Raj Palaniappan
Senior Bariatric and Robotic Surgeon
Dr. Raj, a leading bariatric surgeon in India, specializes in advanced laparoscopic techniques at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, and advocates for obesity awareness through his "Reclaim Life" foundation.
Raj Palaniappan
Senior Bariatric and Robotic Surgeon

Dr. Raj, a leading bariatric surgeon in India, specializes in advanced laparoscopic techniques at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, and advocates for obesity awareness through his "Reclaim Life" foundation.

Profile
Dr. Raj, a renowned bariatric surgeon from India, has performed nearly all types of laparoscopic surgeries. Graduating in 1996, he completed his surgical postgraduation by 2000 and pursued a master's in Laparoscopy in the UK. He trained under top surgeons in the UK & USA, completing fellowships in Surgical Gastroenterology and Robotics. Now the Director & Lead Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, he specializes in Single Incision & Robotic Surgery, pioneering the first SILS & Robotic Bariatric Surgeries in India. An inventor with patents and publications, he trains surgeons through BAROS and leads non-surgical treatments via MOULD. He also runs the “Reclaim Life” foundation to raise obesity awareness.
MBBS
Raja Muthiah Medical College, India, Jan 1996
MS General
Sri Ramachandra University, India, Nov 2000
MMAS
Ninewells, Dundee University, UK - Oct 2009
FICS
International College of Surgeons, USA, May 2003
DMAS
The Global Open University, India, Sep 2010
FMAS
World Association of Lap Surgeons, Feb 2010
FALS
Indian Association of GI Endo Surgeons, Feb 2012
FRS
InternationalAccreditation Organisation, USA, Mar 2012
FIBC
International Bariatric Club, April 2017
FMBS
Obesity Surgery Society of India - Feb 2020
FARIS
Association of Robotic Innovative Surgeons - Jan2022

Publications
Dr. Raj is a pioneer in SILS surgeries, regularly performing and promoting them worldwide. He designed his own ergonomic modification for SILS port placement and developed various surgical techniques. Revered as the “Ergonomic Man of India,” he introduced SILS, Robotic, and Endoluminal bariatric surgeries to India.
First ever Single Incision Imbrication Jejunal Bypass
Inventor of the Procedure
Oct 2023
First ever HugoRAS Robotic Gastric Bypass Surgery
First ever publication
July 2022
World’s first 3port True Robotic Bariatric Surgery
One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
Sep 2021
Achievements
Dr. Raj is a trailblazer in bariatric research, with studies shaping global surgical standards. He led multicentric trials, crafted region-specific risk tools, and redefined robotic procedures. His work blends scientific rigor with real-world impact, earning him recognition as a thought leader in minimally invasive surgery worldwide.
Abdominal Wall Hernia and Bariatric Surgery
Obesity, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, 2nd Edition; Springer Feb 2023, 365-1380.
Trends and Progress of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in India
Updates in Surgery, Sep 2020;72(3):743-749
Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Syndromes
Apollo Hospitals Textbook of Medicine, Jaypee Brothers Ist Edition, Apr 2017;
Honours

Healthcare Icon Of The Year | Oct 2024
National Healthcare and Wellness Award

Icon Of Healthcare | Jan 2020
Times Healthcare Achievers Award, Tamilnadu State

Chikitsa Ratan Award | May 2007
Indian Economic Forum, New Delhi

Healthcare Icon Of The Year | Oct 2024
National Healthcare and Wellness Award

Icon Of Healthcare | Jan 2020
Times Healthcare Achievers Award, Tamilnadu State

Chikitsa Ratan Award | May 2007
Indian Economic Forum, New Delhi
Activities
Patient Aid
Dr. Raj funds surgeries, restoring health and self-worth to many. Through BAROS, he ensures care reaches the underprivileged.
Surgical Education
He trains future surgeons in robotic and bariatric skills. Workshops and fellowships raise global surgical standards.
Support Group
Regular meetups help patients heal, share, and stay strong. Dr. Raj builds lasting support beyond the operation room.
Public Awarness
He leads talks and camps to break obesity-related myths. Education empowers healthier choices for all communities.
Hobbies

A passionate TRAVELER and draws inspiration from exploring diverse cultures, histories, and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature across the globe. His exploration often fuel his broader perspective on life and human connection.

He has a deep-rooted commitment to SOCIAL SERVICE, consistently engaging in initiatives that uplift communities, promote healthcare awareness, and drive positive societal change through support groups, medical camps and sponsoring patient treatments.

With a keen interest in ergonomics and design, Dr. Raj channels his creativity into developing innovative healthcare solutions, as well as pursuing interior and digital designing projects that combine aesthetics with functionality. His designs reflect a seamless blend of practicality and artistic vision, further highlighting his versatility.

An avid adventure seeker, he thrives on adrenaline-pumping activities such as trekking, sky diving, scuba diving, and discovering offbeat challenging destinations. He views every adventure as an opportunity to push personal limits and embrace the unknown with courage and enthusiasm.
