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Dr Raj Palaniappan

Raj Palaniappan

Senior Bariatric and Robotic Surgeon

Dr. Raj, a renowned bariatric surgeon in India, specializes in Single incision and Robotic surgery, has the rare distinction of performing the full spectrum of metabolic and gastrointestinal surgeries as well as train the next generation of surgeons through his flagship BAROS Surgery unit.

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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.

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25+
Years of Experience
10000+
Surgeries
10+
Awards
5+
Inventions

Profile

Dr. Raj Palaniappan, a renowned bariatric surgeon from India, has the rare distinction of performing the full spectrum of metabolic and gastrointestinal surgeries. After graduating in 1996 and completing his surgical post- graduation by 2000, he pursued a Master's in Laparoscopy in the UK. He further honed his skills under leading surgeons in the UK and USA, completing fellowships in Surgical Gastroenterology and Robotic Surgery. Currently serving as Director & Lead Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, Dr. Raj is a pioneer in Single Incision and Robotic Bariatric Surgery, credited with performing the first SILS and Robotic Bariatric procedures in India. An innovator at heart, he holds multiple patents and has contributed significantly to scientific literature through research and publications.

Through his flagship initiative BAROS Surgery, he not only delivers advanced clinical care but also trains the next generation of surgeons. His philanthropic arm, the BAROS Trust, extends financial aid to patients in need. Recognizing the knowledge gap in health and wellness, he founded FABHEALTH, an honest edible supplement brand designed to meet global nutritional needs. In addition, his digital initiative #RECLAIMLIFE works tirelessly to raise awareness about obesity and promote healthier living.

MBBS

Raja Muthiah Medical College, India, Jan 1996

MS General

Sri Ramachandra University, India, Nov 2000

MMAS

Ninewells, Dundee University, UK - Oct 2003

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

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Publications

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.

Validation of Risk Assessment Tool in Indian Patients with Obesity​

Diabetes Obes Int J 2023, 8(2): 000272​

Trends and Progress of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in India

Updates in Surgery, Sep 2020;72(3):743-749

Validation of Risk Assessment Tool in Indian Patients with Obesity​

Diabetes Obes Int J 2023, 8(2): 000272​

Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Syndromes

Apollo Hospitals Textbook of Medicine, Jaypee Brothers Ist Edition, Apr 2017;

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Achievements

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

India’s first Single Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass

India’s largest Sleeve+ published series, June 2017

India’s first Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass

Laparoscopic Technique. Nov 2016

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Honours

Activities

Patient Aid

Dr. Raj funds surgeries, restoring health and self-worth to many. Through BAROS, he ensures care reaches the underprivileged.

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Surgical Education

He trains future surgeons in robotic and bariatric skills. Workshops and fellowships raise global surgical standards.

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Support Group

Regular meetups help patients heal, share, and stay strong. Dr. Raj builds lasting support beyond the operation room.

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Public Awarness

He leads talks and camps to break obesity-related myths. Education empowers healthier choices for all communities.

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Hobbies

Recent Blogs

  • Uncategorized

Exercise for Fitness > Weight Loss

  • Uncategorized

The Gut-Brain Connection

  • Uncategorized

Behavioral Modification for Obesity

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Contact

(+91) 99440 99440

raj@barosurgery.com
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Publications

Longterm outcome of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: 10 yr follow-up of a single Institution series

Obesity Surgery. 35(1):216-223; Jan 2025

Safety and Efficacy of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Sleeve Jejunal Bypass: An Advantage over Other Bypass Procedures –Multicenter 3 and 5 year Data

Journal of Bariatric Surgery, Sep 2023; 2(3):p 125-131.

Abdominal Wall Hernia and Bariatric Surgery

Obesity, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, 2nd Edition; Springer Feb 2023, 365-1380.

Safety and Efficacy of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Sleeve Jejunal Bypass: 3 and 5 year Data

Journal of Bariatric Surgery, Sep 2023; 2(3):125-131.

Validation of Risk Assessment Tool in Indian Patients with Obesity​

Diabetes Obes Int J 2023, 8(2): 000272​

Early experience with HugoRAS Robotic Bariatric Surgery using Baros principles

Int J Adv Rob Innov Surg. Jan 2023, 1(1):29-34

Complications after Bariatric Surgery - A Multicentric Study of 11568 patients

J Minim Access Surg. Apr 2021, 17(2):213-220

Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI) Recommendations for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Obesity Surgery, Dec 2020;30(12):5101-5107

OSSI Guidelines for Patient and Procedure Selection for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Obesity Surgery. Jan 2020; 30(6):2362-2368.

Trends and Progress of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in India

Updates in Surgery, Sep 2020;72(3):743-749

Comparison of short-term outcomes between single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conventional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

International Surgery Journal. Mar 2019; 6(3):812-817

Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Syndromes

Apollo Hospitals Textbook of Medicine, Jaypee Brothers Ist Edition, Apr 2017;

Management of Leaks after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy,

Bariatric Surgical Practice Guide: Recommendations. Springer Ist Edition, Feb 2017; 201-211.

Erosion of esophageal stent into left main bronchus causing airway compromise

Lung India. Jan 2017;34(1):76-78

Achievements

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

India’s first Single Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass

India’s largest Sleeve+ published series
June 2017

India’s first Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass

Laparoscopic Technique
Nov 2016

India’s first Sleeve with Proximal Jejunal Bypass

Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery
April 2016

South India’s Best Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Centre

Times of India Healthcare Awards
Since 2015

India’s first Single Incision One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Procedure
Dec 2013

World’s first Single Incision Gastric Band to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass

Revision Bariatric surgery
Sep 2012

India’s first Robotic revision bariatric surgery

Sleeve to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
April 2012

Asia’s first Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

For weight regain
Jan 2012

Indi’s first Robotic Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery

On Super Super Obese (346 kgs)
Dec 2011

First ever Single Incision Laparoscopic Revision Bariatric Surgery

Band to Sleeve Revision
July 2011

First ever Single Incision Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

World’s first SILS bypass
Oct 2009

Invented “Hiatal Sling” intracorporeal liver traction technique

Largest series publication
Oct 2009

India’s first Single Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy

Launch of Medtronic SILS Port
Sep 2009

Author of “Rule of Hand” technique of laparoscopic port placement

Practical application of ergonomics
May 2006

Investigator of Dundee Multitool for Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery

Team Member
Oct 2003

Charity Activities

Patient Aid              

Dr. Raj is deeply committed to giving back to the community through his compassionate healthcare initiatives. As part of his CSR efforts, he actively supports patients from underprivileged backgrounds by sponsoring life-changing bariatric surgeries. Dr. Raj firmly believes that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a right. Through his BAROS trust and partnerships with healthcare organisations, he identifies deserving candidates who lack financial means to undergo surgery. By transforming lives through bariatric and metabolic surgery, Dr. Raj not only improves physical health but also enhances self-esteem and quality of life, making a lasting positive impact on society.

Academic Activities

Surgical Education

Dr. Raj has been a steadfast advocate for surgical education for over 25 years, dedicating his career to training the next generation of surgeons and specialists. His commitment spans the fields of minimal access, bariatric, and robotic surgery, where he has imparted knowledge and skills to thousands of healthcare professionals and allied specialists. As an esteemed mentor, Dr. Raj has played a pivotal role in shaping advanced surgical practices, conducting webinars, live demonstrations, hands-on cadaver workshops, and fellowship programs. His unwavering dedication to surgical excellence has significantly contributed to the professional growth of many, fostering innovation and quality care in modern surgery.

 Patient  Activities  

Support Group

Dr. Raj is a passionate advocate for bariatric patient care beyond surgery, fostering a supportive community through regular high-tea meetings. These gatherings organised through his highly skilled team of professionals serve as a platform for both pre- and post-bariatric patients to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Dr. Raj believes that social interaction plays a crucial role in the holistic recovery process. By facilitating these meetings, he ensures that patients have a strong support network, promoting motivation, accountability, and mutual encouragement. His commitment to community building not only aids in emotional well-being but also empowers patients to embrace a healthier lifestyle through shared experiences.

Social Activities

Public Awareness

Dr. Raj is dedicated to raising public awareness about obesity and metabolic health through regular bariatric camps and social media engagements. His commitment to community education is evident in his proactive approach to spreading knowledge about the benefits and safety of bariatric surgery. Dr. Raj actively participates in social media interviews and interactive sessions, breaking down myths and providing reliable information to the public. He collaborates with government health initiatives to promote healthier living and address obesity as a public health concern. His efforts empower individuals to make informed choices, fostering a culture of awareness and positive change.

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