Mr. R is a 41-year-old software engineer with a twelve-year history of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and a BMI that had crept up to 42. Over the years he had tried multiple structured diets, two different weight-loss medications, and periods of disciplined exercise. He would lose 8 to 10 kg, hold for a few months, then regain everything. His diabetes control had gradually worsened, and he had been started on insulin 18 months before surgery.

A review by his endocrinologist raised the option of bariatric surgery. He was referred to Apollo Nellore for a surgical opinion.

The assessment

Mr. R spent an hour with Dr. Reddy discussing expectations, surgical options, and what the lifelong commitment looks like. Given his BMI, long-standing diabetes, and reflux symptoms, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass was recommended over sleeve gastrectomy. The multidisciplinary bariatric team at Apollo reviewed his case, including a dietitian assessment, psychological clearance, and an endocrine evaluation.

He chose to proceed.

Surgery and early recovery

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass was performed under general anaesthesia, through five small incisions. He spent three nights in hospital, progressing through the standard post-bariatric diet: clear liquids on day one, full liquids for two weeks, soft foods for another two weeks, then structured small solid meals.

Back to work within three weeks.

Outcome at 18 months

  • Weight loss: 35 kg, from 116 kg to 81 kg (about 68% excess body weight)
  • Diabetes: Off all diabetes medications, including insulin, within the first six months. HbA1c has been under 6.0% at every follow-up.
  • Blood pressure: Off anti-hypertensive medication
  • Reflux: Resolved completely
  • Exercise: Running 5 km three times a week
  • Follow-up: Attended every scheduled visit. On lifelong vitamin and protein supplementation.

In his words

"The weight loss is obvious, but the thing nobody tells you about is how quickly the diabetes improves. I was off insulin within a month. I have more energy than I did in my thirties. The one piece of advice I give everyone: follow the dietitian. Skip that part and you undo the surgery."

Patient story shared with consent. Name and identifying details have been changed. Bariatric surgery is a major decision with specific medical criteria. Outcomes vary between patients.