Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery in Delhi: A Patient Guide
Updated: 19 hours ago
Medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal, MBBS, DNB (Surgery), FNB (Minimal Access Surgery), FALS (Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery), trained in robotic surgery (Intuitive), Fellowship in Colorectal Surgery (Taiwan). Delhi Medical Council (DMC) Reg. No. 37887. GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at THE CLINICS, Hauz Khas & Green Park, New Delhi. Last updated: 18 October 2026
In short: Bariatric (weight loss) surgery is generally considered for adults with severe obesity, or obesity with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, when diet, exercise and medicines have not worked. The two keyhole operations most commonly offered are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. Most people stay in hospital for a couple of days, follow a staged diet for about a month, and need lifelong supplements and follow-up.
Obesity is a long-term medical condition, not a lack of willpower. For many people, diet, exercise and medicines bring some weight loss that is hard to keep off. Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric or metabolic surgery, changes the stomach and sometimes the intestine so that you feel full sooner and your body handles food differently. Done with keyhole (laparoscopic) techniques and followed by lifelong healthy habits, it can lead to substantial, lasting weight loss and often improves conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea.
This guide explains who may be a candidate, the operations commonly offered, how to prepare, what recovery and the diet stages look like, and the risks you should know about.
Who is a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Suitability is always decided individually, after a full assessment. As a general guide, international recommendations consider surgery for adults with:
a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or more, with or without obesity-related health problems
a BMI of 30 or more with conditions such as type 2 diabetes that are not well controlled
For people of Asian origin, including Indians, health risks rise at a lower BMI, so lower thresholds are often used. Your surgeon will look at your whole picture, not only one number.
Other things that matter:
previous serious attempts at weight loss through diet, exercise or medicines
obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, fatty liver, joint pain or reflux
being medically fit for anaesthesia and surgery
readiness to change eating habits and attend follow-up for life
Surgery may not be advised if there is uncontrolled psychiatric illness, active alcohol or drug misuse, certain medical conditions that make anaesthesia unsafe, or during pregnancy.
Laparoscopic procedures commonly offered
Bariatric operations are performed through small keyhole cuts with a camera, which usually means less pain and a quicker return to activity than open surgery. The two operations most commonly offered are:
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
About three-quarters of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped "sleeve". You feel full with much smaller meals, and levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin fall. The intestine is not rerouted, so the operation is technically simpler. Sleeve gastrectomy can make acid reflux worse in some people, so existing reflux or a hiatus hernia is checked before choosing this option.
Laparoscopic gastric bypass
A small stomach pouch is created and joined directly to a loop of small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine. Meals are smaller and the way the body processes food and sugar changes. A bypass is often favoured when there is significant reflux or type 2 diabetes. Because it affects absorption, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
There are variations, such as one-anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass, and revision surgery for people who have had a previous bariatric operation. The right procedure depends on your BMI, health conditions, reflux symptoms, eating pattern and personal preference, and is decided together with you after tests.
Preparing for surgery
Preparation usually takes a few weeks and is an important part of a safe operation:
Medical assessment: blood tests, ECG, and tests of heart, lung, thyroid and diabetes control, plus a sleep study if sleep apnoea is suspected.
Upper GI endoscopy or imaging to check the stomach, look for reflux or a hiatus hernia, and help choose the procedure.
Dietitian consultation and often a pre-operative liver-shrinking diet (low-calorie, high-protein) for one to two weeks, which makes keyhole surgery safer.
Psychological readiness: a discussion of eating habits, expectations and support at home.
Stopping smoking well before surgery, and reviewing medicines such as blood thinners and diabetes tablets.
Recovery after bariatric surgery
Most people walk within hours of the operation and stay in hospital for a short period, usually a couple of days. Pain is generally controlled with tablets. Many return to desk work in about one to three weeks, while heavy lifting and strenuous exercise usually wait several weeks. Walking every day from the start helps recovery and reduces the risk of clots.
Weight loss is fastest in the first months and continues more gradually for one to two years. Results vary between individuals and depend greatly on diet, activity and follow-up.
Diet stages after surgery
Your new stomach needs time to heal, so food is reintroduced step by step. A typical plan, which your team will tailor for you:
Clear liquids (first few days): water, clear soups, coconut water and sugar-free fluids, taken in small sips.
Full liquids (about the first two weeks): protein shakes, thin dal, buttermilk, skimmed milk and strained soups.
Pureed and soft foods (about weeks 3 to 4): mashed dal, khichdi, curd, paneer, eggs and blended vegetables.
Regular healthy diet (from about week 5 onwards): small, protein-first meals, eaten slowly and chewed well.
Lifelong habits that help:
eat small portions slowly and stop at the first sense of fullness
take protein first, aiming for the daily protein target your dietitian sets
sip fluids between meals rather than with them
avoid sugary drinks, fried food and alcohol
take the vitamin, iron, calcium and B12 supplements prescribed for you
Risks, stated honestly
Bariatric surgery is generally safe when performed by trained teams, but every operation has risks, which are discussed in detail before you decide:
Early risks: bleeding, infection, a leak from the staple line or join, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and the usual risks of anaesthesia.
Later problems: nausea or vomiting if eating too fast, narrowing (stricture), new or worse reflux (particularly after a sleeve), ulcers at the join after a bypass, internal hernia after a bypass, and "dumping syndrome" after sugary food.
Nutritional deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and protein, which is why supplements and regular blood tests are lifelong.
Gallstones can form during rapid weight loss; read more in our gallbladder stone guide.
Weight regain can happen if eating habits slip, so follow-up and support matter.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible for bariatric surgery?
Generally, adults with a BMI of 35 or more, or 30 or more with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, may be considered. Lower thresholds are often used for people of Asian origin, including Indians. The final decision is made after a full medical assessment.
Which is better, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass?
Neither is right for everyone. A sleeve is simpler and does not reroute the intestine, while a bypass is often preferred when there is significant reflux or diabetes. Your surgeon recommends one after tests and a discussion of your goals.
How long will I stay in hospital?
Most people stay for a short period, usually a couple of days, and walk on the day of surgery.
When can I go back to work?
Many people return to desk work in about one to three weeks. Physically demanding work and heavy lifting usually wait several weeks.
Will I need vitamins for life?
Yes. Lifelong supplements and regular blood tests are recommended, especially after a gastric bypass, to prevent deficiencies of iron, B12, vitamin D and calcium.
Can bariatric surgery help type 2 diabetes?
Many patients see a major improvement in blood sugar control and need fewer medicines, and some achieve remission. Results vary from person to person.
Is weight loss surgery a quick fix?
No. Surgery is a powerful tool, but lasting results depend on healthy eating, regular activity and follow-up for life.
What affects the cost of bariatric surgery?
The cost depends on the procedure (sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass), the hospital and room category, pre-operative tests, the length of stay, dietitian follow-up and your insurance cover. You will receive a personalised estimate after consultation; please call the clinic to check your insurance cover; insurance facilities available.
Related reading
Book a weight loss surgery consultation in Hauz Khas or Green Park
If you have struggled with your weight and its effect on your health, book a consultation to discuss whether bariatric surgery is suitable for you. Please bring any recent blood reports and a list of your current medicines.
THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas (main clinic): H2, Hauz Khas, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016. Dr Bansal's consultation hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm
THE CLINICS, Green Park: G32, Ground Floor, Green Park Extension, New Delhi 110016. Dr Bansal's consultation hours: Monday to Saturday, 6 pm to 8 pm
Phone: +91 83683 75734 | +91 92173 81353
Email: drsaurabhatindia@gmail.com | Book online
Other specialist doctors also consult at both clinics, so please call to confirm your appointment time with Dr Bansal.
Medical disclaimer: This article is general information, not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Suitability for surgery, the choice of procedure, recovery and results vary between individuals. Please consult a qualified doctor about your own situation. This article was drafted with AI assistance and medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887).
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