Weight Loss Surgery in Bangalore
Weight Loss Surgery in Bangalore — A Medical Decision, Not a Last Resort
Bariatric surgery is not for people who have not tried hard enough. It is a medically established treatment for obesity with comorbidities - diabetes, hypertension, joint problems - when other methods have not worked. Dr. Sajeet performs laparoscopic bariatric surgery at Aveksha Hospital, Yelahanka and Manipal Hospital, Hebbal- with a structured pre- and post-operative programme.
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass
- Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Op Programme
- Aveksha Hospital, Yalahanka
- Manipal Hospital, Hebbal
- ARC, Malleshwaram
- Even Hospitals, Madhava Nagar
Who Is Bariatric Surgery For?
Understanding Weight Loss Surgery
Who is bariatric surgery for?
Weight loss surgery is not cosmetic surgery. It is a medically established treatment for obesity and obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, and severe joint pain. It is recommended when structured attempts at diet, exercise, and medication-based weight loss have not produced lasting results.
Under current Indian BMI guidelines, bariatric surgery is generally considered for patients with a BMI of 37.5 kg/m² or above regardless of comorbidities, or a BMI of 32.5 kg/m² or above when obesity-related medical conditions are present. Indian thresholds are lower than Western guidelines because metabolic complications occur at lower BMI levels in Indian populations.
Dr. Sajeet evaluates each patient individually at Aveksha Hospital, Yelahanka. The decision is based not only on BMI, but also on overall health, previous weight-loss attempts, lifestyle factors, and long-term readiness for change.
What procedures does Dr. Sajeet perform?
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure. Approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed laparoscopically, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. This reduces food intake and lowers levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger. Most patients lose 60–70% of excess body weight over 12–18 months.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing part of the digestive tract. It is particularly effective for patients with Type 2 diabetes and severe metabolic disease but requires lifelong nutritional monitoring and supplementation.
During consultation, Dr. Sajeet discusses the benefits, risks, expected weight loss, and long-term lifestyle requirements of each procedure before recommending the most appropriate option for your health goals.
Patient Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What to pack What should I bring to Hospital for bariatric surgery?
Plan for 2-3 nights in hospital. Bring: comfortable loose clothing (several changes), slip-on shoes, toiletries, phone charger, existing blood reports and comorbidity medication list, insurance card and ID. This is not a day-care procedure — your family or support person should be reachable throughout. Patients travelling from Devanahalli or Sadahalli should arrange accommodation for a companion.
Time off work How long off work after weight loss surgery in Bangalore?
Desk job or WFH: 2-3 weeks. Standing or retail work: 3-4 weeks. Physical labour: 4-6 weeks minimum. Many of Dr. Sajeet's patients are from Bangalore's tech sector in Yelahanka, and Thanisandra — remote work makes recovery significantly easier. The main limiting factor is energy and diet management, not pain.
Driving When can I drive after bariatric surgery?
2 weeks for most patients — once off opioid pain medication, comfortable with seat belt pressure across the abdomen, and able to perform an emergency stop. The bigger concern in the first 2 weeks is energy — rapid early weight loss can cause lightheadedness. Do not drive if you feel dizzy or fatigued.
Returning to gym When can I exercise after weight loss surgery?
Walking is encouraged from day 1 in hospital. Light walking at home from week 1. Increasing to 30-45 minutes daily by week 4. Light gym from week 6. Full exercise programme from month 3 onwards — strongly encouraged. Exercise is critical to maintaining weight loss results after bariatric surgery, not optional.
Diet What is the diet plan after weight loss surgery — is it permanent?
Week 1-2: clear and full liquids only (water, protein drinks, clear soups, thin dal water). Week 3-4: pureed foods. Week 5-6: soft, easily chewable foods. Month 2-3+: gradual introduction of normal foods in small quantities. Long-term: 5-6 small frequent meals per day. Protein first at every meal. Avoid drinking liquids during meals — wait 30 minutes before and after. Avoid carbonated drinks permanently. Vitamins and mineral supplements (B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D) are lifelong after gastric bypass and recommended long-term after sleeve.
Is this normal? I feel emotional and low in the weeks after surgery. Is that normal?
Yes - and more common than most patients expect. Post-operative depression or emotional instability in the first 4-8 weeks after bariatric surgery is well-documented. Your relationship with food changes dramatically, your body is changing rapidly, energy is low, and social eating becomes complicated. These feelings are normal and do not mean the surgery was a mistake. Mention any persistent low mood at your post-op appointments with Dr. Sajeet.
Rapid weight loss I am losing weight very fast. Is that safe?
Rapid weight loss in the first 3-6 months is expected and is the normal physiological response — it is not a sign that something is wrong. The rate slows over time. Ensure you are meeting your daily protein targets (60-80g minimum) and taking all prescribed supplements to protect against nutritional deficiencies during the rapid loss phase.
Should I be worried? What symptoms after bariatric surgery should I take seriously?
Go to Hospital contact Dr. Sajeet immediately if: persistent vomiting preventing any fluid intake, fever above 38.5 degrees after the first 24 hours, severe abdominal pain worsening after day 3, heart rate above 120 at rest, or symptoms of dehydration (extreme dryness, no urine output for more than 8 hours). These can indicate a leak and require urgent evaluation.
Will the weight come back? Will I regain the weight after bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a tool, not a permanent solution in isolation. Studies show 20-30% of patients regain significant weight within 5 years if lifestyle changes are not maintained. Patients who attend follow-up, maintain protein intake, exercise regularly, and avoid high-calorie liquid foods maintain their results best. Dr. Sajeet's post-operative programme includes long-term dietary and lifestyle follow-up — this is not a procedure where you come once and leave.
Insurance Is bariatric surgery covered by health insurance in India?
Most health insurance policies cover medically necessary surgical procedures. However, for elective and non-emergency conditions, many policies have a waiting period (commonly up to 2 years, depending on the insurer and plan). Coverage, cashless eligibility, co-payments, exclusions, and waiting periods vary between policies. Dr. Sajeet's team can help verify your insurance benefits, pre-authorisation requirements, and expected coverage before surgery. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your consultation for eligibility verification.
Coverage has improved significantly. Many policies now cover it when: BMI meets clinical criteria, documented comorbidities exist, previous non-surgical attempts are documented, and pre-authorisation is obtained. Corporate group health policies — common among Bangalore's IT workforce in Yelahanka, and Thanisandra — are more likely to include bariatric coverage than individual policies. Check your policy for 'bariatric surgery', 'obesity surgery', or 'morbid obesity' under covered procedures.
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Ready to Have an Honest Conversation About Weight Loss Surgery?
This consultation is not a sales pitch. Dr. Sajeet will review your BMI, comorbidities, previous weight loss attempts, and current health status — and tell you honestly whether surgery is the right option, which procedure, and what to realistically expect.