Bariatric Surgery has emerged as a single best solution to tackle the global menace of Obesity. The acceptance of Bariatric Surgery as a solution for Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes is growing across the globe and more so in Indian Sub continent. Obesity is now considered a pandemic and is a precursor of about 53 different co-morbid conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, fatty liver, Coronary artery disease, leading to heart attacks, strokes etc and many others at a much younger age than before.
While the Bariatric and Metabolic surgeries were initiated in western nations, they have undergone major progressive developments and modifications in Indian sub continent, that are resulting in incredible results in resolution of Obesity and its associated conditions.
Surgeons in India are performing procedures like Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB, OAGB) and Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in very high numbers with superior surgical skills; it is attracting large amount of obese patients across the world for such services to India. With addition of latest technology in many centers, suave surgical approaches like laparoscopic, single incision (SILS), 3D surgeries and Robotic surgeries have become a daily offering in India.
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and others in India are recording large number of such patients. Added to this, a new trend of ‘Reverse Brain Drain’ is happening where in, many Indian surgeons who were trained and board certified in Bariatric Surgery from USA, UK etc. have been returning to India and are providing these procedures with excellent safety and efficacy. International clinical pathways, evidence based medicine; NIH (National Institute of Health) criteria and standard operating procedures are instituted in most institutions and are monitored by organizations like OSSI (Obesity & Metabolic surgeons Society of India).
International Center of Excellence (ICE) status by Surgical review Corporation (SRC) has been conferred upon several Bariatric surgery centers across India, which provide Bariatric surgeries on par or above the international standards. Dedicated Bariatric surgery centers like Livlife Hospitals have emerged as major contributors in this space.
With many of the developed nations offering socialized medical care, the elective procedures like Bariatric surgeries tend to have a very long waiting period which at times can extend beyond 2 years. In India, there is no such waiting or pre-approval mandates and hence, patients can just fly in, get operated and return to their home country in no time to enjoy the wonderful results of these procedures. Insurance companies seem to have influence in the procedure chosen for the patients based on the procedures approved or disapproved by the insurance company. In most of these situations, waiting time is nullified in India and procedure of choice can be offered without reservations (based on requirement of individual patient).
Tech solutions like video conferencing / chat, whatsapp are used for initial consultation; required investigations are performed at home country, test results are verified by email and patient then arrives for surgery to India.
It is quite a common practice for many international patients to combine a short tour of India before surgery and a relaxing stay at a resort post surgery for a few days. Many bariatric practices facilitate such travel plans. At that, some patients prefer to do a short stay, get the surgery done and leave immediately after the recovery period. Most patients seem to arrive from UAE (United Arab Emirates), Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda etc.), Europe and USA. Many second and third generation Indians settled in other nations prefer India for such procedures since the family, social support and supporting man power is abundant and inexpensive.
The driving force behind large volume of bariatric patients seems to be the ‘affordability’ factor. The cost of Bariatric surgery is but a fraction of the same compared to other nations. Excellent medical care, latest technology combined with affordable price is propelling India as the chosen destination for Bariatric Surgeries.
An all inclusive holiday, visiting a historic and amazing country like India, go through the much needed Bariatric surgery at an International Center of Excellence, in very capable hands, without any waiting period, have an enjoyable relaxing stay after procedure, all this at a fraction of cost compared to the same at home country. This current flexibility of Bariatric Surgery for international patients in India makes it undoubtedly the most sought after destination.
Dr. Nandakishore Dukkipati is an M.D. in General Surgery. He has acquired Fellowship training in Advanced Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery from Texas, USA. Dr. Nandakishore is a well known Bariatric Surgeon with vast experience in Metabolic Syndrome. Currently, he is the Chief Surgeon & Managing Director at LivLife Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad.
