Weight Loss Surgery

Fortis Memorial's department of Minimal Access, Bariatric & GI Surgery has been acknowledged as a one-stop centre for patients who are in need of weight loss through laparoscopic weight loss surgery.

The Department’s primary objective is to help patients improve their overall health and, ultimately a good quality of life.

The multidisciplinary teams at Fortis include gastroenterologists, medical & radiation oncologists, endocrinologists, physiotherapists, and dieticians to provide the most comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with common and complex upper digestive tract diseases such as diseases of the oesophagus, stomach & intestines, gastrointestinal tumours (GIST), bile duct & gallbladder stones and obesity & metabolic disorders like Type 2 Diabetes.

With an unparalleled depth of knowledge and access to the most advanced technology, Fortis Hospital provides each patient with a comprehensive evaluation and then customises their treatment, all with an unprecedented caring and compassionate approach towards patient care.

Do I qualify for surgery?

The decision to have Bariatric Surgery is a big one and usually takes time to process. The question about whether an individual qualifies for surgery is one that gets asked frequently. Of course the decision to finally go ahead with surgery is an individual one and one that is based on the potential benefits of surgery versus the risks of the actual operation.

To determine whether or not you qualify for surgery, the team at Fortis conduct a number of pre-operative investigations some of which can be done in New Zealand, others at the hospital, and they will include tests such as:

1. Blood Investigations

  • Complete Blood Counts

2. Radiology Investigations

  • X-ray Chest PA View
  • Ultrasound Upper Abdomen (for Men) / Whole Abdomen (for Women)- To be done empty stomach
  • Carotid Doppler : For the patient above 60 years

3. Cardiology Investigations

  • ECG

4. Liver Investigations

  • Fibro scan (For BMI > 50 or if LFT abnormal)
  • These investigations to be done at our hospital.
    • Dobutamine Stress Echo Cardiogram
    • Upper G.I. Endoscopy (To be done empty stomach)

5. Sleep study

Laproscopic Bariatric Surgery

Gastric Sleeve

The size of the stomach is reduced to a narrow tube, a 'sleeve'. This limits the portion sizes you can eat. It also gives you a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food.

Length of stay required at Fortis Memorial - 3-4 days

Post discharge stay in India for recovery - 2 weeks

Gastric Bypass

This works by restricting food intake and by decreasing the absorption of food. Food intake is limited by a small pouch that is similar in size to the adjustable gastric band. In addition, absorption of food in the digestive tract is reduced by excluding most of the stomach, duodenum, and upper intestine from contact with food by routing food directly from the pouch into the small intestine.

The operation, usually performed laparoscopically, involves making five to six small incisions in the abdomen through which a small scope connected to a video camera and surgical tools are inserted. The surgeon staples the top portion of the stomach so it is separated from the bottom to create a small stomach pouch. This small pouch restricts food intake.

Length of stay required at Fortis Memorial - 4 days

Post discharge stay in India for recovery - 2 weeks