Weight Loss Surgery in Punjab — Dr. Raman Garg, Bariatric Surgeon at Bathinda

Obesity is a growing health crisis in Punjab. Factors including a high-fat diet (ghee, butter, full-fat dairy), genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, and the abundance of calorie-dense food have made Punjab one of the states with the highest obesity rates in India. For morbidly obese individuals who have failed diet and exercise programmes, bariatric (weight loss) surgery offers the most effective, lasting solution.

Dr. Raman Garg at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda — centrally located in the heart of South Punjab — is the leading bariatric surgeon serving patients from Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, Faridkot, Muktsar, and across Punjab. With advanced laparoscopic expertise and a comprehensive bariatric care programme, Dr. Garg provides transformative weight loss with exceptional safety and long-term support.

Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery in Punjab?

• BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² (morbid obesity) — regardless of other diseases
• BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² with at least one major obesity-related disease:
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea
  • Severe joint pain (osteoarthritis of knee, hip)
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Infertility related to obesity
• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (metabolic surgery)
• Age 18–65 (exceptional cases outside this range considered individually)
• Failed previous weight loss attempts (diet, exercise, medications)
• Committed to lifelong follow-up and dietary changes

Bariatric Surgery Options at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda

1. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

The most popular bariatric procedure. The surgeon removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve or tube-shaped stomach. This limits food intake and reduces hunger hormone (ghrelin) production.

• Expected weight loss: 60–70% of excess body weight in 12–18 months
• Diabetes remission: 50–65%
• Advantages: Simpler, no intestinal bypass, no malabsorption problems, reversible in theory
• Hospital stay: 2–3 days

2. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)

The gold-standard bariatric procedure. A small gastric pouch is created and connected directly to the mid-small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and first portion of the small intestine.

• Expected weight loss: 70–80% of excess body weight
• Diabetes remission: 80–85% — the best metabolic outcomes
• Advantages: More weight loss, better diabetes control, reduces acid reflux
• Hospital stay: 3–4 days
• Recommended for patients with severe diabetes and/or severe GERD

3. Mini Gastric Bypass (One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass)

A simplified version of gastric bypass with a single intestinal connection. Comparable weight loss and diabetes remission to RYGB with shorter operative time.

Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery for Punjab Patients

• Massive, sustained weight loss — most patients maintain >50% excess weight loss at 5 years
• Type 2 Diabetes Remission — 70–85% of diabetic patients come off insulin or tablets
• Blood pressure normalisation — most hypertensive patients reduce or stop medications
• Joint pain relief — knee and hip pain dramatically improve with weight loss
• Sleep apnoea resolution — most patients stop CPAP therapy
• Improved fertility and PCOS in women
• Reduction of cardiac risk — reduced cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation
• Improved mental health — better self-esteem, reduced depression
• Longer life expectancy — reduces mortality by 30–40%

The Bariatric Surgery Journey at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute

1. Initial Consultation: BMI assessment, review of co-morbidities, discussion of surgery options
2. Pre-Operative Evaluation: Blood tests, cardiac evaluation (ECG, echo), pulmonary function, sleep study if needed, upper GI endoscopy
3. Dietary Preparation: 2-week pre-operative liver-shrinking diet (low calorie) to reduce liver size and improve surgical safety
4. Psychological Screening: Assessment of motivation and mental health readiness
5. Surgery: Laparoscopic procedure under general anaesthesia — 60–120 minutes. Discharge in 2–4 days.
6. Post-Operative Diet Stages: Liquid → pureed → soft → normal food progression over 8–12 weeks
7. Lifelong Follow-Up: Regular visits at 1, 3, 6, 12 months then annually. Vitamin supplements for life (bariatric multivitamin, B12, calcium, iron, vitamin D).

Frequently Asked Questions — Weight Loss Surgery Punjab