Dr. Raj Palaniappan

Dr Raj Palaniappan is an internationally acclaimed and highly distinguished Bariatric Surgeon in Chennai, bringing 22 years of specialised clinical experience in advanced weight loss and metabolic surgeries. He currently serves as the Director and Lead Surgeon at the Institute of Bariatrics at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road.

He holds several prestigious super-speciality qualifications and fellowships, including MMAS, FRS, FICS, FMBS, FARIS, FIBC, FALS, FMAS, and DMAS, which reflect his deep expertise in minimally invasive techniques.

Renowned as a pioneer in minimally invasive procedures, Dr Palaniappan was the first in India to perform Robotic Bariatric Surgery and Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS).

Whether you are struggling with severe obesity requiring a Gastric Bypass, seeking non-surgical options like an Intragastric Balloon, or needing complex Diabetic or Metabolic Surgery, his innovative, patient-centric approach ensures exceptional outcomes.

Known for his profound empathy and dedication to patient transformation, he consults fluently in English, Hindi, and Tamil, supporting you comprehensively throughout your weight loss journey.

Specialty Areas and Treatments

Dr Raj Palaniappan provides cutting-edge, evidence-based surgical and endoscopic management for obesity and metabolic syndromes at Apollo Hospitals.

Advanced Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

Severe obesity and associated metabolic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes require precise surgical intervention for long-term health restoration. Dr Palaniappan is a global expert in robotic and laparoscopic techniques:

• Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
• One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
• Duodeno Jejunal Bypass and Single Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass
• Single Anastomosis Duodeno Ileal Bypass
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Sleeve / Duodenal Switch
• Sleeve Plus Procedures
• Metabolic and Diabetic Surgery
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery for previously failed weight loss procedures

Single Incision and Robotic Surgery

Minimising surgical trauma enhances recovery and cosmetic outcomes. Dr Palaniappan is a pioneer in highly advanced, scarless, and precision-driven bariatric procedures:

• Robotic Bariatric Surgery
• Single Incision Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery (SILS)

Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures

For patients seeking non-surgical weight loss interventions, Dr Palaniappan offers advanced endoscopic treatments:

• Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
• Intragastric Balloon Placement

Credentials and Trust

Dr Raj Palaniappan holds a formidable academic foundation, augmented by profound clinical leadership across reputed healthcare institutions:

• MBBS from Annamalai University (Rajah Muthiah Institute of Medical Sciences)
• MS in General Surgery from Sri Ramachandra Medical College
• Masters in Minimal Access Surgery (MMAS) from the University of Dundee, UK

Advanced Fellowships and Certifications

He has completed numerous elite international fellowships, solidifying his expertise in bariatric and robotic surgery:

• FRS (Fellowship in Robotic Surgery), Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Centre, Buffalo, USA
• FICS (Fellow International College of Surgeons), USA
• FMBS (Fellowship in Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery), Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society of India
• FARIS (Fellow Advanced Robotic Innovative Surgery), Association of Robotic Innovative Surgeons
• FIBC (Fellow International Bariatric Club)
• FALS (Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery), Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons
• FMAS (Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery)
• DMAS (Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery)

Throughout his illustrious career, he has held pivotal leadership roles. He has previously served as the Head of the Department for Laparoscopic Gastro and Obesity Surgery at Apollo Victor Hospital, Goa.

His vast clinical and academic background also includes serving as a Consultant and Medical Administrator at LifeLine Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai, and as an Assistant Professor at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and PSG Institute of Medical Sciences, Coimbatore.

He is registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (Registration No. 58794).

Professional Memberships

He is an active member of various national and international bariatric and robotic associations and societies:

International Associations and Societies

• Member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO)
• Member of the International Bariatric Club (IBC)
• Member of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
• Member of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA)
• Member of the Clinical Robotic Surgeons Association (CRSA)

National Associations and Societies

• Member of the Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI)
• Member of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons (IAGES)
• Member of the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI)
• Member of the Association of Robotic Innovative Surgeons (ARIS)

Current Hospital Affiliations in Chennai

Dr Raj Palaniappan currently consults as a leading Senior Bariatric and Robotic Surgeon at premier medical facilities:

• Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai (Consultation Fee: ₹3000)

Awards and Achievements

An extraordinary innovator and pioneer, Dr Palaniappan has profoundly shaped global bariatric surgical standards.

His top accolades and milestones include:

• Honoured as the Healthcare Icon of the Year at the National Healthcare and Wellness Awards (2024)
• Inventor of the Single Anastomosis Imbrication Jejunal Bypass surgery (2023)
• Initiated the first-ever university Fellowship in Advanced Robotic & Innovative Surgery (2022)
• Performed the World’s first 3-Port Fully Robotic Bariatric Surgery (2021)
• Received the Icon of Healthcare award at the Tamilnadu Times Healthcare Achievers Awards (2020)
• Established the National Bariatric Registry for the Obesity Surgery Society of India (2016)
• Conferred the Excellence in Robotic Surgery Award by the Apollo Group of Hospitals (2015)
• Recognised as a Surgeon of Excellence by the International Excellence Federation (IEF), Taiwan (2014)
• Performed Asia’s first Endoluminal Sleeve Gastroplasty (2012)
• Achieved the milestone of performing India’s first Robotic Bariatric Surgery (2011) and India’s first SILS Bariatric Surgery (2009)

Publications

He has also participated in research work and published many papers in various national and international bariatric and robotic journals.

• Safety and Efficacy of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Sleeve Jejunal Bypass: 3 and 5 year Data, published in the Journal of Bariatric Surgery (2023)
• Validation of Patient Oriented Risk Assessment Tool in Indian Patients with Obesity, published in Diabetes Obes Int J (2023)
• Early Experience with Hugo RAS Robotic Bariatric Surgery using BAROS Principles, published in the International Journal of Advanced Robotic Innovative Surgery (2023)
• Trends and Progress of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in India, published in Obesity Surgery (2020)

Book an Appointment with Dr Raj Palaniappan, Bariatric Surgeon

For priority appointments and a hassle-free experience, connect with the medical experts at HexaHealth to book your consultation with Dr Raj Palaniappan.