You've probably heard about weight loss surgery — but do you actually know what happens during the process? Not just inside the operating theatre, but before and after too?
Dr. Hrishikesh Salgaonkar breaks it down for you — step by step, in the simplest way possible.
Step 1 — The First Consultation
You sit down with your surgeon, share your health history, talk about your weight struggles, and discuss what you're hoping to achieve. This is also where the surgeon evaluates whether surgery is the right option for you based on your BMI, existing health conditions, and previous weight loss attempts.
No pressure. No commitment. Just an honest discussion.
Step 2 — Pre-Surgery Evaluation
Once surgery is recommended, a series of tests are done — blood work, heart checkup, sleep study if needed, and sometimes a psychological evaluation. This ensures your body is ready for the procedure and helps the surgeon plan the safest approach for you specifically.
You may also be asked to follow a pre-surgery diet for a few weeks to reduce liver size and prepare your body.
Step 3 — The Surgery Itself
Most weight loss surgery procedures today are done laparoscopically — meaning small cuts, a tiny camera, and minimal pain compared to open surgery.
Depending on the procedure chosen — sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or another — the surgery typically takes between 1 and 3 hours. Most patients are up and walking within 24 hours.
Step 4 — Hospital Recovery
You'll usually stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 days after surgery. The team monitors your vitals, manages any discomfort, and starts you on a liquid diet before gradually moving to soft foods.
Most patients are surprised by how smooth this phase feels compared to what they imagined.
Step 5 — Going Home and Early Recovery
Once home, the focus shifts to rest, hydration, and following your diet plan carefully. You'll start with liquids, move to soft foods, and slowly transition to regular meals over 4 to 6 weeks.
Most patients return to light work within 2 weeks. More physical jobs may require 3 to 4 weeks off.
Step 6 — Long-Term Follow-Up
This is the step that makes all the difference.
Regular follow-ups with your surgeon — at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and beyond — help track your progress, manage nutrition, and keep you on course for lasting results. Weight loss surgery works best when the relationship with your surgeon doesn't end at discharge.
The Right Surgeon Makes Every Step Easier
Understanding the process is one thing — having the right surgeon guide you through it is another.
Dr. Hrishikesh Salgaonkar, the Best Weight Loss Surgeon in Mumbai, walks every patient through each step clearly — from the first consultation to long-term follow-up care. With deep expertise in weight loss surgery and a straightforward approach that keeps patients informed and comfortable, he has helped hundreds of people complete this journey.
If you're thinking about weight loss surgery and want to understand what it means for your body and your health, start with a consultation with Dr. Hrishikesh Salgaonkar, the Best Weight Loss Surgeon in Mumbai.
📍 Fortis Hospital, Bhandup West, Mumbai 📞 +91 9967636006 🌐 drhrishikeshsalgaonkar.com
