Dr. Ramen Goel

Presently Working As:

Dr. Goel serves as a Consultant Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital located in Parel, South Mumbai, which works in collaboration with Harvard USA.

Recognition & Achievements:

• Dr. Goel has been accredited as the 1st Surgeon of Excellence in Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery in Asia by the Surgical Review Corporation, USA.
• He is invited as a faculty at Ethicon Institute of Surgical Education in Mumbai to train practicing surgeons in India.
• He is also one of the very few surgeons to be conferred with the 'Bariatric Surgeon of Excellence' seal.

Fellowships:

• Diploma(I) Abdominal Surgery, Austria
• Lap Gastric Band Surgery - Dr V Frering, Lyon, France
• Lap Gastric Bypass - Dr Michel Suter, Laussane, Switzerland
• Lap Banded Gastric Bypass – Dr Mathias Fobi, LA, USA
• Preceptor of American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, LA, USA

Designations Held:

• Editor Journal of Bariatric Surgery (JBS)
• Associate Editor, Journal of Minimal Access Surgery (JMAS)
• Editorial Board Member, Indian Journal of Surgery (IJS)
• Advisory Board Member, Esculapio, Journal of Service Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS)
• Member, Specialist Board, NBE, Govt of India
• Trustee, Chairman FALS Board & Past President, IAGES
• Program Director, (Bariatric), IMMAST, Mumbai
• Member, Bariatric & Metabolic Committee, SAGES (2021-23)
• Member, Ethics Committee, SAGES (2021-23)
• Chairman, Scientific Committee, WCES2024

Frequently Asked Questions:

Dr. Ramen Goel addresses frequently asked questions, offering insights to enhance understanding of bariatric surgery in India.

1. Is the Affordable Bariatric Surgery in India safe enough?

   Yes, bariatric surgery is the safest and most proven treatment technique for people with obesity. The surgery is considered completely safe, if done by a trained surgeon, at a well-established and accredited surgical facility. India offers significant cost advantages for bariatric surgery compared to developed countries like the UK or the US, with prices being as low as 15-20% of what one might pay in Western countries.

   Many bariatric surgery hospitals in India are internationally accredited, ensuring high standards of care and hygiene. This includes accreditation from organizations like JCI (Joint Commission International). Also, it should be noted that the expertise of Indian surgeons in India is as good as their counterparts in Europe or the US but at a much lower cost.

   It is however important to remember that like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery also carries some risks and potential complications, which can be minimized by taking necessary measures.

   
2. How much weight can I expect to lose after bariatric surgery?

   Weight loss results may vary from patient to patient depending on the type of procedure chosen, individual metabolism, lifestyle changes, and adherence to post-operative guidelines. However, on average, patients can expect to lose anywhere between 60-80% of excess body weight after the surgery, if they are sincere with their diet and adopt an active lifestyle.

3. Does bariatric surgery take care of co-morbid conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, etc.?

   Yes, while the main goal of bariatric surgery is weight loss, recent studies have shown positive results of bariatric surgery procedures in addressing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and other co-morbid conditions, in both obese and non-obese individuals. Consequently, bariatric surgery is now often termed metabolic surgery, as it not only aids in weight reduction but also helps regulate metabolism, especially in patients with T2DM. Besides diabetes, weight loss from bariatric surgery can help lower blood pressure, improve lipid profile, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular events. The other benefits include reduction in severity of sleep apnea, decreased joint pain and improved mobility, thereby making positive effects on overall health.

4. What is the recovery process like after bariatric surgery?

   Since the surgery is performed laparoscopically, that is through small keyhole incisions, there is not much downtime. The patient generally stays at the hospital for 2-3 days, where he/ she gets 24*7 nursing care and is under constant medical supervision. We generally like to mobilize the patient on the same day and very slowly start with fluid intake.

   There is a whole team of nurses, dietitians, etc. to help the patient so that he has a smooth & hassle-free recovery.

   If I talk of overseas patients, since we get a huge number of them these days, we suggest a stay of 10 days in India, which is good enough for surgery and initial recovery.

5. Will I need to make lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery?

   Yes, without a doubt, but the surgery itself will help you change your lifestyle. Your portion size will reduce, you will feel much less hungry and more satiated; will sleep better; get lighter and thus it will be much easier for you to exercise, move about, and generally enjoy your life.

6. How much does bariatric surgery cost in India?

   Bariatric surgery cost in India is typically much lesser than what you can expect to pay in, so to say an advanced country, without compromising on the quality of care or outcome expected. The charges for the surgery generally vary from USD 4000- 7000, depending on factors like the type of surgery you are undergoing, the surgical facility you choose, etc.