All over the world, the whole idea of excess weight and obesity is something that affects an individual – both mentally and physically. It is pretty obvious that this pressing issue can be tackled by following multiple diets and hectic workout schedules; but it’s not always guaranteed. Under such circumstances, people prefer bariatric surgeries.
This might seem like an easy way out, but the field of bariatric surgery faces unique challenges. Patients often arrive burdened not just with excess weight but with underlying psychological struggles, depression, and the anxieties that come with chronic health conditions. Moreover, successful outcomes require more than surgical skill; they demand a holistic approach, personalized care, and ongoing guidance that extend far beyond the operating room.
Navigating these complexities with expertise and empathy is Dr Gourav Das, a leading bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon. He has dedicated over two decades to mastering minimal access surgery and is deeply committed to helping patients reclaim their health and confidence.
The Defining Path
Starting as a laparoscopic surgeon in 2002, Dr Das witnessed his dedication and connections towards his specialty grow and transform before his eyes. Along the way, his association with Dr Sarfraz, a bariatric surgeon in Kolkata, exposed him to the emerging world of bariatric surgery. The doctor soon recognized the profound impact obesity has globally and the misunderstanding that surrounds it as a disease. This inspired him to pursue bariatric surgery, aiming to help patients reclaim aspects of life that obesity had long denied them.
Beyond the operating room, the doctor has experienced moments of personal and professional pride. One such moment came when he traveled to Boston to receive the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons. Accompanied by his sister, he felt the deep pride not just of personal achievement but also of representing India on an international stage. For him, the recognition was significant both personally and for those around him, reflecting shared pride in the achievement.
Apart from his surgical practice, the doctor expresses his thoughts and reflections through blogs on his website. These writings explore philosophical and empathetic perspectives, offering readers insight into the human side of medicine. He observes that patients rarely come in a cheerful mood as they land up here seeking help, often carrying worries and anxieties.
Recognizing this, he emphasizes that such awareness is crucial for offering care that genuinely matters. "I believe being a doctor goes beyond medical knowledge. One has to be compassionate and connect with patients on a deeply human level", states Dr Gourav Das, General Surgeon & Surgical Consultants.
Expertise That Spans Specialties
Dr Das functions as a full-time minimal access surgeon. He performs a wide range of general surgeries but focuses extensively on obesity and hernia surgeries, which continue to evolve yearly. His core strength lies in laparoscopic surgery, and he has mastered both hernia and obesity procedures. Notably, his skill set also includes laparoscopic cancer surgeries, with a strong focus on colorectal cases.
In addition to all laparoscopic procedures, he handles emergency surgeries and general surgical cases. Furthermore, he also performs gastrointestinal surgeries, including upper GI procedures.
I believe being a doctor goes beyond medical knowledge. One has to be compassionate and connect with patients on a deeply human level
A Remarkable Recovery
A few years back, a 22-year-old woman’s life was deeply affected by severe obesity. She suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, which made even sleeping at home a struggle. At the time, she weighed 148 kilograms.
During a major power outage in Visakhapatnam, her parents became desperate, fearing for her life as her breathing machines could no longer function. They brought her to Dr Das, seeking a cure that could bring their daughter back to normalcy. Analyzing the situation, the doctor conducted the bariatric surgery and closely followed her recovery over the next year.
Later, she gradually reduced her weight to 70 kilograms and regained her confidence. Over time, she returned to her banking career, got married, and today has two children, maintaining a stable weight around 77-78 kilograms. For Dr Das, her journey goes beyond weight loss, showing how bariatric surgery can restore health, confidence, and hope. Watching her thrive brings him deep satisfaction and underscores the impact of his work.
The Vision for the Future
Dr Das explains that bariatric surgery has undergone remarkable transformation over the last decade, evolving from basic endoscopic procedures to sleeve gastrectomies, metabolic surgeries, and specialized single bypass techniques tailored for Indian patients.
He notes that every individual requires a different approach, a young woman wanting to lose 20 kilograms before her wedding may benefit from a balloon, while a young man dealing with diabetes and osteoslipidemia may be better suited for metabolic surgery.
Through these examples, he underscores one core principle: no two patients are the same, and every procedure must be thoughtfully customized. For Dr Das, the future of bariatric care lies not just in technological advancement, but in choosing the right treatment for the right person, every single time.
Dr Gourav Das, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr Gourav Das is a distinguished general and laparoscopic surgeon with extensive expertise in hernia, bariatric, colorectal, and advanced GI surgery. A pioneer of laparoscopic techniques in Odisha, he has introduced several first-of-their-kind procedures in the state.
With multiple national and international fellowships, publications, and teaching roles, he is widely recognized for surgical innovation, academic contributions, and training of surgeons in minimally invasive surgery.
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