Obesity is a chronic disease, not a lack of willpower. When diet, exercise and medicines have not given lasting results, bariatric (weight loss) surgery is the most effective long-term treatment for severe obesity and the health problems that come with it, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and fatty liver.
Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides laparoscopic bariatric and metabolic surgery in Delhi, including sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass, with 18+ years of surgical experience and specialised training at the Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach and, in some procedures, changes how food passes through the intestine. This limits how much you can eat and changes the gut hormones that control hunger, fullness and blood sugar. The result is significant, sustained weight loss and improvement in many obesity-related conditions.
Almost all bariatric procedures today are done laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), which means smaller cuts, less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery.

Asian Indians develop diabetes and heart disease at a lower BMI than Western populations, so Indian guidelines use lower thresholds. You may be a candidate if you have:
Final suitability is decided after a complete bariatric assessment, including medical history, previous weight-loss attempts, blood tests, endoscopy and dietary and psychological evaluation.
No single procedure is best for everyone. The choice depends on your BMI, diabetes, reflux, eating habits, previous surgery and overall health.
About 70–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow sleeve-shaped stomach. It reduces the amount you can eat and lowers the hunger hormone ghrelin. It is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure worldwide. Read more about sleeve gastrectomy →
A small stomach pouch is created and connected directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine. It is especially effective for type 2 diabetes and severe acid reflux. Read more about gastric bypass →
A long, narrow stomach pouch is joined to the intestine with a single connection. It is technically simpler than Roux-en-Y bypass and gives strong weight loss and diabetes results. Read more about mini gastric bypass →
Bariatric procedures performed mainly to control type 2 diabetes, often in patients with a lower BMI. Many patients reduce or stop diabetes medicines and insulin after surgery. Read more about metabolic surgery →
Other options include single-incision weight loss surgery, banded bariatric procedures and medical management of obesity for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
| Sleeve Gastrectomy | Roux-en-Y Bypass | Mini Gastric Bypass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reduces stomach size | Small pouch + intestinal bypass | Long pouch + single bypass connection |
| Typical excess weight loss | 60–70% | 65–80% | 65–80% |
| Diabetes improvement | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best suited for | Most patients without severe reflux | Diabetes, severe reflux | Higher BMI, diabetes |
| Hospital stay | 2–3 days | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
Most patients lose 60–80% of their excess body weight, with most of the loss in the first 12–18 months. Unlike dieting, this weight loss can be maintained long term with healthy habits and regular follow-up.
Weight loss surgery can improve or resolve:
Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks.
Real results from patients treated by Dr. Sushant Wadhera. Individual results vary. Details are shared with patient consent.
Dr. Sushant Wadhera treats bariatric and metabolic surgery patients from Greater Kailash I & II, Chirag Enclave, Nehru Place, CR Park, East of Kailash, Kalkaji, Defence Colony and across South Delhi. Consultations take place at the clinic in Sarita Vihar, and surgery can be arranged at associated hospitals close to Greater Kailash, including Fortis C-DOC (Chirag Enclave) and Apollo Spectra (Nehru Place), depending on your clinical needs and insurance.
Bariatric surgery needs regular follow-up for months after the operation, so having your surgeon and hospital close to home makes the journey easier. Learn more about laparoscopic and bariatric surgery for patients in Greater Kailash.
Dr. Sushant Wadhera
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FNB (Minimal Access Surgery)
Member, European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
1. What is weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, includes procedures that modify the stomach and sometimes the small intestine to support significant and sustained weight reduction.
2. Who is eligible for weight loss surgery?
In India, surgery is generally considered at a BMI of 37.5 or more, or 32.5 or more with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Metabolic surgery may be considered at a BMI of 27.5 or more with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Final suitability is decided after a complete bariatric assessment.
3. Which are the common types of weight loss surgery?
Common procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass (One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, OAGB).
4. Is there a best weight loss surgery?
No single bariatric procedure is best for every patient. The choice depends on BMI, diabetes, reflux symptoms, eating pattern, previous surgery, nutritional status and individual health factors.
5. Can weight loss surgery help with type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Bariatric and metabolic surgery can significantly improve blood sugar control in many patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some patients achieve diabetes remission, although results vary.
6. How much weight can I lose after bariatric surgery?
Most patients lose 60–80% of their excess body weight over 12–18 months. Actual results depend on the procedure, starting BMI, metabolism, diet, activity and follow-up.
7. Can weight come back after weight loss surgery?
Yes. Some weight regain can occur over time. Long-term eating habits, physical activity, metabolic factors and regular follow-up influence weight maintenance.
8. Is bariatric surgery safe?
Bariatric surgery is an established treatment, but like any major operation it has potential risks such as bleeding, infection, leakage, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies and anaesthesia-related complications. Careful evaluation and an experienced team reduce these risks.
9. Can weight loss surgery be done laparoscopically?
Yes. Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass are routinely performed laparoscopically in suitable patients.
10. How long does recovery take after weight loss surgery?
Most patients stay in hospital for 2–3 days, walk the same day and return to desk work within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery and diet progression take about 6–8 weeks.
11. Will I need vitamins after bariatric surgery?
Yes. Most bariatric procedures require long-term vitamin and mineral supplements. The type and amount depend on the operation and your follow-up blood tests.
12. What diet is followed after weight loss surgery?
Patients progress from clear liquids to pureed and soft foods, then to solid food over about 6–8 weeks. Adequate protein, hydration and portion control are important for life.
13. Can bariatric surgery improve other obesity-related conditions?
Yes. Weight loss after surgery often improves high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, fatty liver, cholesterol, PCOS and joint pain.
14. Is bariatric surgery covered by health insurance?
Many health insurance policies in India now cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria (such as BMI and related conditions) are met, subject to policy terms and waiting periods. Please check with your insurer. The clinic can guide you on the documents needed.
15. Who should I consult for weight loss surgery in Delhi?
Patients considering bariatric surgery should consult a surgeon trained in laparoscopic bariatric and metabolic surgery. Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides complete evaluation and surgery in Delhi, including for patients from Greater Kailash, Nehru Place and across South Delhi.