Intragastric Balloon Surgery

How will I know that Balloon Surgery is what I need?

At Allure, we have a detailed consultation with our patients before advising them on which weight reduction programme to choose.

Are there any side effects?

It will take a little time for your stomach to get used to the balloon, though you will be allowed to go home the same day or the day following the surgery. A few patients cannot tolerate the balloon for the full 6-month period and need to remove it early, sometimes within a few days of its being inserted, if side effects (including nausea and vomiting) do not pass or are worse than expected.

Any special diets?

A liquid and puree dietmust be followed for the first week, after which a nutritionist-recommended solid diet is allowed. Your progress will be closely monitored throughout the six-month period and you will be advised on lifestyle changes and nutrition to help you achieve long-term success.

What happens if the gastric balloon deflates spontaneously?

The liquid in the balloon will be blue. If it leaks, your urine will come out green. When you notice this, you must tell your doctor immediately and schedule prompt removal of the balloon.

Will the Gastric Balloon affect my digestion?

No. Your body’s digestive process isn’t affected in the least.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

When you eat less, your body draws the extra energy it needs from its own fat, thus burning it up. You could lose 15-25 kg in six months if you follow the dietician’s advice and make the necessary lifestyle alterations. There is a possibility of negligible weight loss – or even rapid weight loss that might have serious health consequences. If you believe you’re losing weight too quickly, you must inform your doctor so that he can look into the matter and take corrective measures.

Are frequent visits to the doctor required?

In the course of the six-month period, you will need to meet your doctor and your nutritionist at least twice a month, so that your progress is monitored and changes to your diet recommended, if necessary. In the course of these visits, you will learn important principles of nutrition, health and exercise, so that you can work towards long-term success.

Will my activities be limited?

Heavy activity or vigorous exercise is to be avoided during the first week following the procedure. After your body has adjusted to the balloon, a regular exercise program is highly recommended as it will improve the chances of your success.

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol in small amounts is fine. Alcohol consumption raises the risk of ulceration.
Can I eat anything I want? Are there any food restrictions?
You will need to follow your dietician’s advice. In any case, fatty foods or sweets will make you feel unwell, andovereating while the gastric balloon is in place can prove dangerous.

How is the balloon removed?

After you’re put under anaesthesia, an endoscopic camera will be passed through your throat and into your stomach. The balloon will be punctured and pulled out through your throat. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes and is painless.You will be monitored for a short time in the clinic and then discharged.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Surgery

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Everyone is different but on average we expect gastric band patients to lose 50-60% of their excess weight.

What are the benefits of Gastric Banding?

You achieve significant weight loss, and health risks associated with obesity are dramatically reduced. You will enjoy improved health and mobility, and as a consequence, experience a sense of well-being and become more self-confident.

Is there much pain after the operation?

You will feel some discomfort at the port entry sites through which the operating instruments and camera were passed, especially where the band access port was placed in the deep tissues. Left shoulder paint is also common (it’s actually pain coming from the diaphragm, the large thin sheet of muscle separating the chest from the abdominal cavity). This passes after a few days. Generally, there is no severe pain, and simple painkillers can deal with any discomfort.

How soon can I drive after the operation?

You must wait 2-3 days after surgery to allow the effects of the anaesthetic and any post-operative analgesia (painkillers) to wear off. It is best to wait for 10 days to allow the port sites to fully heal.

How long will I be off work?

For sedentary desk jobs, you get expect to resume work after a week. If your job involves lifting or is more streneous, you may need 2 weeks.

What about scars following surgery?

Scarring is minimal and should fade gradually. Some people have a greater tendency to form keloid, which may result in thicker and more prominent scars.

Should I expect frequent vomiting?

There should be no vomiting at all. If you vomit frequently, it means that your band hasn’t been adjusted correctly, or that you aren’t following the eating rules. Persistent vomiting may be a sign of band slippage.

What about medication?

You may continue with your regular medication, but large tablets will need to be crushed and had with a spoonful of yogurt. Capsules are soft and easily melt inside the stomach.

Will I need to take vitamin supplements?

Because you’ll be eating less and losing weight, we recommend a daily soluble multivitamin to make sure you are covering all your requirements, especially B vitamins, folate and iron.

What about physical activity?

Regular walking is highly recommended. After your scars have healed and you feel more confident, you could exercise more vigorously.

Are band adjustments painful?

Not at all.You feel a brief scratch on the skin with a small needle and then some mild discomfort as we push on the access port. This procedure takes just a few minutes and requires no anaesthetic.

How often will I need to have the band adjusted?

If you are losing 0.5-1kg a week, have no symptoms and feel well, your band is fine. But if weight loss is very slow or you have little restriction, it might need an adjustment. One can expect from one to six adjustments in the first year, but more is not necessarily better. Some people think if the band is giving good weight loss, tightening it will give better results. This is not true. An over-adjusted band can be dangerous, risking slippage.

Does the band leak?

The band can leak a tiny amount of fluid and will need topping up. If you find yourself feeling hungry and putting on weight, don’t blame yourself. Instead, contact our doctors or dieticians so that we can check on the band for leakage.

What happens if I lose too much weight?

If your weight continues to decline after achieving your goal, we would simply remove some fluid from the band to reduce the restriction. This is a strength of the band!

Can the band be removed?

The band is easily removed and does not involve cutting the bowel or stomach. Removal leaves a fully restored stomach and alimentary system.

Is it safe to have other surgical procedures?

It’s safe to have other surgical procedures but you must tell your surgeon about the band and also inform us immediately. If your surgery involves general anaesthesia, we will empty your band in case you have a reaction to the anaesthetic that results in vomiting, which will put pressure on the band. The band can be re-adjustedafter you have fully recovered.

Will I be constipated?

As you will be eating less, you can expect a drop in bowel activity. If you do become constipated, we can suggest plenty of effective remedies.

What happens if I become pregnant?

The band does not hinder pregnancy. In the event of your becoming pregnant,we have protocols for managing the band, so no worries.

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol consumption in moderation is permissible. Studies show that small quantities enhance weight loss, so you may consume half a pint of beer, half a 175ml glass of wine, or a small single peg of spirits.

Can I burp with the band?

The band makes burping difficult, but the problem lasts only for the first few months.

Can I eat anything in moderation?

As you can only eat small amounts, it is important to include foods which are rich in protein but low in fat and sugar: vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean meat and fish. Our nutritionist will well advise you on diet to be followed.

Is silicone dangerous to me?

Silicone implants have been used in various areas of medicine for more than 50 years, but there is no evidence at all to suggest that silicone is dangerous. In any case, the gastric band is made of solid silicone, which cannot leak into the body tissues.

How long will the band last?

One can safely say that the band can last a decade or more, based on our understanding of its application in medicine since 1993, when the first band was implanted.

Do some people fail with the band?

Studies show a failure rate of 10-15%. Some patients fail owing to their inability to follow nutritional or physical activity advice or to attend band adjustment clinics. Sometimes, band leakage or slippage leads to failure. If you are as committed to succeed as we are, most reasons for failure can be overcome.

What are possible complications?

Gastric Perforation and bleeding can occur during the operation. Early post-operative problems could include wound infections (1-3%) and pulmonary embolism (1%), but rarely bleeding and cardio pulmonary complications.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

Is SGS right for me?

This procedure is ideal for those suffering from extreme obesity, or those suffering from problems related to obesity.

How much weight can I hope to lose?

Weight loss is greater than gastric bands but less than gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery.

1 year: 30% to 50% weight loss.

2 years: 60% to 70% of excess weight loss.

3 years: Around 70% but not enough clinical data.

If dietary guidelines are not followed, it is possible to regain weight after significant weight loss.

What are the complications?

There are few instances of complications from SGS, but they can be serious. Leaks along the staple line is the biggest concern and is very serious. There is also a chance of excessive bleeding, infection, and injury to the liver or the spleen.

Will my stomach stretch back to its original size?

No, it won’t. However, if you continue to overeat and do nofollow  a strict exercise plan, you run the risk of expanding your stomach and gaining weight.

Is the Sleeve Gastrectomy Reversible?

Because part of the stomach is removed, a gastric sleeve is not reversible.

What will I feel with the Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Just a half- or full cup of food will make you full. You will be feel fit and energetic, even as you continue to lose weight.

Is the procedure painful?

Extreme pain following surgery is rare. Still, patients are given medication to deal with pain should it occur.

Can I plan a pregnancy after a Sleeve Gastrectomy?

An 18-month waiting period is recommended before trying to conceive after weight loss surgery. Even if you believe you can’t conceive, it is safe to use birth control. This is a period when your body loses weight quite rapidly, and any added stress might pose a health risk.

What are the staples made of?

They’re made of titanium. You can have an MRI scan, and you can go through the detectors at the airport without any problems.

How will the Sleeve Gastrectomy affect my eating?

SGS reduces your food intake drastically. But it has to be supported by dietary and lifestyle changes. Foods should be low in fats and oil, but nutritionally rich – high in protein, vitamins and minerals. Fibrous foods, such as asparagus, should be avoided.

Laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

What are the risks?

There are many serious risks associated with gastric bypass, which you need to discuss with your doctor. These risks relate to any surgery or anaesthesia and include allergic reactions to medicines, blood clots in the legs that may travel to your lungs and cause serious complications, blood loss, breathing problems, heart attack or stroke during or after surgery, and infections  in the cut, lungs (pneumonia), bladder, or kidney. Down the road, you may suffer from iron, calcium and Vitamin B12 deficiencies, unless you stick to prescribed diets and vitamin supplements.

How should I prepare for surgery?

If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking several weeks before surgery and not resume smoking ever again as smoking slows recovery and invites other problems. If pregnant, tell your doctor what drugs, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription. You will be asked to stop taking aspirin, vitamin E, and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot. Take your doctor’s advice on this score. Also, prepare your home for when you return, as you will have to avoid strenuous lifting or shifting after the procedure.

How many incisions will there be on my tummy?

Six incisions. The largest will be about 1cm. All scars will fade in time.

Is the procedure painful?

Whatever discomfort is felt in the first 3-4 days can be countered with painkillers.

Why can I return to work?

Within a week.But some patients prefer to take 10 days’ bed rest.

Should I discontinue oral contraceptives before surgery?

Yes, as these could lead to deep vein thrombosis. Consumption can resume 10 days after surgery.

Can I conceive after the surgery?

It is not advisable to conceive for 12–18 months after the surgery. As your body’s nutritional intake will drastically drop during the first post-operative phase, it will adversely affect your baby’s health. You must consult your gynaecologist for advice in this regard.

How long do I have to stay in hospital?

Two or three days, at least. You will be allowed to return home only after you show you can ingest pureed food without vomiting, can move around without a lot of pain, and do not need pain medicine through an IV or with injection.

How long will weight loss effects last?

Studies show that even after 14 years of surgery, patients have maintained 80% of excess body weight loss.

Is the procedure reversible?

It isn’t. It’s for life and, therefore, requires a long-term commitment from you to stay true to diet plans, exercise routines, and suggested lifestyle changes.

Gastric Imbrication Surgery

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Patients have achieved excess weight loss of 60-90% at the end of one year.

What are the disadvantages?

You might regain weight over the long term (although this is a possibility with most weight-reduction surgeries). In this event, there are no known corrective measures, within the format of this procedure.

Any side effects?

Around 20% of patients experience nausea, vomiting, food intolerance, excess salivation, heartburn or chest pain.  This may happen within the first 24 hours post-op. Although the procedure is done as an outpatient, you may have to visit the office for a few days to have intravenous fluids administered.

How long is hospital stay?

Generally, you need to stay a day or so. Out-of-town patients will have an overnight stay.

How long is the procedure?

The surgery takes one hour.

Laser and Ultrasound Liposuction

What are the benefits of ultrasonic liposuction?

Ultrasonic liposuction removes fat from areas that do not respond to exercise or dieting – the abdomen, back, male chest and hips, chin, etc. This process ensures more complete fat removal with less blood loss and damage to surrounding tissues. Its other advantage over traditional liposuction is that it results in tighter and more elastic skin and is, therefore, especially useful in treating abdominal areas after pregnancy.

Does ultrasonic liposuction cost more than traditional liposuction?

As some of the equipment used is disposable, ultrasonic treatment is more expensive – but only marginally.

What risks are associated with ultrasonic liposuction?

As with all surgical procedures there are risks and potential complications, some of which are exclusive to ultrasonic liposuction. We weight all risks, alternatives and potential benefits in consultation with patients before we decide on any procedure to be followed.

Will liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite results from superficial fat, so liposuction may not make a difference. It removes only deep fat.

When is it best to opt for liposuction of the abdomen instead of having a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is a good option if your skin tone is good, you have excess tummy fat, and no stretch marks. A tummy tuck makes more sense for patients with stretch marks, loose skin and a loose inner girdle, all of which usually follow a pregnancy.

What is recovery like?

Post-operation, pain medications need to be taken to alleviate discomfort and a body-compression garment will need to be worn to minimize swelling. Although results show within the first few weeks, some swelling may remain for several months and the final result will only be clear roughly six months after surgery.

As liposuction involves minimal invasiveness, most people are back on their feet within 10 days, and ready to resume exercising after two weeks.