In a world where obesity affects over 650 million adults globally, yet remains clouded by stigma and misinformation, bariatric surgeons stand as quiet revolutionaries. With a scalpel in hand and science on their side, they challenge the outdated belief that obesity is merely a failure of will power. These specialists treat a complex, chronic disease that has been officially recognized by the World Health Organization, using precision techniques like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, procedures that may sound ‘unnatural’ to some ears but are often lifesaving. After all, we don’t hesitate to bypass clogged arteries or replace a worn-out joint, so why should treating obesity be any different? Dr Sumit Talwar exemplifies this rare idea. With over three decades of surgical experience and a career rooted in the esteemed halls of AIIMS, he has become a leading force in India’s bariatric landscape.

Originally hailing from a small town in Punjab, he began his journey in medicine after being selected to the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, in 1988. There, he completed his MBBS, post-graduation, and senior residency, laying a strong foundation for his medical expertise. Over the years, Dr Sumit worked across several leading institutions before moving to Bangalore, where he joined Manipal Hospital in 2015 as the Chairman of Bariatric Surgery. His passion for bariatric surgery stems from a deep understanding of obesity as a chronic, often misunderstood disease. Having witnessed firsthand the social stigma and under treatment associated with obesity, including misconceptions held even by physicians, Dr Sumit embraced this specialty as a means to make life-altering changes for his patients.

His clinical practice, Dr Sumit Obesity Care, offers a comprehensive spectrum of weight-loss solutions ranging from medical management with GLP-1 analogs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, to advanced surgical and endoscopic interventions. He specializes in time-tested surgical procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and various forms of gastric bypass, including the Rouxen-Y and mini gastric bypass, tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs. He also performs cutting-edge techniques like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and sleeve-plus procedures, expanding options for those seeking noninvasive or hybrid solutions.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Lifelong Care

At Dr Sumit Obesity Care Centre, patient outcomes are elevated through a comprehensive, team-based approach that addresses the multifaceted nature of obesity. Recognizing that obesity often coexists with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and mental health challenges, Dr Sumit has built a robust multidisciplinary

team to guide patients through every stage of their bariatric journey. Psychologists and psychiatrists play a critical role in pre-and post-operative care, evaluating emotional readiness, counseling on behavior change, and adjusting psychiatric medications as needed.

“Dieticians craft tailored nutrition plans to maximize surgical success, before and after the procedure. Similarly, physiotherapists assess fitness levels, design prehabilitation programs, and help patients regain strength and prevent muscle loss post-surgery”, he adds. Pulmonologists manage conditions like sleep apnea, often initiating CPAP or BiPAP therapy to ensure safe surgical outcomes. Cardiologists and endocrinologists optimize the management of heart disease, diabetes, and other hormonal imbalances, ensuring patients are in the best possible condition for surgery and long-term recovery. This integrated model doesn’t just aim for weight loss, it supports sustained health, empowering patients to manage obesity as a lifelong condition. Through this coordinated effort, Dr Sumit’s team delivers holistic, continuous care that transforms lives well beyond the operating room.

Easing the Emotional Journey

Dr Sumit and his team at Dr Sumit Obesity Care Centre place a strong emphasis on the emotional and psychological well-being of their patients. Recognizing that bariatric surgery can be an intimidating experience, often compounded by societal judgment and misconceptions, the team provides empathetic, structured support. “We have experienced counselors and bariatric coordinators to guide patients through the emotional challenges, sharing real stories and connecting them with past patients to ease anxiety. This peer support system helps build confidence and manage expectations”, he asserts. Despite initial fears, most patients find the recovery smooth, with minimal pain and a quick return to daily activities, often within a week.

I aim to reshape the narrative of obesity treatment and lead a broader movement toward better metabolic health in India

Revolutionizing Recovery Through Technology

The advent of minimally invasive and robotic surgery has transformed the landscape of bariatric care, and Dr Sumit has been at the forefront of adopting these innovations. Once a field dominated by large incisions and high-risk procedures, bariatric surgery is now performed through a few small incisions, significantly reducing pain, recovery time, and post-operative complications. These techniques have brought the complexity of bariatric procedures on par with routine surgeries like gallbladder removal or hysterectomy. Patients experience quicker recovery, minimal scarring, and lower morbidity, making the journey smoother and far less intimidating. Robotic surgery, in particular, has added a new level of precision and control, especially in patients with high surgical risk or complex anatomy. These technological advancements have not only improved outcomes but have also made bariatric surgery more accessible and acceptable to patients.

Pioneering the Future in India

Dr Sumit envisions a future where obesity is recognized, understood, and treated with the same urgency and respect as any other chronic disease. Looking ahead, he plans to expand Dr Sumit’s Obesity Care into a larger, collaborative center with a dedicated team of bariatric surgeons. “This growth will enable us to serve more patients with the same high standards of care. I aim to reshape the narrative of obesity treatment and lead a broader movement toward better metabolic health in India by building both capacity and consciousness”, concludes Dr Sumit.

Awards & Recognition:

•Life member - OSSI(Obesity & Metabolic SurgerySociety of India)
•Organized National Conference (OSSI)2022
•Member - IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders)
•Life member- ASI(Association of Surgeons of India)
•Active Member-Surgical Society of Bangalore
•Delivered Lectures in numerous national conferences
•Authored numerous scientific papers in reputed journals