Top 10 Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery in India (2026): Costs, Surgeons & Essential Tips

Introduction

The journey to overcome obesity and reclaim your health is a profound one, and choosing the right medical partner is the most critical step. Bariatric surgery, a life-changing procedure, has helped millions worldwide combat not just weight issues but also associated conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. India has firmly established itself as a global hub for bariatric surgery, offering world-class medical expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and cost-effectiveness that is unmatched in the Western world.

If you are searching for the best hospitals for bariatric surgery in India, this definitive guide for 2026 is your comprehensive resource. We have meticulously curated a list of the top 10 hospitals, delving into their specialized bariatric programs, renowned surgeons, technological advancements, and transparent cost structures. We also provide crucial pre- and post-operative tips to ensure your journey is safe, successful, and sustainable.

Why India is a Premier Destination for Bariatric Surgery?

• Internationally Accredited Hospitals: The top hospitals in India hold prestigious accreditations like JCI (Joint Commission International) and NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), ensuring global standards of patient safety and care.
• World-Renowned Bariatric Surgeons: Indian surgeons are among the most experienced in the world, having performed thousands of successful procedures. Many are pioneers of minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic and robotic surgery) and are active members of international bariatric societies.
• Cost-Effectiveness: This is a significant advantage. The cost of bariatric surgery in India is typically one-fifth to one-tenth of the cost in countries like the US, UK, or Australia, inclusive of all medical, hospital, and accommodation expenses.
• Minimal Waiting Times: Unlike many countries with long waiting lists, hospitals in India prioritize scheduling, allowing you to undergo the procedure within weeks of your initial decision.
• Comprehensive & Holistic Care: Leading hospitals offer end-to-end care, including pre-surgical psychological evaluation, nutritional counseling, state-of-the-art operation theatres, and long-term post-operative support and follow-up programs.
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The Top 10 Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery in India (2024)

Here are the best hospitals that have set benchmarks in metabolic and bariatric surgery through their excellence, innovation, and patient outcomes.

1. Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai

Overview: A pioneer in Indian healthcare, Apollo’s flagship unit in Chennai is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery. Their Institute of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery is renowned for its high-volume center and multidisciplinary approach.

• Key Strengths:
  • Pioneering Legacy: One of the first to establish a dedicated bariatric surgery department in India.
  • High-Volume Center: Performs a vast number of complex and revision bariatric procedures.
  • Multidisciplinary Team: Integrates endocrinologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and psychologists for holistic care.
  • International Patient Cell: Exceptional support for international patients, handling everything from travel to accommodation.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 ($3,600 – $6,600) for a standard laparoscopic procedure.
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Rajesh Palanikumar, Dr. S. K. S. Marya.

2. Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram

Overview: Led by the visionary Dr. Naresh Trehan, Medanta is a quaternary care hospital known for its clinical excellence. The Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences has a top-tier bariatric surgery program.

• Key Strengths:
  • Leadership & Reputation: The association with Dr. Naresh Trehan brings immense trust and credibility.
  • Advanced Technology: Houses the latest robotic surgical systems (Da Vinci Xi) for unparalleled precision in complex cases.
  • Comprehensive Pre-op Workflow: Includes advanced endoscopic procedures like ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) for selected patients.
  • Post-Op Support: Robust long-term follow-up and nutritional support system.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,50,000 ($4,200 – $7,800).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Praveen Chennappa, Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala (consultant).

3. Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi

Overview: Fortis Shalimar Bagh is a recognized leader in bariatric surgery in North India, home to one of the country’s most celebrated bariatric surgeons, Dr. Ajay Kumar Kriplani.

• Key Strengths:
  • Surgical Expertise: Dr. Kriplani is a pioneer with over two decades of experience and has trained many surgeons across India.
  • Focus on Complex Cases: Renowned for handling super-super obesity (BMI >60) and revision surgeries.
  • Dedicated Bariatric Unit: A fully integrated unit with specialized operation theatres and ICU beds.
  • High Success Rates: Consistently published excellent outcomes and low complication rates.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,25,000 – ₹5,75,000 ($3,900 – $6,900).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Ajay Kumar Kriplani, Dr. S. K. Thakur.

4. Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi

Overview: Max Saket is a premier quaternary care hospital known for its advanced infrastructure and clinical excellence. The bariatric surgery department is part of its comprehensive Institute of Minimal Access, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery.

• Key Strengths:
  • Robotic Surgery Excellence: A leader in robotic-assisted bariatric procedures, offering enhanced precision.
  • Minimally Invasive Focus: Expertise in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and mini-gastric bypass.
  • Integrated Care: Strong support from endocrinology, pulmonology, and cardiology departments for managing co-morbidities.
  • Patient Education: Extensive pre-operative counseling and group support sessions.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 ($4,200 – $7,200).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Nikhil Agnihotri, Dr. Vivek Bindal.

5. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Overview: A premier trust-owned hospital with a legacy of medical excellence. The Department of Bariatric and Minimal Access Surgery is one of the busiest and most respected, known for its ethical practices and high-quality, cost-effective care.

• Key Strengths:
  • Trust and Transparency: A reputation for ethical practices and patient-first care.
  • Cost-Effective Quality: Offers high-quality surgical outcomes at a more accessible price point than many corporate hospitals.
  • Experienced Team: A team of dedicated bariatric surgeons performing a high volume of procedures.
  • Strong Legacy: A long-standing history of surgical excellence in Delhi.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹2,75,000 – ₹4,75,000 ($3,300 – $5,700).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Dr. Vinod M. Jose.

6. Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore

Overview: As one of India’s largest healthcare networks, Manipal’s flagship unit in Bangalore is a center of excellence. The bariatric surgery program is known for its rigorous scientific approach and comprehensive patient management.

• Key Strengths:
  • Academic & Research Focus: Strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine and clinical research.
  • Multidisciplinary Board: Each case is reviewed by a board of specialists to create a personalized treatment plan.
  • Holistic Wellness: Integrates lifestyle medicine, psychological support, and fitness guidance into the program.
  • Technology: Equipped with advanced laparoscopic and hybrid operating rooms.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,25,000 ($3,600 – $6,300).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. M G. Bhat, Dr. Sanjay Patolia.

7. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Overview: This hospital in Mumbai is synonymous with cutting-edge technology and a patient-centric model, including a unique 24/7 full-time specialist system. Its Centre for Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery is top-tier.

• Key Strengths:
  • 24/7 Specialist System: Consultants are on campus round-the-clock, ensuring immediate care.
  • Advanced Infrastructure: State-of-the-art ICUs and operation theatres dedicated to complex surgeries.
  • Metabolic Focus: Specializes in the treatment of type 2 diabetes through metabolic surgery.
  • Luxurious Amenities: Offers a premium and comfortable healing environment.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,75,000 – ₹6,50,000 ($4,500 – $7,800).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Sanjay Sabnis, Dr. Shashank Shah (renowned pioneer).

8. Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

Overview: Part of the Aster DM Healthcare group, Aster CMI is known for its high standards of care and international patient services. The department of bariatric surgery is robust and well-regarded.

• Key Strengths:
  • International Patient Hub: Excellent support for patients from the Middle East, Africa, and neighboring countries.
  • Comprehensive Packages: Often provides all-inclusive packages covering surgery, hospital stay, and initial consultations.
  • Qualified Team: Surgeons trained at leading national and international centers.
  • Focus on Safety: Stringent protocols for infection control and patient safety.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,25,000 – ₹5,50,000 ($3,900 – $6,600).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Kishore G. S. B., Dr. Srikanth Gadiyaram.

9. Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai

Overview: This JCI-accredited hospital is a major medical destination in South India. Its bariatric program is known for handling complex cases and offering a full spectrum of surgical options.

• Key Strengths:
  • Wide Range of Procedures: Expertise in Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, and Revision surgeries.
  • Liver Transplant Expertise: This unique strength is beneficial for managing patients with severe obesity-related liver disease.
  • International Standards: Adheres to strict international protocols for peri-operative care.
  • Experienced Team: A dedicated team that manages a high caseload.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,75,000 ($3,600 – $6,900).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. J. S. Rajkumar, Dr. R. Padmakumar.

10. Narayana Health, Bangalore

Overview: Founded by Dr. Devi Shetty, Narayana Health is renowned for its high-volume, affordable, and quality care model. Its Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center in Bangalore is a massive facility with an excellent bariatric surgery department.

• Key Strengths:
  • Affordability: Provides high-quality surgery at a lower cost, making it accessible to a wider population.
  • High-Volume Expertise: The team’s experience is vast due to the large number of procedures performed.
  • Efficient Systems: Streamlined processes that maintain safety while reducing overhead costs.
  • Telemedicine Follow-up: Strong post-discharge follow-up system via teleconsultation.
• Approximate Cost of Surgery: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 ($3,000 – $5,400).
• Notable Surgeons: Dr. Praveen Raj, Dr. C. Palanivelu.

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Understanding Bariatric Surgery Costs in India (2024 Breakdown)

The cost is not a single figure and depends on several critical factors:

1. Type of Procedure:
   • Sleeve Gastrectomy: Generally the most affordable.
   • Gastric Bypass: Moderately priced, more complex than a sleeve.
   • Mini Gastric Bypass: Similar cost to gastric bypass.
   • Gastric Banding: Less common now, but has its own cost structure.
   • Revision Surgery: Significantly more expensive due to complexity.
2. Hospital Category & City: Corporate chains in metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) are at a premium compared to trust-based or high-volume centers.
3. Surgeon’s Fee: The reputation and experience of the bariatric surgeon influence their fee.
4. Room Category: A single private room costs more than a twin-sharing room.
5. Pre-operative Tests and Post-operative Care: Includes consultations, diagnostic tests, dietitian sessions, and follow-up visits.
6. Surgical Technique: Robotic-assisted surgery will be more expensive than standard laparoscopic surgery due to the technology involved.

A rough cost bracket for 2024 would be:

• Standard Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000
• Complex Procedures / Gastric Bypass: ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,50,000
• Revision Bariatric Surgery: ₹5,00,000 – ₹8,00,000+

Essential Tips for Patients: Planning Your Bariatric Surgery in India

1. Verify Surgeon and Hospital Credentials: Ensure your surgeon is a member of recognized bodies like the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI) and IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders). The hospital should be NABH or JCI accredited.
2. Get a Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation: This is not a formality. It ensures you are mentally prepared for the lifestyle changes and have realistic expectations, which is crucial for long-term success.
3. Understand the Procedure and Commit to the Aftermath: Bariatric surgery is a tool, not a magic cure. Success depends entirely on your commitment to a new diet, regular exercise, and lifelong vitamin supplementation.
4. Ask About the Long-Term Support Program: Choose a hospital that offers a structured post-operative program with regular follow-ups, nutritional counseling, and support groups. This is non-negotiable.
5. Get a Detailed, Itemized Cost Estimate: Before you travel or get admitted, request a final quote that breaks down all costs—surgeon fee, anesthesia, OT charges, hospital stay, dietitian fees, and expected pharmacy costs. Beware of hidden charges.
6. Plan for Recovery: You will need to stay in the hospital city for at least 10-14 days post-surgery for follow-ups. Plan your travel and accommodation accordingly. Have a support person with you.
7. Prepare for the Pre-Op Liver Shrinking Diet: Most surgeons mandate a strict, low-calorie, low-carb diet for 2-3 weeks before surgery to reduce liver size and make the procedure safer. Adherence is critical.

Conclusion

Choosing to undergo bariatric surgery is a life-altering decision, and selecting the right hospital and surgeon is paramount to your success and safety. The best hospitals for bariatric surgery in India listed here have demonstrated excellence through their specialized teams, advanced technology, and unwavering commitment to patient outcomes. By combining this world-class medical expertise with remarkable affordability and care, India stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking to break free from the chains of obesity.

Your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life begins with informed research. Use this guide as your starting point, consult with medical professionals, and take the first step with confidence.