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Open Bariatric Surgery

Open bariatric surgery refers to weight loss procedures performed through a large conventional incision in the abdomen, as opposed to the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. It is considered when the patient has had multiple prior abdominal surgeries, has a very high BMI, or when laparoscopic conversion becomes necessary. Pristyn Care surgeons are experienced in performing open bariatric surgeries safely with careful patient selection and comprehensive post-operative care.

Open bariatric surgery refers to weight loss procedures performed through a large conventional ... Read More

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    Dr. Mohit Bhandari - A general-surgeon for Bariatric Surgery

    Dr. Mohit Bhandari

    MBBS, MS, DMAS (France)
    23 Yrs.Exp.

    5.0/5

    23 Years Experience

    location icon Plot 13, KH Ara Marg, Sector 56, Gurugram
    Call Us
    080-6541-7871
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    Dr. Sasikumar T - A plastic-surgeon for Bariatric Surgery

    Dr. Sasikumar T

    MBBS, MS-GENERAL SURGERY, DNB-PLASTIC SURGERY
    24 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    24 Years Experience

    location icon No.128, D Block, 1st Main road, Kilpauk
    Call Us
    080-6541-7851
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    Dr. Abhishek Vijay Kumar - A plastic-surgeon for Bariatric Surgery

    Dr. Abhishek Vijay Kumar

    MBBS, MS - General Surgery, M.Ch. - Plastic Surgery
    15 Yrs.Exp.

    4.5/5

    15 Years Experience

    location icon Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062
    Call Us
    080-6541-7893
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    Dr. Mohammed Nooruddin - A general-surgeon for Bariatric Surgery

    Dr. Mohammed Nooruddin

    MBBS, MS-General & Bariatric Surgeon
    13 Yrs.Exp.

    5.0/5

    13 Years Experience

    location icon First floor, Plot no 1213, Swamy Ayyappa Society, Mega Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
    Call Us
    080-6541-7705

Overview

Open bariatric surgery involves making a large abdominal incision to directly access the stomach and surrounding organs. While laparoscopic techniques are preferred today, open surgery remains an important option for complex cases. The goal is to reduce the stomach size and alter the digestive pathway, resulting in reduced food intake, decreased calorie absorption, and significant long-term weight loss.

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Causes

Conditions that may necessitate open bariatric surgery include:

  • Severe obesity with BMI above 40 not responding to conservative treatment
  • Failed prior laparoscopic bariatric procedure requiring revision
  • Extensive abdominal adhesions from multiple prior surgeries
  • Very enlarged liver making laparoscopic access difficult
  • Obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea

Are you going through any of these symptoms?

Bariatric Surgery Types

Open bariatric procedures include open gastric bypass, open sleeve gastrectomy, open adjustable gastric banding, and open biliopancreatic diversion. Each procedure works differently but all aim to reduce stomach capacity and alter nutrient absorption. The choice of procedure is made based on the patient BMI, health status, and surgeon recommendation.

Open Bariatric Candidates

Open bariatric surgery is suited for patients with BMI above 40, or BMI above 35 with severe obesity-related health conditions. It is also recommended for patients who have extensive abdominal scar tissue, who have failed a prior laparoscopic bariatric procedure, or in whom laparoscopic surgery was converted to open access during the operation due to complications.

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When is Open Surgery Preferred?

Open surgery is preferred over laparoscopy when the patient has had multiple prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries causing dense adhesions, when the liver is too enlarged to allow laparoscopic instrument placement, when significant bleeding occurs during laparoscopic procedure, or when the surgical team determines that direct visualization provides better safety for the patient.

Diagnosis

Pre-operative assessment for open bariatric surgery includes:

  • Complete blood count and liver function tests
  • Nutritional and metabolic evaluation
  • Psychological readiness assessment
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
  • Cardiac and pulmonary fitness evaluation
  • Abdominal imaging to assess organ size and adhesions
  • Sleep study to rule out severe sleep apnea

All results are reviewed by the bariatric team before deciding on the surgical approach.

Surgical Procedure

Open bariatric surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a large midline incision in the abdomen, directly accesses the stomach and intestines, and performs the chosen weight loss procedure. The incision is then closed in layers. Total operating time ranges from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the type of bariatric procedure selected.

Open Bariatric Procedure Steps

The open bariatric surgery procedure involves:

  • General anesthesia administration and patient positioning
  • Making a long midline incision from below the sternum to just above the navel
  • Retracting abdominal organs to access the stomach
  • Performing the chosen procedure such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
  • Checking anastomoses or staple lines for leaks
  • Placing drainage tubes if required
  • Closing the abdominal incision in multiple layers

After the Surgery

Recovery from open bariatric surgery takes 4 to 8 weeks. Hospital stay is typically 3 to 5 days. Patients follow a gradual dietary progression from liquids to pureed, soft, and then solid foods over 4 to 6 weeks. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is mandatory. Activity restrictions are maintained for 4 to 6 weeks and follow-up visits are scheduled regularly.

Complications of Open Bariatric Surgery

Potential complications of open bariatric surgery include:

  • Wound infection or dehiscence at the incision site
  • Incisional hernia in the long term
  • Anastomotic leak leading to peritonitis
  • Nutritional deficiencies requiring supplementation
  • Dumping syndrome causing nausea and diarrhea
  • Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
  • Pulmonary complications due to prolonged anesthesia

FAQs About Open Bariatric Surgery

Is open bariatric risky?

Open bariatric surgery carries slightly higher risks than laparoscopic approaches, including longer recovery and greater blood loss. However, it remains the preferred option when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible due to prior surgeries or patient anatomy.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery from open bariatric surgery typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Patients stay in hospital for 3 to 5 days. A gradual dietary progression from liquids to soft and then solid foods is followed. Lifelong nutritional supplements are required.

Will I need lifelong supplements?

Yes, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are necessary after bariatric surgery. This includes iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and a daily multivitamin to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

What is the success rate of open bariatric surgery?

Open bariatric surgery has a high success rate for long-term weight loss. Most patients lose 50 to 70 percent of excess weight within 2 years. Success depends on adherence to dietary and exercise guidelines post-surgery.

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Medically Reviewed By
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Dr. Mohit Bhandari
MBBS, MS, DMAS (France)
23 Years Experience Overall
Last Updated : April 29, 2026

What Our Patients Say

  • SG

    Shivaji Gurav, 50 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    Its been a year since my bariatric surgery done by dr. shashank shah in pune. I cant even explain how much reliefed i am right now after loosing weight. at 90 kg at the moment. dropped from 120kg last year

    City : Pune
  • PN

    Pamdari Narendar, 32 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    it was very good treatment procedure from the start to the end. Staff of Dr shashank shah is very helpful. Really belived that this obesity will take my life. but after treatment it looks a hope for my pain.

    City : Pune
  • SU

    Subrat, 52 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    I had done my obesity treatment. Its was good.

    City : Pune
  • VS

    Vandana Sharma, 25 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    I was very fat due to some hormones or what so ever reason. i cannot explain the pain i had in my legs due to overweight body. Thanks to dr. shashank shah. After surgery i am feeling more confident and light weight. my urge to over eat food has also resolved in it.

    City : Pune
  • MS

    Mihil Sharma, 25 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    My over weight surgery went really good and smooth. Didnt have any issue aftewr surgery. Dr shashank was exceptional in explaining so complicated things in such layman terms.

    City : Pune
  • TA

    Tajinder Arora, 36 Yrs

    verified
    5/5

    My weight loss treatment started a 1.5 month ago with all the diets and medications. I can't believe on seeing the results. Highly recommended yaar.

    City : Pune