Frequently Asked Questions

A group of weight-loss procedures that help individuals with obesity lose weight by altering the digestive system. It works by limiting how much you can eat or how nutrients are absorbed, leading to significant and sustained weight loss.

No. Bariatric surgery is weight loss surgery having profound effect on other comorbids like diabetes, hyptertension, PCOS and sleep apnea. Whereas tummy tuck / liposuction are cosmetic procedures for people with normal or near normal body weight, without any effect on obesity or weight related comorbids.

If BMI is more than 27.5 (or the weight is 20 Kgs above ideal weight) surgery is considered. A detailed consultation is necessary to know the status of comorbids, guidelines, patient’s past history and family history etc.

Through Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery. Stomach size is decreased to the size of large banana, through five button holes on the belly, with the help of imported stapling devices and instruments.

No absolute answer. Bypass is prohibited in smokers, areas/families with history of stomach cancer; whereas sleeve is prohibited in patients with significant acid reflux. In patients with sweet craving, diabetes mellitus, acid reflux; bypass is preferred. Otherwise, in all other conditions both achieve similar results in short term. Bypass is reversible and offers slightly more weight loss over long run as opposed to sleeve.

Daily life chores/walk- soon after surgery.
Outdoor activities without weight bearing- seven days average (ranging from two days to two weeks)
Full weight bearing/gym- one month
Much depends on weight, comorbidities, confidence & determination of patient.

6-8 kgs in 15 days, then 1-2 kgs each month till a plateau phase is achieved which is variable for different patients. It may vary depending on initial weight, procedure type, body metabolism, comorbids, diet & physical activity. Higher the initial weight & balanced lifestyle, greater the weight loss.

Following table provides a rough estimate of weight loss (Actual may vary due to baseline weight, metabolic rate, patient factors, surgery selected etc.

Yes, in upto 30% patients, weight regain occurs if followed upto 10 years. It depends on initial weight, procedure, body metabolism, eating habits, exercise/physical activity etc. A 70 % success of bariatric surgery beyond five years is by far the highest among all weight loss modalities i.e. diet & exercise (1%), medicine (10%) and endoscopic procedures (20-30%)

1% serious complications. Leak, bleeding, clotting of blood in legs (deep venous thrombosis), chest infection etc. Strict precautions are taken to prevent these complications, yet one out of a hundred patients may experience any of these complications.

These are relatively non serious provided patients follow and get tests done as per plan.
Protein and vitamin deficiency upto 10%
Structural complications like ulcer, narrowing etc. upto 2 %
Therefore, lifelong follow up and compliance to the dietician is paramount.

DOSTI offers surgery starting from 475,000 PKR, which includes accommodation (24 hours), Operation Theater, anesthesia, surgeon fee, nursing, drugs and disposables.
Welfare is also generously don to zakat eligible patients. For others, several payment options including credit card discounts, installments plan are available to support people in all ways we can.

Three major determinants of package anywhere are the disposables, hospital cost and surgeon fee. Disposables are same everywhere as they are imported (USA & China). We have convinced hospitals to support us in alleviating obesity and, therefore, hospital cost is also optimized. Our surgical & professional fee is also subsidized to realize the vision of DOSTI which says we go beyond weight loss surgery.

Dr. Ghulam Murtaza is a one of the best bariatric surgeons in Karachi. Having demonstrated his expertise in practicing & teaching laparoscopic general surgery over ten years, he is determined to alleviate obesity from society by fighting at several fronts i.e. from bariatric surgery to mass campaigns.

After graduating from Dow Medical College, he completed his general surgery training at Aga Khan University Hospital and passed out with “best graduate” and “best researcher” awards of year 2013. Taking forward the field of bariatric surgery, he got further training from south city hospital Karachi under the supervision of Dr. Mumtaz Maher. To further refine his knowledge & skills of obesity management and to serve the community best, he has traveled across different countries i.e. France (IRCAD, IHU, Strasbourg), SCOPE schools (Abu Dahbi, Greece, Korea, Turkey) and Atlanta (USA).

He is Fellow (American College of Surgeons and College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan), Member of Royal college of surgeons of England, Member of IFSO (International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders) and SCOPE (Strategic Centre for Obesity Professional Education) certified by World Obesity Federation. He is determined to establish a centre of excellence in obesity management & bariatric surgery.