Bariatric surgery has seen a tremendous growth in India in the past decade, fueled by an increasing consciousness of the health hazards of obesity and the increased prevalence of metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The surgery, which was previously viewed as a last option for weight reduction, is now accepted as a viable option for addressing obesity and its comorbidities.

India, with its growing middle class and urban population, has experienced a dramatic increase in bariatric procedures, but popular beliefs continue to lag behind. As techniques in surgery continue to improve, with greater patient education and integration of multi-disciplinary treatment, bariatric surgery is quickly becoming an accepted treatment modality. Among the most distinguished of these is Dr Mehul Vikani, whose commitment to delivering patient-focused, holistic care has earned him the reputation as one of India's leading bariatric surgeons. With his skill and expertise, coupled with his intimate knowledge of the changing demands of patients, he is revolutionizing the bariatric surgery landscape in India.

Tailored Training & Expertise for Holistic Healing

Dr Mehul Vikani’s medical journey is a testament to his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. After completing his MBBS from PDU Medical College, Rajkot, he pursued an MS in General Surgery at MGM Medical College, Mumbai, where he laid a strong foundation for his surgical expertise. His insatiable curiosity and desire to provide the best care led him to further specialize in Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery, which has been his passion for over a decade. He undertook advanced training in Belgium and Taiwan, where he trained under some of the world’s pioneers in the field. “I believe in continuous learning. It is important to remain current with the newest methods and information in bariatric, so I can give my patients the most optimal care”, says Dr Mehul Vikani.

His expertise is not merely doing surgeries, it is about designing a comprehensive, personalized treatment regimen for every patient. His style encompasses not just surgery but nutrition, exercise, and psychological counseling as well, to address the multi-dimensional weight problem. Dr Mehul Vikani is convinced that bariatric

surgery is a metabolic intervention, rather than a device meant for weight reduction. He explains, “I concentrate on long-term results and employ evidence-based practices”. Bariatric surgery is more than shedding pounds, it's about enhancing the quality of life, reversing diseases, and maintaining, His patient-focused strategy has made him one of the most trusted bariatric surgeons in the nation.

Team Collaboration & Technological Integration

Bariatric surgery is a delicate procedure that demands smooth coordination among team members to achieve desired results, and Dr Mehul Vikani lays significant importance on the coordination between his team members. He coordinates closely with experts in areas like endocrinology, cardiology, pulmonology, and nutrition so that every patient gets the optimum treatment. “Smooth communication within the team is crucial. I think that everyone needs to act together, from preoperative evaluation to post -operative care”, he says. The team approach is especially critical when it comes to handling super-obese patients or those with multiple comorbidities like severe cardiac disease or liver fibrosis.

Bariatric surgery is more than just a procedure, it is a life-changing journey that transforms bodies, restores hope and health, and empowers patients to live better lives

With the advances in technology, Dr Mehul Vikani believes that advancing tools such as robotic surgery, will greatly influence the bariatric practice particularly beneficial in super obesity. Robotic surgery is more precise, flexible, and gives better visualization, particularly for complicated cases, hence better outcomes and recovery times for patients. Moreover, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a game-sighter, assisting in patient evaluation, forecasting surgery outcomes, and assisting in post-surgery follow-up. He is most enthusiastic about what the future of bariatrics holds with AI. Yet, he also admits to the difficulties that technology brings. “As much as technology improves the strength of contemporary medicine, it is important to retain the human element. Surgery always has to remain patient-centered, and technology can never substitute the individual care we offer”, he says. He also understands that topping the list of challenges for him, even today, are dispelling societal misconceptions regarding obesity and surgery. Patient education and reassuring them about the advantages of bariatric surgery form a major component of his activity.

Future Vision

Looking to the future, Dr Mehul Vikani sees a time when bariatric surgery is a conventional therapy for metabolic disorders, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of India, where they are not readily available even now. He aims to create a ‘Center of Excellence in Obesity and Metabolic Surgery’ that is a cutting-edge unit with surgical, pharmacologic, and behavioral management all housed in one building. With this vision, he hopes to expand access to world-class bariatric care and reduce the burden of obesity in India. His contribution is opening doors to the future of surgeons, patients, and healthcare models a like in the bariatric surgery discipline.

Dr Mehul Vikani’s recognition named the “Best Young Bariatric Surgeon of India” by the Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India in 2022 are just some of the accolades he has received for his exceptional contributions to the field. Through his work, he continues to lead by example, not only as a surgeon but as a compassionate leader dedicated to the well-being of his patients. His dedication to comprehensive care and innovative techniques is defining the future of bariatric surgery in India.

Awards & Certificates

•Young OSSI of the Year - OSSICON 2022