Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Bariatric surgery is a valid treatment option for the disease that is obesity. As I practice bariatric surgery in Mumbai, I get a lot of enquiries where people want to know if bariatric surgery would be the right option for them to lose weight. Sometimes, even people who don’t have much weight to lose, want to know if bariatric surgery could be a weight loss option for them.
Bariatric surgery is a valid treatment option for those who are suffering from “clinically severe obesity”. It is important to understand the definition of “clinically severe obesity”. Currently, obesity is classified as per the Body Mass Index.
Classification of obesity (For Asians)
| BMI (Kg/m2) | Classification for Asians |
| 18.5 – 23.5 | Normal weight |
| 23.5 – 27.5 | Overweight |
| 27.5 – 32.5 | Class 1 obesity |
| 32.5 – 37.5 | Class 2 obesity |
| 37.5 and above | Class 3 obesity |
You can calculate your BMI by this simple formula- (weight in kg)/(height in m2)
Asia Pacific guidelines from the International Federation for Obesity and Metabolic Surgery (IFSO-APC) for bariatric surgery/metabolic surgery were published in 2011 and are as under:
IFSO APC Consensus Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery/Metabolic Surgery 2011:
- Bariatric surgery/obesity surgery/weight loss surgery must be considered for the treatment of obesity for acceptable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 35 Kg/m2 with or without any associated diseases.
- Bariatric surgery/metabolic surgery must be considered for the treatment of type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome for patients who are inadequately controlled by lifestyle alterations and medical treatment for acceptable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2.
- Bariatric surgery/metabolic surgery may also be considered as a non-primary alternative to treat inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome for suitable Asian candidates with BMI ≥ 27.5 Kg/m2.
In simple words, if your weight is about 40 to 45 kg above your ideal body weight then you are a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery. Patients who are 30 to 35 kg above their ideal body weight but have 2 or more associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, PCOD, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol etc, can also be recommended to undergo bariatric surgery.
Last but not the least, guidelines are only to suggest recommendations and they are not rules set in stone. Ultimately, the doctor you visit, will evaluate and assess your clinical condition and advise the best possible treatment option to you.
If your weight is increasing continuously and has started affecting your quality of life, it is best to see a qualified weight loss specialist or a bariatric surgery team for the right advice.
About Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is an accomplished Best Bariatric Surgeon in Mumbai and Laparoscopic Surgeon. She is very renowned and is extremely passionate about her field of specialization.
Read more about Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker- https://www.bestbariatricsurgeon.org/dr-aparna-govil-bhasker/
Please write in to info@bestbariatricsurgeon.org or draparnagovil@gmail.com & Call/Text/WhatsApp: +919819566618 or +919930922761
Dr. Aparna’s website is- https://www.bestbariatricsurgeon.org
You can read her lovely blogs on- http://www.aparnagovilbhasker.com
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is a visiting consultant at the following hospitals:
- Gleneagles Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
- Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Khar West, Mumbai
- Apollo Hospital, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
- Suchak Hospital, Malad, Mumbai
- Namaha Hospital Kandivali, Mumbai
- Currae Specialty Hospital, Thane
- MGM Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
- Apollo Spectra Hospital, Tardeo and Chembur, Mumbai
- Saifee Hospital, Mumbai
Patient Stories
Mansi considered bariatric/ weight loss surgery as she was suffering from grade III obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 47.5 Kg/m2. At 121.7 Kg she was not able to exercise much due to severe knee pain. She would feel breathless on exertion. Her sonography revealed grade II fatty liver. She underwent a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on 14th of November 2018. She knew that bariatric surgery was not a shortcut to weight loss, and worked very hard on changing her lifestyle post surgery. She exercises for 2-3 hours daily and follows a great diet regime. She has an amazing will power as she was able to accomplish her goal of climbing more than 3000 steps at Palitana just after 2 months post surgery. She lost 35.7 Kg in 6 months, we salute her grit and determination!
