Bariatric Surgery (MIBS)

What is Bariatric Surgery?

A Simple Explanation for Patients

Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity that changes the way your digestive system handles food. Think of it like making your stomach smaller or rerouting part of your digestive tract so you feel full sooner and absorb fewer calories. It helps treat serious weight-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Why is Bariatric Surgery Needed?

Obesity is more than just being overweight — it can lead to serious health risks. Many patients turn to bariatric surgery when diet, exercise, or medications alone haven’t worked.

Key Conditions Treated

• Type 2 Diabetes – Weight loss surgery often improves blood sugar control.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) – Reducing excess weight relieves stress on the cardiovascular system. 

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea – Excess weight contributes to airway blockages; losing weight can significantly improve sleep. 

• High Cholesterol / Heart Disease Risk – Weight loss can reduce lipid levels and improve heart health.

• Poor Quality of Life / Mobility Issues – Excessive weight can severely limit day-to-day activities; surgery helps restore mobility and confidence. 

• Other Metabolic Disorders – Obesity often coexists with fatty liver, kidney stress, and more.

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery?

Manipal Hospitals is recognized as one of the best hospitals for bariatric surgery and weight loss surgery in India, and a trusted destination for international patients. Our Manipal Institute of Bariatric Surgery (MIBS) brings together a multidisciplinary team of highly experienced surgeons, endocrinologists, nutritionists, and anesthesiologists to provide comprehensive care. 

We use minimally invasive techniques — including laparoscopic and robotic surgery — to reduce scarring, pain, and recovery time.  Our center has completed over 1,000 bariatric and laparoscopic surgeries, offering a wide range of procedures from simple to highly complex. 

Furthermore, we offer strong support for international patients: from helping with travel arrangements to managing pre- and post-operative care, ensuring you feel safe, supported, and well-informed at every step of your treatment for weight loss journey.

Types of Procedures Offered

At MIBS, we provide a variety of weight loss surgery options tailored to your health goals and medical needs.

• Mini Gastric Bypass: Also known as one-anastomosis gastric bypass, it combines features of a sleeve and bypass, reducing stomach size and rerouting part of the intestine.

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine, resulting in significant calorie reduction and altered absorption.

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG): About 70–80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow “sleeve” to limit intake and reduce hunger hormones. 

• Revision Bariatric Surgery: For patients who have had prior weight-loss surgery but need adjustments due to complications or inadequate weight loss. 

• Adjustable Gastric Band: A silicone band is placed around the upper stomach to restrict food intake; less commonly used but an option in certain cases. 

• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS): A complex surgery that bypasses a large portion of the small intestine, leading to more malabsorption and significant weight loss. 

Who is the Right Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?

• Individuals with BMI ≥ 40 (morbid obesity)

• Those with BMI ≥ 35 and obesity-related health conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea) 

• Patients who have tried diet, exercise, or medical weight-loss treatments without significant or sustained results

• Medically fit for surgery, as determined by a multidisciplinary evaluation

Who Should Avoid or Delay Bariatric Surgery?

• Patients with untreated psychiatric conditions or substance abuse

• Those not committed to long-term lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, follow-up)

• Individuals with certain medical contraindications (for example, severe heart or lung disease)

• Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy in the very near future

Preparing for Bariatric Surgery

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare for your weight loss surgery at Manipal:

• Undergo blood tests, biochemical panels, and nutritional assessments

• Do diagnostic imaging (upper GI endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound) as recommended

• Get your cardiology, pulmonary, and other relevant evaluations done

• Begin pre-operative diet changes under guidance (liquid diet or low-calorie plan)

• Ensure travel documents, visa, insurance, and medical records are ready for your international care journey

What Happens During the Procedure?

Step-by-Step Breakdown

When you arrive for surgery, you’ll be evaluated one last time by your surgical team. The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia. Surgeons use minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) techniques to perform the chosen operation. Depending on the procedure, it may take around 1–2 hours. After surgery, you'll stay in the hospital (duration varies by procedure) as the care team monitors your recovery, pain, and nutrition.

Recovery After Bariatric Surgery

In the days following your surgery, you’ll begin with a liquid diet, gradually moving to pureed food and then soft food under dietician guidance. Hospital stay is typically short, and many patients are discharged within a few days. During recovery, you will follow a structured plan that includes regular follow-up appointments, nutritional counseling, and possibly telehealth check-ins (especially helpful for international patients). Over weeks to months, you will progress to normal diets, lifestyle changes, and exercise, supported by our multidisciplinary team.

Risks & Complications

Like any major surgery, bariatric procedures carry risks:

• Common risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots, leaks at surgical sites.

• Long-term risks: nutritional deficiencies, dumping syndrome, acid reflux, hernias, need for revision surgery.

Our expert team is highly experienced in managing and minimizing these risks through careful patient selection, surgical technique, and rigorous follow-up.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

• Significant and sustained weight loss

• Improvement or remission of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and other obesity-related diseases 

• Enhanced quality of life, mobility, and energy

• Hormonal and metabolic improvements that aid long-term health

• Long-lasting impact when combined with lifestyle changes

Cost of Bariatric Surgery in India

While international patients’ costs vary based on city, hospital stay, and the type of procedure, Manipal Hospitals offers a cost-effective treatment for weight loss compared to many Western destinations. As one of the best hospitals for bariatric surgery in India, we aim for transparency in our pricing and provide tailored quote packages that include surgery, pre- and post-operative care, and international patient support.

Why International Patients Trust Manipal Hospitals

International patients consistently choose Manipal Hospitals for weight loss surgery because of our globally trained surgeons, modern infrastructure, and dedicated patient coordination services. Our track record of successful metabolic surgeries, combined with holistic care (diet, psychological support, follow-up), has made us a trusted destination for those seeking life-changing treatment for weight loss.