthy weight, while meeting your nutritional needs.

The process you will follow involves several phases:
Initially, you will meet with the baritric surgeon to evaluate whether surgery is right for you. The surgeon will provide information about the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
Before surgery, our team of specialists, including a case manager, nutritionist, radiologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, and psychiatrist, will perform comprehensive medical exams and evaluations. You will also be asked to attend intensive education, counseling  session and support group programs to learn what to expect during and after surgery.
During the procedure, board-certified surgeon Dr Abhishek Katakwar trained in advanced laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Germany and Taiwan will work closely with anesthesiologists and highly trained operating room staff who are familiar with the special needs of bariatric patients.
After surgery, nurses trained in post-bariatric surgical care will work to prevent and manage possible complications. The surgeon, bariatric nurses, and nutritionist will follow you carefully throughout recovery.
During and after your recovery, you must commit to making profound lifestyle changes. To help meet this challenge successfully and safely, you will be closely monitored for nutritional deficiencies and post-operative dietary requirements. You will continue to attend our free support group meetings.In addition to the help you will receive from the bariatric team, you also have available the expertise of The AIG’s weight management programs to provide additional, ongoing help.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery center of Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad is here for you every step of the way. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to offering you the support you require and deserve through this profound lifestyle change.

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