- Cost Comparison
- Best Hospitals
- Best Surgeons
- How to Reach
Are you looking for weight loss surgery and are open to travel? Bariatric surgery in India could be a great option! Why? It is safe and affordable!
Compared to the US & UK, you can save up to 60-70% in surgery costs in India.
Video Courtesy: NIDDK
India is a popular medical tourism destination. It has access to high-quality healthcare, qualified medical professionals, and advanced aftercare support systems. Want to know more? Let’s find out!
Why Choose India for Bariatric Surgery?
India has a robust state-of-the-art infrastructure and a first-class private healthcare ecosystem, making it a popular medical destination. Moreover, there is no waiting period for surgeries![1]IP International Journal of Aesthetic and Health Rejuvenation
Dynamics of medical tourism in India
“India have almost zero waiting time for surgeries. ”
View in Article
Key medical tourism destinations favored by foreign patients include hospitals in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities.It includes New Delhi, the Near Capital Region (NCR), Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
The following features make India a prime destination for bariatric surgery:
1. High-Quality Medical Care
India has over 40 JCI Accredited hospitals[2]JCI
Joint Commission International Accredited Hospitals in India
“Joint Commission International – 43”
View in Article with world-class technologies.
Over 847 hospitals[3]NABH
NABH Accredited Hospitals
“NABH accredited hospitals -864.”
View in Article in India enjoy NABH accreditation.
2. State-of-the-art Hospitals
Access to advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Robotics aids in greater accuracy in medical care.
3. Infrastructure
Comfortable aesthetics like private suites, luxurious rooms, and spacious settings.
Presence of trained workforce in respective areas of specialization and clinical expertise.
4. Ease of Communication
English is the second language in most Metro cities, ensuring seamless communications. For other languages, quality interpreters are readily available.
5. Popular Tourist Destination
India is a unique medical tourism getaway with government-backed medical tourism[4]Ministry of Tourism Government of India
National Strategy & Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism
“The Government of India recognizes medical value travel and wellness tourism as one of the important sectors having the potential of accelerating the country’s development.”
View in Article and world-class treatment facilities.
6. Ease of Travel
India has simplified medical VISA norms for hassle-free medical visits.
It includes multiple visits to the host country (3 times) and long-term stays for medical care.[5]e-Visa India
India Medical Visa
“A medical Indian visa allows the holder to enter the country a total of 3 times.”
View in Article
The usual period on a medical visa is one year. You can apply for an extension if required. There is also a provision for each patient to bring two adult attendants.
On top of this, many doctors and surgeons in India have undergone training overseas. You can find them practicing in top medical hospitals like Apollo and Max healthcare. Thus they are more empathic to the needs of foreign clients.
Even the uninsured can afford a self-paying WLS in India, with all benefits included. Unbelievable, right! You will love our cost comparison table in the next section.
Weight Loss Surgery Cost in India
Gastric bypass surgery can cost between $3,200 – $9,500 in India. Similarly, a gastric sleeve surgery can cost between $3,500 – $6,000.It is cheap, compared to the US!
In the US, the average cost of gastric bypass surgery can range between $15,000 – $24,000. Similarly, a sleeve gastrectomy can cost you between $17,000 – $26,000.
In the UK the costs are high too. The average price of a WLS can range between $10,900 – $20,500 for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgeries.
Weight-loss Surgery Cost in India vs. the US
| Location | Gastric Bypass Surgery* | Gastric Sleeve** | |
| Delhi | $5,150 – $9,500 | $3,500 – $5,120 | |
| Bangalore | $3,400 – $6,700 | $4,200 – $5,200 | |
| Chennai | $3,200 – $6,500 | $4,000 – $4,950 | |
| Chandigarh | $5,000 – $9,000 | $3,800 – $5,000 | |
| Mumbai | $3,800 – $7,500 | $5,730 – $6,000 | |
| United States | $15,000 – $24,000 | $17,000 – $26,000 | |
| Hospital stay: *4 days; **3 days | |||
*Prices are subject to change. Fill our online quote form for the latest prices and specials.
Prices may also change depending on the location.
Package price includes:
✔️ Pre-operative tests
✔️ Consultations
✔️ All surgical fees & medicines
✔️ Visa & passport assistance
✔️ Travel support (Airport to hotel/hospital)
Other charges may include:
✔️ Room rent
✔️ Meals & room service
✔️ Nursing charges
✔️ Accompanying guest expenses
✔️ Any emergency out of pocket expenses
Some of the most accessible cities for patients looking for Bariatric surgery are Delhi, NCR, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Gurgaon.
Our team can also help you find the best hospital and surgeon in or near any city of your choice. So feel free to let us know!
Best Hospitals in India for Bariatric Surgery
Max Hospital
Max Healthcare is one of India’s largest private healthcare organizations. With 3000+ doctors and a network of 16 hospitals, they provide the highest standards of medical excellence.
Their facilities are in the NCR, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra regions.
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi
Highlights:
- State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies that are first in Asia and India
- Accreditations: JCI, NABL, and NABH
- Certification: ISO 9001:2000
- 300+ specialist doctors
- 38+ specialties
Apollo Hospitals
Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited is an Indian multinational hospital chain with a prominent presence (70 locations) in all major cities of India.
Highlights:
- First hospital in India to introduce Robotic technique for Bariatrics
- Specialized center for Bariatric surgeries
- Accreditations: JCI, NABL, and NABH
- Certifications: ISO 14001, ISO 2200 HACCP
Both Max and Apollo hospitals provide premium services specifically for international patients. This include:
Best Bariatric Surgeons
Dr. Pradeep Chowbey
Chairman – Max Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
Specialization: Laparoscopic / Minimal Access Surgery
Experience: Over 45 years
Dr. Manish Baijal
Director – Max Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery
Specialization: Laparoscopic / Minimal Access Surgery
Experience: Over 26 years
Dr. Aloy J Mukherjee
Laparoscopic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals
Specialization: Minimal Access & General Surgery, GI surgery & Robotic bariatric surgery.
Experience: 25 years
Dr. Neel Shah
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals
Specialization: Laparoscopic advanced surgery, Thyroid & Endocrine surgery, and GI surgery.
Experience: 36 years
What Is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. It involves surgical procedures on the stomach.
The surgeon uses laparoscopic techniques, which are safe and minimally invasive.Weight loss surgery includes three basic procedures, which are as follows:
Gastric Bypass
It is also known as the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. The surgeon divides the stomach into two parts (a small upper pouch and a much larger lower pouch).
The new tummy is smaller in size, which reduces food intake. Since the food consumption is small, it substantially aids in weight reduction.
Gastric bypass is major surgery and is for seriously obese people.
It is designed for people who have a BMI of more than 40 or 100lbs overweight.
The procedure usually takes 90 to 180 minutes. Patients can get to their feet by the end of the day and leave the hospital in 3-4 days.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
It is also known as Gastric sleeve surgery. The surgeon removes about 15% of the stomach through surgery.
Post-surgery the remaining stomach looks like a banana or a shirt sleeve, so the term “Gastric sleeve.”
The procedure is irreversible. It can lead to decreased hunger and blood glucose control.
Duration of surgery: 1-3 hours
Post-surgery recovery: 2-4 days of hospital rest after surgery.
Pre-Surgery Steps
Your surgeon may advise you to do a couple of pre-operative tests.
These Pre-operative tests may include:
- GI x-ray
- Psychology evaluation
- Liver function tests
- Blood test for bacteria in the stomach, blood count, and blood urea
Recovery Post Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon may advise you to follow a diet plan and workout regimen to aid in faster healing and recovery.
Patients are advised not to eat regular foods for 2-3 days post-surgery. You can start a liquid diet after the 3rd day and shift to a soft diet after a couple of days.
Other steps to follow:
- Eat small meals
- Exercise regularly
- Consume nutritious food
- Follow a balanced diet
- Regular follow up
- Routine health checkups
How to Reach India
The air connectivity to India from major countries like the US, UK, or Australia is very fluid. Travel access is easy and fast, with 24 international and 103 domestic airports.[6]Airports Authority of India
About us – Organisation
“…24 International airports (3 Civil Enclaves), 10 Custom Airports (4 Civil Enclaves) and 103 Domestic airports (23 Civil Enclaves)…”
View in Article
Travel Time to India from Major Cities
| City | Number of Hours |
| New York City | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 18 |
| London | 7 |
| Toronto | 13 |
Medical Tourism in India
The traditional knowledge in health care (Ayurveda & Homeopathy) and India’s reputation in modern, western approaches fuel the country’s rise in medical tourism.
In addition, the Indian government actively promotes traditional health care systems such as Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
Yoga
Herbal medicines
Ayurvedic treatment
India is also famous as a tourism destination because of its vibrant culture, food, and weather.In a nutshell, India trumps both as a tourism destination and as a cheaper alternative for weight loss surgery.
The availability of experienced surgeons, competitive prices, and world-class medical facilities gives India an edge over other countries in the Asia Pacific region.
FAQs About Obesity Surgery in India
How long does gastric sleeve surgery take in India?
Surgery time:90-180 minutes
Post-surgery departure may take around 1-3 days or more for patient release. One may take approximately 2-5 weeks to recover completely.
It is advisable to ensure regular checkups with your surgeon and follow diet instructions without an error.
What can you experience after bariatric surgery?
There are possible short-term and long-term effects of bariatric surgery. In most cases, these problems get corrected naturally with time. Constipation is a common short-term effect.
The long term benefits include :
- 65% weight loss in 2-4 years from Gastric bypass surgery
- 56% of weight loss within 2-4 years from Gastric sleeve surgery
- 49% of weight loss in 2-3 years from Gastric banding surgery
Is weight loss surgery safe in India?
Yes. Indian hospitals like Max Healthcare and Apollo Hospitals are considered highly certified healthcare providers. You can safely access these private health care facilities for safe bariatric surgeries.
If you want to discuss more options, feel free to connect with us.Our team can help create a customized travel package for you, considering your specific condition.
References
- IJAHR: Dynamics of medical tourism in India
- JCI: Joint Commission International Accredited Hospitals in India
- NABH: NABH Accredited Hospitals
- Ministry of Tourism Government of India: Medical and Wellness Tourism
- e-Visa India: India Medical Visa
- Airports Authority of India: About us
FAQs
How much does weight loss surgery cost in India? ›
How much does Bariatric surgery cost in India? The average cost of Bariatric surgery in India is approximately Rs. 210000/- 560000/-. However, the prices may vary depending upon the hospitals in different cities.
Is the safest weight loss surgery? ›The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most widely used, and safest, in the bariatric world. As with any major surgery, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries pose potential health risks, both in the short term and long term.
Which bariatric surgery has the best success rate? ›Duodenal Switch Surgery
The best long-term weight loss success rate (better than 50% excess weight loss) of 95%.
Success Rates for Bariatric Procedures
You can expect to lose the following proportions of your excess weight within the first two years, on average: 50% with a gastric band. 50-60% after a sleeve gastrectomy. 60-70% for a gastric bypass.
- Acid reflux.
- Anesthesia-related risks.
- Chronic nausea and vomiting.
- Dilation of esophagus.
- Inability to eat certain foods.
- Infection.
- Obstruction of stomach.
- Weight gain or failure to lose weight.
The average price for LAP-BAND® (generally the least expensive bariatric procedure) is $15,000. This surgery can run as high as $30,000, depending on where you live. Meanwhile, gastric sleeve surgery (one of the most expensive procedures) will typically cost about $24,000.
What is the minimum weight for weight loss surgery? ›Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or have a BMI between 35 and 40 and an obesity-related condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea. Weigh less than 450 pounds, the maximum weight that hospital radiology equipment can accommodate.
What are the 3 types of weight loss surgery? ›- Roux-en-Y (roo-en-wy) gastric bypass. This procedure is the most common method of gastric bypass. ...
- Sleeve gastrectomy. With sleeve gastrectomy, about 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a long, tube-like pouch. ...
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
The gastric sleeve, a newer surgery, has become the most popular weight loss procedure today. With this surgery, we remove about 80% of your stomach. A long, thin pouch, or “sleeve” remains. You feel full very quickly with a greatly reduced capacity to ingest food.
What percentage of people fail weight loss surgery? ›Currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity and its metabolic complications; however, 15–35% of the patients that undergo bariatric surgery do not reach their goal for weight loss.
Which gastric surgery has best results? ›
Most Effective for Weight Loss
If you are looking for a bariatric surgery that leads to the most average weight loss, the answer is Duodenal Switch. According to research, the average duodenal switch patient will lose roughly 70% of their excess body weight (EWS) by 18 months compared to other bariatric procedures.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a newer type of minimally invasive weight-loss procedure. In endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a suturing device is inserted into your throat and down to your stomach. The endoscopist then places sutures in your stomach to make it smaller.
Is weight loss surgery permanent? ›No. A small percentage of patients will regain a substantial portion of the weight that is lost. This is occurs primarily when the patient does not follow the dietary guidelines in the months and years following the procedure.
Can weightloss surgery fail? ›Failure after bariatric surgery is defined as achieving or maintaining less than 50% of excess weight loss (EWL) over 18 to 24 months or a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 35. The failure rate of LRYGB has been reported to be ∼15% with a long-term failure rate of 20–35% and a revision rate of 4.5%.
What are 3 common long term complications of gastric bypass? ›...
Risks
- Excessive bleeding.
- Infection.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Blood clots.
- Lung or breathing problems.
- Leaks in your gastrointestinal system.
You can usually leave hospital 1 to 3 days after having weight loss surgery. You'll be able to start to return to your normal activities 4 to 6 weeks later. But you'll need to make long-term lifestyle changes to help make the most of your surgery.
Can you live a normal life after gastric sleeve? ›Weight-loss surgery can start you on the path to a healthier, longer and more fulfilling life. It is not a cure for obesity but rather a tool to help you lose weight. Long-term success depends on your ability to follow guidelines for diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.
Is Weight Loss Surgery a Good Idea? ›Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
After weight loss surgery, most people lose weight for 18-24 months. At that point, many people start to regain some of their lost weight, but few regain it all. If you had any medical conditions related to obesity, those usually improve after weight loss surgery.
Gastric sleeve is the removal of a portion of the stomach. Weight loss may take longer than with gastric bypass. In a gastric bypass, a small gastric pouch is created and the small bowel is re-routed. It's more invasive than the sleeve due to the rerouting of the small bowel.
What is cheaper gastric bypass or sleeve? ›Costs. Although lap-band surgery, a form of bariatric surgery, is cheaper than both gastric surgeries, gastric bypass is traditionally cheaper than a gastric sleeve.
How much does it cost for weight reduction? ›
Insurance and Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know
Bariatric surgery can cost between $15,000 and $23,000. Most people who have a bariatric procedure can because bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under their health insurance plan.
The average cost of gastric bypass surgery in India is approximately Rs. 438230 to Rs. 511268. However, the prices may vary depending upon the hospitals in different cities.
Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance in India? ›Since the cost of availing Bariatric Surgery is on the higher side, you may be wondering if it is covered under health insurance. Fortunately, as per the guidelines put forth by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) in 2019, Bariatric Surgery is included in health insurance.
How much is gastric sleeve in India? ›In India Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery costs between 2.7 lac to 5 lacs INR. Cost of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery varies from hospital to hospital as well as quantity and quality of staplers and other equipment used in the surgery.
Is bariatric surgery painful? ›Pain control
You may feel pain at the incision site or as a result of how your body was positioned during surgery. Some patients also experience neck and shoulder pain, which occurs when the body reabsorbs the gas used during surgery. Notify your care team if your pain prevents you from moving.
| S.NO | NAME | HOSPITAL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Ajay Kumar Kriplani | Fortis Memorial Research Institute |
| 2 | Dr. Adarsh Choudhary | Medanta – The Medicity |
| 3 | Dr. Pradeep Chowbey | Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket |
| 4 | Dr. Manish Baijal | Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket |
A mini gastric bypass surgery functions just like a traditional gastric bypass surgery bun that the stomach is divided into upper and lower pouches and the small intestine is rerouted. This allows for both restrictive and malabsorption weight loss.
Can I get a balloon in my stomach? ›Intragastric balloon procedure
Intragastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach. This helps you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat and making you feel fuller faster.
How long do I have to wait before having bariatric surgery? From the time of the initial consultation, the average wait time is 6-8 weeks. During this time, you will undergo preoperative testing to evaluate whether surgery is a suitable option.
Can you gain weight back after gastric bypass? ›Gastric bypass surgery can be an effective treatment for obesity, and most people do lose weight after the procedure if they are adequately prepared for the changes that are necessary. But you'll always be at risk of regaining weight, even years later.
Which surgery is best bypass or sleeve? ›
The Gastric Bypass carries more risk but has more rewards for patients who need to lose 150 plus pounds, whereas the Gastric Sleeve surgery has a lower complication rate but also the patients who have success typically need to lose 100 or fewer pounds with the gastric sleeve.
How can I lose weight with surgery? ›Gastric Bypass
A surgeon connects the small intestine to this newly created stomach. This creates a much smaller stomach, forcing you to eat smaller meals. The smaller stomach and small intestine are less able to digest and absorb food, which may mean that a person extracts less nutrition from their smaller meals.
Laparoscopic gastric banding is surgery to help with weight loss. The surgeon places a band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food.
How much it costs for bariatric surgery? ›Bariatric surgery can cost between $15,000 and $23,000. Most people who have a bariatric procedure can because bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under their health insurance plan.
Can I go back to work 1 week after gastric sleeve? ›Typically, we recommend that patients wait between 1-2 weeks (for Lap-Band procedures) to 2-4 weeks (for stapled procedures such as gastric sleeve or bypass) before returning to their jobs. This assumes that the job does not require strenuous activity.
Is it normal to vomit after bariatric surgery? ›Postoperative nausea and vomiting, or PONV, can occur after you have had a bariatric surgery procedure. With PONV, you may retch, become nauseated, or vomit. If these symptoms occur, they usually happen within the first 48 hours of surgery.
How do you sleep after bariatric surgery? ›Sleep on Your Back or Side
The best way to sleep after gastric sleeve surgery is on your back or side. This will help keep the stomach and lungs clear of pressure, which can cause discomfort. If you are a side sleeper, it is best to use a pillow between your legs to keep your spine aligned.