Obesity is a growing problem in today’s society, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a condition in which a person has an excess amount of accumulated body fat that can cause a variety of health problems.

The causes of obesity are multifactorial and can be attributed to a combination of genetic issues, poor diet, lack of physical activity, medical conditions, and medications. Amongst the many specialized surgeons helping treat accumulated body fat through laparoscopy and bariatrics is Dr Manish Verma, a renowned laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon.

The Inspirational Career Trajectory

Dr Manish Verma hails from the small town of Bhagwant Nagar in the district of Hardoi, India. His educational journey began in his hometown, where he completed his secondary schooling. He later moved to Kanpur to further his studies, excelling in his 10th and 12th grades and achieving state ranks in both examinations.

This academic success paved the way for his acceptance into medical college, specifically in the field of surgery, where he embarked on his MBBS journey. During his time in medical school, Dr Manish distinguished himself by receiving several accolades,

After completing his MBBS, Dr Manish Verma specialized in surgery, pursuing his master’s degree at Kanpur Medical College, GSVM. His passion for advanced surgical techniques led him to Delhi, where he focused on bariatric surgery and advanced laparoscopy.

In 2006, he was selected through the Public Service Commission for medical education at his alma mater, Kanpur Medical College, where he became a lecturer. He served as a teaching faculty until 2014, but he felt constrained in his ability to pursue his professional aspirations. He passed numerous fellowship exams, including FIBC (Philippines), FAIS, FIAGES, FALS(bariatric and metabolic surgery), and FALS (laparo -scopic hernia surgery), among others.

In 2015, Dr Manish Verma made a pivotal decision to resign from the medical college and establish his own hospital, which he named Fortune Hospital. Starting with just 41 beds, his commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction has led to significant growth, and the hospital now boasts a capacity of 150 beds.

Fortune Hospital is fully accredited by NABH 5th edition. It offers a wide range of superspecialty services, including advanced laparoscopy, bariatric surgery, a state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer center, nephrology, critical care, orthopedics, joint replacement, gynecology, and dermatology.

Motivation & Strive to Enhance Patient Care

Dr Manish Verma’s inspiration to pursue a career in medicine, particularly as a bariatric surgeon, is inspired by his father, an MBBS graduate from GSVM Medical College. Witnessing his father’s dedication to his patients and the profound impact he had on their lives deeply influenced Dr Manish Verma. His father’s reputation as a respected figure in the community and the fulfillment he derived from helping others motivated Dr Manish Verma to follow a similar path. He aspired to lead a life dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives, bringing smiles to their faces, and earning the respect that comes with such contributions.

From the outset of his career, Dr Manish Verma has focused on advanced laparoscopy, and that has always been his primary interest. He was drawn to minimally invasive procedures, which were considered cutting-edge at the time. Although bariatric surgery was introduced in 1963, it initially involved large incisions that posed significant risks for obese patients. With the advent of advanced laparoscopy, the field of bariatric surgery experienced a resurgence, and Dr Manish Verma’s proficiency in these techniques allowed him to transition seamlessly into this specialty. His expertise not only enhances patient outcomes by minimizing surgical risks and recovery times but also provides patients with effective weight-loss solutions that significantly improve their quality of life.

Throughout his career, Dr Manish Verma has faced numerous challenges, particularly regarding societal perceptions of bariatric surgery. Many individuals struggled to understand how the surgery could effectively change their body weight, leading to misconceptions and unrealistic expectations. Additionally, concerns about the risks associated with bariatric surgery often stemmed from misinformation in the community. To combat these challenges, Dr Manish Verma assembled a multi disciplinary team for bariatric surgery, including skilled anesthesiologists, surgeons, assistants, diabetologists, and physiotherapists.

This collaborative approach has allowed them to provide comprehensive care and support for patients, ultimately increasing acceptance of bariatric surgery. The most difficult challenge was the acceptance of laparoscpic surgery in the beginning of my career, it was difficult to convince people to undergo laparoscopic surgery, as it was difficult to understand people how, through such a small incision, such major surgery could be performed safely and adequately. To prove it is the best ND most advanced and safest way of doing surgeries, he used to do laparoscopic surgeries live shows in different hospitals in different district headquarters infront of local doctors and prominent public figures just to inculturate knowledge to propagate to the masses.

Post-operative care is critical in the context of bariatric surgery, as patients are particularly susceptible to respiratory complications. Dr Manish Verma emphasizes the importance of a specialized and well-trained team dedicated to comprehensive post-operative care, focusing on early mobilization, physiotherapy, and medication management. He also stresses the significance of lifestyle modifications for long-term success, encouraging patients to adopt dietary changes, engage in regular exercise, and adhere to nutritional guidelines.

Focus on Continued Patient Treatment

Given the rising obesity rates in India, Dr Manish Verma advocates for preventive measures and public health initiatives to reduce the need for bariatric surgery. He emphasizes the importance of promoting outdoor activities and encouraging individuals to engage in sports or physical activities to combat sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, he highlights the need for dietary modifications, urging people to be mindful of their food choices and to limit high-calorie and heavily sweetened foods.

To ensure the psychological and emotional well-being of his patients, Dr Manish Verma provides thorough counseling before and after surgery. He believes that the decision to undergo surgery should come from the patient, and he works to understand the underlying reasons for their weight gain. Many patients, particularly those who are super obese, may experience psychological challenges, including depression and anxiety. By fostering an understanding of the need for lifestyle changes and providing emotional support, Dr Manish Verma empowers his patients to achieve lasting success after surgery.