Obesity isn’t just about weight — it’s about health, confidence, and quality of life. After years of failed diets, gym routines, and health issues piling up, I made the decision that changed everything: I chose to undergo Mini Gastric Bypass surgery in Islamabad.
If you’re researching this procedure or considering weight loss surgery in Pakistan, here’s a detailed, honest look at my personal journey — from the first consultation to where I am today.
🟦 My Struggle With Obesity
I wasn’t always overweight, but after my 30s, the weight started creeping up. Desk job, stress eating, and little time for self-care — it all added up. At my heaviest, I weighed 128 kg, with a BMI over 40. I had sleep apnea, borderline diabetes, and constant fatigue. Social events became stressful, and I avoided mirrors altogether.
What scared me most wasn’t how I looked — it was how I felt. Breathless walking up stairs. Tired after minor tasks. Medication piling up.
I knew it was time for a change.
🟦 Why I Chose Mini Gastric Bypass (Not Sleeve or Full Bypass)
During my research, I came across various options: gastric sleeve, Roux-en-Y bypass, and Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB).
The Mini Gastric Bypass stood out for three reasons:
It was less complex than traditional bypass surgery
It had fewer complications
And most importantly, it offered excellent weight loss results
I also learned it was now being performed at several reputable hospitals in Islamabad with highly experienced bariatric surgeons.
🟦 Consultation with a Bariatric Surgeon in Islamabad
I booked a consultation at a leading bariatric surgery center in Islamabad (located in G-9). The surgeon walked me through everything:
How the stomach would be reduced in size
How food would bypass part of the intestine
Expected weight loss
Risks and complications
Long-term lifestyle changes
I was impressed by the team’s professionalism. They conducted blood work, an ultrasound, ECG, and a psychological assessment. Within a week, I was cleared for surgery.
🟦 Preparing for the Operation
Two weeks before the procedure, I began a strict pre-op diet. It was tough — mostly liquids, protein shakes, and very low carbs — but I lost 4 kg before surgery, which made the operation safer and easier.
The hospital provided a checklist: what to bring, when to stop eating, and what to expect on the day of the surgery.
🟦 Surgery Day in Islamabad
The procedure was performed laparoscopically and lasted about 90 minutes. I was under general anesthesia, and when I woke up, I felt groggy but not in serious pain.
The first night, I was monitored closely. I had mild abdominal soreness and gas discomfort (common after laparoscopic surgery), but I was up and walking within hours.
I was discharged the next day with painkillers, a detailed recovery plan, and my surgeon’s direct contact number.
🟦 Post-Surgery Recovery – The First Few Weeks
Recovery wasn’t easy, but it was manageable.
➤ Week 1:
Only clear liquids
Small sips every 15 minutes
No solid food at all
➤ Week 2–3:
Smooth pureed foods
Light broths, soft eggs, yogurt
Eating every 2-3 hours, very slowly
➤ Week 4–6:
Soft solids like grilled fish, mashed vegetables, and soups
Started light walking and stretching
My energy slowly returned, and the weight began dropping steadily — around 1.5 to 2 kg per week in the beginning.
Weight Loss Results – What Happened Over Time
By the 3-month mark, I had lost 26 kg. Clothes that hadn’t fit in years were loose. My face looked different. But even more importantly, my health had improved:
Blood sugar normalized
BP meds reduced
Sleep apnea almost gone
More energy and mobility
At 6 months, I was down 40 kg. By the 1-year mark, I had lost a total of 58 kg, reaching my healthiest weight since university.
The Emotional & Mental Shift
The weight loss was incredible, but the emotional changes were even more powerful. I started feeling good in public, making eye contact, and saying “yes” to social invites. I could sit comfortably in airplane seats, ride amusement park rides, and shop in regular stores.
I also developed a healthier relationship with food. I no longer ate to escape emotions — I ate to fuel my body.
How Much Did It Cost in Islamabad?
The entire process — including pre-op tests, surgery, hospital stay, post-op visits, and dietitian support — cost about PKR 800,000. Some clinics offer packages ranging from PKR 600,000 to PKR 1,000,000, depending on the hospital and surgeon.
Compared to international prices, this was affordable, and the care I received was world-cl