Bariatric Surgery
Laparoscopic weight-loss surgery — sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass — for durable metabolic weight loss.
- Downtime
- 3–5 weeks
- Price range
- THB 350,000 – 650,000
About this treatment
Bariatric surgery is the most durable intervention for class-II and class-III obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy removes roughly 75% of the stomach to restrict volume and reduce ghrelin. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass creates a small pouch and reroutes the small intestine to add a malabsorptive and hormonal component.
Eligibility in Thailand generally follows international guidelines: BMI ≥ 32.5 with comorbidity or BMI ≥ 37.5 without. Multidisciplinary work-up covers endocrinology, psychology, dietetics and anaesthesia.
Recovery is 3–5 weeks off work with a staged diet (clear liquids → puree → soft → regular). Life-long vitamin supplementation and annual follow-up are mandatory.
Frequently asked
Sleeve or bypass?+
Sleeve is technically simpler with fewer nutritional issues. Bypass offers greater weight loss and better reflux/diabetes outcomes.
Is surgery reversible?+
Sleeve is not reversible. Bypass is technically reversible but rarely reversed.
How long in hospital?+
Typically 3–4 nights inpatient plus 10–14 days in Thailand for follow-up.