Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgery
A patient guide, Lucknow

Severe obesity raises the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and joint problems. When diet and exercise have not worked, bariatric surgery can help with long-term weight loss and better control of these conditions. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, surgery is done by keyhole (laparoscopic) or robotic-assisted techniques, with dietitian and physician support before and after.

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NABH-accredited hospital Laparoscopic surgeon Robotic surgery available Dietitian support

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About the surgery

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery changes the stomach, and sometimes the small intestine, so that you feel full with smaller meals and absorb fewer calories. It also changes hormones that control hunger and blood sugar. It is a tool, not a quick fix: lasting results depend on changes in eating, activity and follow-up.

  • Assessment by surgeon, physician and dietitian
  • Keyhole or robotic-assisted surgery
  • Short hospital stay for most patients
  • Structured diet plan for the first months
  • Lifelong vitamins and regular follow-up

Weight loss

Gradual weight loss over 12 to 18 months for most patients.

Diabetes

Often better sugar control; some need fewer medicines.

BP & heart

Blood pressure and cholesterol may improve.

Sleep apnoea

Snoring and sleep apnoea often improve.

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Who is eligible

Who may benefit from bariatric surgery?

For Asian Indian adults, surgery is usually considered if:

BMI 37.5 or more

With or without other health problems.

BMI 32.5 or more with diabetes

Or other weight-related conditions.

High BP or high cholesterol

Related to weight.

Sleep apnoea

Loud snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Joint pain

Knee or back pain worsened by weight.

Diet and exercise tried

Without lasting weight loss.

Bariatric surgery is not suitable for everyone. Our team will check your overall health, medicines and readiness for long-term changes before advising surgery. Call 0522-666-4444.

Types of surgery

Types of bariatric surgery

Tap a card to read more. Your surgeon will explain which suits you.

Sleeve gastrectomy

Making the stomach smaller

What it is

About three-quarters of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow tube.

Suits

Many patients; a common first choice.

Note

Reflux can worsen in some people.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

A small stomach pouch and bypass

What it is

A small pouch is joined to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach.

Suits

People with reflux or diabetes, among others.

Note

Needs lifelong vitamin supplements.

One-anastomosis gastric bypass

Mini gastric bypass

What it is

A long stomach pouch joined to the intestine with one join.

Suits

Selected patients.

Note

Vitamin and bile reflux monitoring are needed.

Revision surgery

After earlier weight loss surgery

When

Weight regain or problems after an earlier operation.

Planning

Needs detailed tests.

Note

More complex than a first operation.

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Before surgery

Tests and preparation

Careful preparation makes surgery safer.

Consultation

Weight history, health problems and goals.

Blood tests

Sugar, thyroid, liver, kidney and vitamins.

Endoscopy & ultrasound

Stomach and gallbladder check.

Heart & lung checks

ECG, echo and sleep study if needed.

Diet preparation

A low-calorie diet for 1–2 weeks to shrink the liver.

Your diet after surgery

Tap a stage to see what you can eat.

Surgery

What happens during and after surgery

Here is what to expect.

The operation

Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon operates through small cuts using a camera, or with robotic assistance. Surgery usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours.

General anaesthesiaKeyhole or robotic-assistedSmall cuts

Before

  • Fast as advised
  • Pre-operative diet completed
  • Blood thinner injection to prevent clots

Family

  • Wait in the family area
  • The surgeon will update you
  • Help with walking after surgery
Your journey

From first visit to follow-up

Step 1

Consultation

BMI, health problems and options discussed.

Step 2

Tests

Blood tests, endoscopy and fitness checks.

Step 3

Diet preparation

A pre-operative diet with our dietitian.

Step 4

Surgery

Keyhole or robotic-assisted, 1.5 to 3 hours.

Step 5

Recovery

Usually home in 2 to 3 days.

Step 6

Follow-up

Regular reviews for at least 2 years, then yearly.

Life after surgery

Living well after bariatric surgery

General guidance — always follow your surgeon’s and dietitian’s advice.

Eating

Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day, slowly, and chew well.

Have protein first; avoid fried and sugary foods.

Vitamins

Take multivitamins, calcium, vitamin D and B12 as prescribed, for life.

Blood tests check for deficiencies.

Activity

Walk daily from the first days; build up to regular exercise.

Strength exercises help protect muscle.

Pregnancy

Women are usually advised to avoid pregnancy for 12 to 18 months after surgery.

Discuss contraception with your doctor.

Contact us urgently if

  • Repeated vomiting or being unable to drink
  • Fever, fast heartbeat or severe abdominal pain
  • Black stools or vomiting blood
  • Calf pain or sudden breathlessness
  • Difficulty swallowing that keeps getting worse
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common worries about weight loss surgery

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Bariatric surgery is a cosmetic procedure.”

Tap to flip
Fact

It is a medical treatment for obesity and related conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnoea.

Myth

“I will lose all the weight at once.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Weight loss is gradual over 12 to 18 months and depends on lifestyle changes.

Myth

“After surgery I can eat anything.”

Tap to flip
Fact

You will need to eat smaller, healthier meals for life to keep the weight off.

Myth

“Weight always comes back.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Some regain is possible, but regular follow-up and healthy habits help keep most of the weight off.

Our doctors

Meet our surgical team

Laparoscopic & bariatric surgery Diabetes care Dietetics Robotic surgery
Practical help

Preparing for surgery, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Previous weight and diet history
  • Reports of diabetes, BP, thyroid and sleep tests
  • A list of all medicines
  • Insurance card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the type of operation, whether robotic assistance is used, the length of stay and your health. Ask for a written estimate after your consultation. Insurance cover for bariatric surgery varies; many policies cover it when medical criteria are met.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for bariatric surgery?

For Asian Indian adults, usually a BMI of 37.5 or more, or 32.5 or more with diabetes or other weight-related conditions. Our team will assess you.

How much weight will I lose?

Weight loss varies. Most people lose a large part of their excess weight over 12 to 18 months, depending on the operation and lifestyle.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Usually 2 to 3 days.

When can I return to work?

Desk work is often possible in 1 to 2 weeks.

What are the risks?

Risks include leaks, bleeding, blood clots, infection and vitamin deficiencies. Your surgeon will explain your own risk.

Will my diabetes go away?

Many people have better sugar control and need fewer medicines; some may stop medicines. This varies.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

Many policies cover it when medical criteria are met. Our insurance desk can check your policy.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

BMIBody mass index, weight in kg divided by height in metres squared.
Sleeve gastrectomyRemoving most of the stomach to make a narrow tube.
Gastric bypassMaking a small stomach pouch joined to the intestine.
LaparoscopicKeyhole surgery through small cuts.
Robotic-assistedSurgery using robotic arms controlled by the surgeon.
Metabolic surgerySurgery aimed at improving diabetes and related conditions.
DumpingDiscomfort after sugary food, seen after some operations.
LeakA rare complication where a join leaks.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Laparoscopic & bariatric surgery Robotic surgery Diabetes care Dietetics Sleep apnoea

Talk to our bariatric team

Book a consultation to find out whether surgery is right for you. Call 0522-666-4444.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Minimal Access/Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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