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Bariatric surgery is surgery on the stomach and digestive tract to treat severe obesity and the diseases linked to it, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. At Apollomedics Hospital, Lucknow, it is performed by the Department of Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery, almost always by laparoscopy, or keyhole surgery. Apollomedics treats obesity as a chronic medical condition, and surgery is one part of a wider programme of assessment, nutrition and long-term follow-up.
The programme sees adults with severe obesity, people whose diabetes or blood pressure remains poorly controlled despite medicines, and patients who have regained weight after an earlier weight loss operation. Severity ranges from people who need guidance and medication to those with very high body weight and heart or lung disease, who need intensive care support around surgery. Not everyone who is assessed is advised surgery; some are better served by supervised diet, exercise and medicines.
Care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of bariatric surgeons, endocrinologists, anesthesiologists, dietitians, psychologists and physiotherapists. The same team prepares the patient before surgery, manages the hospital stay, and continues follow-up for months and years afterwards, when nutrition and lifestyle support matter most.
Our Bariatric Surgery Doctors
The team brings together bariatric and laparoscopic surgeons, endocrinologists, anesthesiologists experienced in high-BMI patients, dietitians, clinical psychologists and physiotherapists, with support from cardiologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists. Each patient's suitability for surgery and choice of procedure are agreed jointly, and the same team handles follow-up after discharge.
- Obesity
- Metabolic Conditions
- Heart and Lung Conditions
- Liver and Digestive Conditions
- Hormonal and Reproductive Conditions
- Joint and Mobility Problems
Obesity
Severe obesity - Obesity is usually measured with body mass index (BMI), which is weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in metres. Under the revised definition for Asian Indians published in 2025, a BMI of 23 or above is classed as obesity, because health risks in Indians begin at lower BMI levels than in Western populations. The definition also takes waist size and related health problems into account. Fat stored around the waist, known as central obesity, carries particular risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Weight regain after earlier treatment - Some people regain weight after diet programmes, medicines or a previous bariatric operation. Regain after surgery can result from stretching of the stomach, changes in eating habits or the type of original procedure. It is assessed carefully before any further treatment is planned.
Metabolic Conditions
Type 2 diabetes -. A condition in which the body does not use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar. It is closely linked to excess weight, and many patients need increasing doses of tablets or insulin over time. Bariatric and metabolic surgery can significantly improve blood sugar control, and some patients are able to reduce or stop their diabetes medicines.
High cholesterol and triglycerides - Abnormal blood fats that raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. They often occur alongside obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Levels commonly improve with weight loss.
Heart and Lung Conditions
High blood pressure - Excess weight increases the work of the heart and raises blood pressure. Over time this damages blood vessels, the heart and the kidneys. Many patients need fewer blood pressure medicines after significant weight loss.
Obstructive sleep apnea - Repeated blocking of the airway during sleep, which interrupts breathing and lowers oxygen levels. Loud snoring, choking at night and daytime sleepiness are typical signs. It is common in severe obesity and must be identified before surgery because it affects anesthesia.
Liver and Digestive Conditions
Fatty liver disease - Build-up of fat in the liver, now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). It often causes no symptoms at first but can progress to inflammation, scarring and cirrhosis. Weight loss is one of the most effective ways to reduce liver fat.
Acid reflux (GERD) - Stomach acid flowing back into the food pipe, causing heartburn and regurgitation. It is more common with obesity. Existing reflux influences the choice of procedure, as gastric bypass usually improves it while a sleeve can make it worse in some patients.
Hormonal and Reproductive Conditions
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and infertility - PCOS is a hormonal condition causing irregular periods, excess hair growth and difficulty conceiving, and it is closely linked to weight. Weight loss can help restore regular cycles and improve fertility. Women are advised to avoid pregnancy for a period after surgery while weight is changing rapidly.
Joint and Mobility Problems
Knee and back pain from excess weight. Extra body weight puts heavy load on the knees, hips and lower back, speeding up joint wear. Pain often limits activity, which in turn makes
weight loss harder. Losing weight can ease pain and may be required before a joint replacement can be done safely.
Treatment ranges from supervised medical weight management to keyhole surgery, and the right option depends on BMI, related health conditions, eating habits and personal goals. Working closely with endocrinology and nutrition, the team offers the main procedures recommended in current international guidelines.
- Non-surgical treatment
- Surgical treatment
- After surgery
Non-surgical treatment
Lifestyle and nutrition programme - A structured plan for diet, physical activity, sleep and eating behaviour, built around the patient's routine and food habits. It is the foundation of every treatment option, including surgery.
Weight loss medicines - Newer prescription medicines, many given as a weekly injection, reduce appetite and help weight loss in suitable patients. They are prescribed and monitored by doctors, and weight often returns if they are stopped.
Intragastric balloon - A soft balloon placed in the stomach through an endoscope and filled with saline, so the patient feels full sooner. It stays in for a limited period, usually several months, and is then removed.
Surgical treatment
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy - A large part of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped tube. The patient feels full with smaller meals, and levels of a hunger hormone fall. It is the most widely performed bariatric operation and does not reroute the intestine.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass - A small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to a lower part of the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach. It limits food intake and changes gut hormones that control appetite and blood sugar. It is often preferred for people with significant acid reflux or difficult-to-control diabetes.
One-anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass - A longer, narrow stomach tube is joined to the small intestine with a single connection. It is technically simpler than a standard bypass and is widely used in India, but it needs careful follow-up for nutrition and bile reflux.
Revisional surgery - Conversion of an earlier operation, for example a sleeve to a bypass, to treat weight regain, severe reflux or other complications.
After surgery
Recovery follows a staged diet, from clear liquids to purees and soft foods, before returning to regular meals over several weeks. Vitamin and mineral supplements are needed for life, along with regular blood tests and follow-up visits with the surgeon and dietitian. Long-term results depend on these habits as much as on the operation itself.
Treatment plans vary by patient and are decided after consultation, evaluation and discussion of risks and benefits.
- High-definition laparoscopic systems
- Advanced stapling and energy devices
- Intra-operative leak testing
- Bariatric-ready infrastructure
- Robotic-assisted surgery
High-definition laparoscopic systems
Clear, magnified images of the inside of the abdomen allow precise work through five or six small cuts. Compared with open surgery, this generally means less pain, fewer wound problems and earlier walking.
Advanced stapling and energy devices
Surgical staplers cut and seal the stomach in one step, and energy devices seal blood vessels. Reliable sealing helps lower the risk of bleeding and leaks.
Intra-operative leak testing
The new stomach shape or connection is checked for leaks during surgery, by endoscopy or with a dye or air test, so any problem can be fixed before the operation ends.
Bariatric-ready infrastructure
Operating tables, beds, wheelchairs, blood pressure cuffs and imaging equipment rated for higher body weights, so patients can be moved, monitored and scanned safely and with dignity.
Robotic-assisted surgery
Robotic instruments give the surgeon a stable, magnified 3D view and wristed instruments, which can help in complex or revisional operations.
1
How do I book a bariatric surgery consultation at Apollomedics Lucknow?
Consultations can be booked through the hospital helpline, the online booking page or the outpatient registration desk. The first visit usually includes a meeting with the bariatric surgeon and often the dietitian. Bring recent blood reports, a list of current medicines, and records of any earlier weight loss treatment or surgery.
2
Who is eligible for bariatric surgery?
Under current international guidelines, surgery is generally considered for adults with a BMI of 35 or above, or 30 and above with conditions such as type 2 diabetes. For Asian patients, including Indians, these thresholds are lower, and surgery may be considered from a BMI of 27.5. Final eligibility depends on overall health, earlier attempts at weight loss and readiness for long-term lifestyle change.
3
How do I choose the right bariatric surgery hospital in Lucknow?
Look for a hospital with a complete team, including a bariatric surgeon, endocrinologist, dietitian and psychologist, rather than surgery alone. Check for laparoscopic expertise, an on-site ICU, equipment designed for higher body weights, and a clear plan for follow-up after surgery. Accreditation such as NABH and transparent discussion of risks and costs are also important.
4
Which weight loss procedures are available at Apollomedics Lucknow?
The main procedures are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one-anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass. Revisional surgery and the intragastric balloon are offered for selected patients. Supervised medical weight management, including prescription medicines, is available for those who are not suitable for surgery. The procedure is chosen after a full evaluation.
5
How long is the hospital stay after bariatric surgery at Apollomedics Lucknow?
Most patients stay in hospital for two to three days after a laparoscopic sleeve or bypass. Walking usually begins within hours of surgery to lower the risk of blood clots. Many people return to desk-based work within one to two weeks, while heavier physical work and strenuous exercise need longer.
6
Does health insurance cover bariatric surgery at Apollomedics Hospital in Lucknow?
Many health insurance policies in India now cover bariatric surgery when it is medically necessary and specific BMI and health criteria are met. Coverage depends on the individual policy and waiting periods. The hospital's insurance desk can help check eligibility and arrange cashless pre-authorisation.
7
Can patients from Kanpur, Barabanki or other nearby districts manage follow-up without frequent travel?
Yes, in most cases. Key reviews are scheduled in advance, and routine blood tests can often be done at a local laboratory and shared with the team. Some dietitian and follow-up consultations may be possible by teleconsultation. Patients are told which visits must be in person, particularly in the first year after surgery.
8
Does Apollomedics Lucknow offer metabolic surgery for type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Metabolic surgery is planned jointly with endocrinologists for people whose diabetes remains poorly controlled despite medicines, especially when combined with obesity. Many patients see a clear improvement in blood sugar, and some can reduce or stop their diabetes medicines. Results depend on how long diabetes has been present and how much insulin the pancreas still produces.
9
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Serious complications after laparoscopic bariatric surgery are uncommon, but no surgery is risk-free. Possible complications include bleeding, leaks from the staple line, blood clots, gallstones and nutritional deficiencies. Serious problems are uncommon, and the risk is lowered by careful evaluation, experienced surgical teams and regular follow-up.
10
How much weight will I lose, and can it come back?
Most patients lose a large share of their excess weight over the first 12 to 18 months, with the amount depending on the procedure, starting weight and lifestyle. Some weight regain over the following years is common. Keeping to the eating plan, staying active and attending follow-up visits make a significant difference to long-term results
11
What can I eat after bariatric surgery?
Eating progresses in stages over several weeks: clear liquids first, then full liquids, then pureed and soft foods, before regular meals. Portions are small, protein comes first at each meal, and food is chewed slowly. Sugary drinks, carbonated drinks and drinking water with meals are avoided. Vitamin and mineral supplements are continued for life.
12
Can women become pregnant after bariatric surgery?
Yes, and fertility often improves with weight loss. Women are usually advised to avoid pregnancy for 12 to 18 months after surgery, while weight is changing quickly and nutrition is stabilising. Reliable contraception should be discussed with the team. Pregnancies after bariatric surgery need closer monitoring of nutrition and the baby's growth.
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