Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery? BMI, Tests and Sleeve vs Bypass in Delhi
Weight loss (bariatric) surgery is considered for adults with obesity who have not reached a healthy weight with diet, exercise and medicines, especially when diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea are present. At THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI & laparoscopic surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887), assesses eligibility with tests before any surgery is planned.
What BMI do I need for bariatric surgery in India?
Indian guidelines generally consider surgery at a BMI of 35 or more, or 32.5 or more with problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. In selected people with poorly controlled diabetes, metabolic surgery may be discussed at a lower BMI. Your surgeon confirms this after assessment.
Which operations are offered?
The common options are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one-anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass. All are keyhole operations done under general anaesthesia.
How do I choose between a sleeve and a bypass?
A sleeve removes about three-quarters of the stomach and is simpler. A bypass also reroutes the intestine and is often preferred if you have severe acid reflux or diabetes. The choice depends on your BMI, reflux, diabetes, eating pattern and your own preference after discussion.
What tests are done before surgery?
Usually blood tests including sugar, thyroid and vitamin levels, an upper GI endoscopy, an abdominal ultrasound, a heart and lung check, and a sleep study if apnoea is suspected, with diet counselling and, when needed, psychology review.
How long is the hospital stay?
Most patients stay two to three days. Many return to desk work in about two weeks.
What is the diet after surgery?
You move from clear liquids to full liquids, then soft food over about four to six weeks, with protein targets. Vitamin and mineral supplements are needed long term.
How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss varies from person to person and depends on the operation, diet and activity. Your team explains realistic expectations for your case at the consultation.
What are the risks?
As with any major operation, risks include bleeding, leak from the staple line or join, clots, reflux after a sleeve and vitamin deficiencies. Careful assessment, follow-up and supplements lower these risks.
Who should not have bariatric surgery?
Surgery may not suit people with uncontrolled psychiatric illness, active substance misuse, some hormone causes of obesity that need treatment first, or those unable to follow long-term diet and follow-up.
What affects the cost?
The estimate is given after assessment and depends on the operation, staplers used, tests, the length of stay and the room category. Insurance facilities available.
Book a consultation
To book, call the desk on +91 92173 81353 or +91 83683 75734. Consultation fee: ₹1,500 + ₹100 registration. Clinics: THE CLINICS MISC, H2, Hauz Khas Main Road, opposite Neeli Masjid, New Delhi 110016, and THE CLINICS Green Park, G-32, Green Park Main Market Road. All surgery is done at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas.
THE CLINICS has no emergency department. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
This article was prepared with AI assistance and is for review by Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI & laparoscopic surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887). It is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
