Frequently Asked
Questions

Bariatric surgery helps you lose weight when diet and exercise haven't worked. This medical procedure changes your digestive system to help you eat less and feel full sooner.

The surgery works in two ways: it makes your stomach smaller and can change how your body absorbs food. Unlike dieting alone, bariatric surgery gives long-term results and helps control obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

No, these are completely different procedures. Liposuction removes fat from specific body areas for cosmetic reasons and doesn't help you lose significant weight or improve your health.

In contrast, bariatric surgery is a medical treatment that changes your digestive system to help you lose 75–85% of excess weight and can resolve serious conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Yes! Bariatric Nepal is the country's leading weight loss surgery center, offering world-class procedures at the most affordable prices in the world. Our team is led by Dr. Koshish N Pokharel, a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with extensive experience in advanced laparoscopic techniques.

You may qualify for surgery if you meet one of these criteria:
• BMI 27.5+ with type 2 diabetes or serious health conditions
• BMI 32.5+ with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol
• BMI 35+ even without other health conditions

You should also have tried losing weight through diet and exercise without long-term success, and be ready to make lifelong lifestyle changes. Note: thresholds are lower for Asian populations.

Generally, bariatric surgery is performed on adults aged 18–65. However, each case is evaluated individually. Younger patients (adolescents) and older patients may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on overall health, maturity, and the severity of obesity-related conditions.

Yes. Before being considered for surgery, it is expected that you have made genuine attempts to lose weight through diet, exercise, or medically supervised programs. This helps confirm that surgery is the appropriate next step. Our team will review your weight loss history during your consultation.

We offer four proven weight loss surgery options:

1. Gastric Bypass (RYGB) – the gold standard, 80–85% excess weight loss
2. Sleeve Gastrectomy – removes ~80% of stomach, 75–80% excess weight loss
3. Mini Gastric Bypass – shorter, simpler, similar results
4. Revision Bariatric Surgery – correcting previous weight loss surgery

Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your BMI, health conditions, and goals.

The procedure time varies by surgery type. Sleeve gastrectomy typically takes 60–90 minutes, gastric bypass takes 90–120 minutes, and mini gastric bypass is generally shorter. All procedures are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), meaning smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.

Yes, all our bariatric procedures use advanced laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques. This means smaller incisions, less scarring, reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays of 24–48 hours, faster return to daily activities, and lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.

Bariatric surgery in Nepal is among the most affordable in the world. Our all-inclusive price is NPR 4,00,000–4,50,000 (approx. USD 3,000–3,400). This typically includes hospital stay, surgery and surgeon fees, anesthesia, medications, and follow-up visits — significantly lower than India, Thailand, or Western countries while maintaining international quality standards.

Currently, most insurance companies in Nepal classify bariatric surgery as an elective procedure and do not cover it. However, policies are evolving and some international insurance plans may offer partial coverage. We recommend checking directly with your insurance provider. We can provide all necessary medical documentation to support your insurance claim.

We believe in complete transparency. Our quoted price covers the core surgical package including pre-op tests, surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and initial follow-up. Additional costs may arise for special pre-operative investigations, extended hospital stays, or management of unexpected complications. All potential costs are clearly discussed during your consultation.

Yes, bariatric surgery is very safe when performed by experienced surgeons. It is actually safer than many common surgeries like gallbladder or appendix removal. At Bariatric Nepal, we use advanced laparoscopic techniques, follow international safety protocols, and have performed hundreds of successful procedures.

Recovery follows a predictable timeline:
• Hospital stay: 24–48 hours
• Return to desk work: 2–3 days
• Return to physical work: ~15 days
• Full recovery: 4–6 weeks
• Light walking: begin immediately
• Full exercise: after 4–6 weeks

Everyone heals at their own pace, and we provide detailed post-operative care with regular follow-ups.

No, you will not become permanently weak. During the first few weeks, some fatigue is normal as your body heals. Most patients report feeling significantly stronger within a few months — they are carrying less weight, health conditions improve, sleep quality gets better, and they can exercise more comfortably. Comprehensive nutritional guidance and vitamin supplements ensure you maintain proper nutrition.

Your diet progresses in stages:
• Stage 1 (Weeks 1–2): Clear liquids — water, broth, sugar-free drinks
• Stage 2 (Weeks 2–4): Full liquids — protein shakes, strained soups, thin yogurt
• Stage 3 (Weeks 4–6): Pureed foods — blended eggs, dal, mashed vegetables
• Stage 4 (Weeks 6–8): Soft foods — soft-cooked vegetables, tender chicken, fish
• Stage 5 (After 8 weeks): Regular foods in smaller portions

Long-term: 3 small meals daily, 60–80g protein per day, daily vitamins, drink water between (not during) meals.

Yes. Because bariatric surgery changes how your body absorbs nutrients, daily vitamin and mineral supplementation is essential for life. This typically includes a multivitamin, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. Our team will prescribe the right supplements for you and monitor your nutritional levels at every follow-up visit.

Absolutely! Our nutritionists understand local cuisine and will help you adapt your favourite Nepali foods. Dal, lentils, boiled vegetables, soft momos, and fish are all generally suitable in appropriate portions. We create personalised meal plans that fit your lifestyle and food preferences while meeting your nutritional needs.

Expected results by procedure:
• Sleeve Gastrectomy: 75–80% of excess body weight
• Gastric Bypass / Mini Gastric Bypass: 80–85% of excess body weight

Example: If you weigh 120 kg and your ideal weight is 70 kg (50 kg excess), expect to lose approximately 37–42 kg.

Timeline: First 3 months – rapid loss; 3–12 months – steady loss; 12–18 months – reaching target; 18–24 months – stabilisation.

Many obesity-related conditions dramatically improve:
• Type 2 Diabetes: 70–80% remission rate
• High Blood Pressure: improvement in 70–80% of patients
• Sleep Apnea: improvement in 80–90% of cases
• High Cholesterol: normalisation in most patients
• Joint Pain: dramatic reduction
• PCOS: improved hormonal balance and fertility
• Fatty Liver Disease: often reverses completely

While bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, it is not a permanent guarantee against weight regain if unhealthy habits return. However, the majority of patients maintain significant long-term weight loss. Following our dietary guidelines, staying active, and attending regular follow-ups are the best ways to protect and maintain your results.

Yes, it is safe to plan for pregnancy after surgery. Many women find their fertility improves significantly after weight loss. We recommend waiting 12–18 months before trying to conceive to ensure your weight has stabilised and your nutritional status is optimised.

Benefits include reduced risk of gestational diabetes, lower pregnancy complications, improved fertility (especially with PCOS), and healthier outcomes for both mother and baby.

Yes, in a positive way for most patients. Weight loss surgery often leads to significant improvements in hormonal balance. Women with PCOS frequently experience more regular menstrual cycles and improved fertility. Testosterone levels in men can improve. Thyroid function may also benefit. Our team monitors your hormonal health throughout your post-operative journey.

Five compelling reasons:

1. Experienced Surgeon — Dr. Koshish N Pokharel is fellowship-trained with extensive laparoscopic experience
2. International Standards — global safety protocols adapted for Asian patients
3. Comprehensive Care — complete support from pre-operative evaluation to long-term follow-up
4. Proven Results — hundreds of successful surgeries with consistently excellent outcomes
5. Most Affordable — world-class care at the world's lowest prices

Getting started is easy! You can:
• Call us at +977-9715333456
• WhatsApp us at the same number
• Use the online booking form at bariatricnepal.com/online-booking/
• Visit our clinic in Kathmandu

During your free initial consultation, Dr. Pokharel will review your medical history, calculate your BMI, discuss suitable procedures, and provide a detailed cost estimate with no obligation.

Absolutely. Post-operative support is central to our programme. You will receive:
• Regular scheduled follow-up appointments
• Nutritional counselling and personalised meal planning
• Vitamin and supplement guidance
• Exercise recommendations
• Psychological support if needed
• 24/7 access to our team for urgent concerns

Our relationship with patients doesn't end in the operating room — we are with you for the long term.