As a BPO executive who has spent several months in India in each of the past six years, I'm well aware of the medical expertise that is available if one knows where to look.   My search began at the only internationally accredited hospital facility in India, Apollo, and I was given Dr. A.K.Kriplani’s name as a known expert in laparoscopic surgery within India.   I asked other medical professionals if they knew of him and the initial fact finding on his credentials were confirmed.  I then sought an initial appointment to discuss whether lap-band surgery was right for me, and he was direct, candid and supportive in his analysis. I had a good feeling meeting him and I decided to proceed.  

I have been overweight pretty much since childhood, and as the years passed by, my weight continued to increase.   I've tried many diets, and would often lose 30, 40 or even 50 pounds---only to gain all the weight back (and then some).  When I decided to proceed, my BMI (Body Mass Index) was a morbidly obese 44.   After researching various options (including the more radical surgical stomach bypass), getting a laparoscopic band seemed to be the safest surgical option with a proven success rate.  

Required pre-operative tests were scheduled, a detailed pre-surgery diet and complete pre and post instructions were provided by Dr Kriplani’s team, and I began the prep for the big day.   The pre-surgery medical tests were incredibly comprehensive (everything from a stress test to a sonogram to endoscopy) plus lots of blood work.    I liked the "checks and balances" that were inherent in the process.

While I've been overweight, I've also been relatively healthy in my 44 years.   In fact I had never been admitted to a hospital prior to the night before the scheduled surgery.  In India, unlike in North American facilities, it is customary to be admitted into the hospital the night prior to surgery AND stay one night after the surgery before release.   I was a bit apprehensive about two days in the hospital but in fact I found the care first rate. The hospital room was good and the care was oustanding (nurses, etc. were all great and attentive).  Extremely attentive nurses and a nice private room enabled me to initially relax (prior to surgery) and then spend app. 24 hours recovering under the constant watch of caring professionals.

When it came time for the surgery itself, I was first taken to a pre-op area where I recall being impressed with the organized precision I was witnessing.   There were several others in the queue but all (including myself), received personalized care and friendly support.  When it was my time to be wheeled into an operating room, I met with Dr Kriplani and his team. I was  reassured  that I was in good hands, and the last  thing I recall was being told to breath deeply into a mask placed over my mouth.   When I awoke, I was in the recovery room. Dr Kriplani and another Doctor (I believe the anesthesiologist) were the first people I saw and I was told that "everything went fine" and that it was a "text book surgery."

In recovery I was under constant care and supervision.   When I was wheeled back to my room, nurses were checking on me frequently as I began my recovery.  As an IV kept me hydrated, it also meant I needed to frequently use the restroom---which helped ensure that I got up out of bed even those initial hours (which I think helped the speed of my recovery).   Throughout the remainder of the surgery day and the next day (before I was released), I was constantly checked on by various physicians and the nursing staff, and I steadily felt better and better.   In fact, when I was released from the hospital (app. 24 hours after being taken from recovery back to my room), I wanted to walk out of the hospital but tradition required a wheel chair.

Once at my guest house, the recovery continued with no issues. Even immediately after surgery, the pain I experienced was very manageable---after leaving the hospital, I never required any medicine for pain stronger than ibuprofen in fact.  One additional aspect I liked was if I did have any questions about ANYTHING, I had Dr Kriplani’s personal cell phone number that I did call a time or two ---that just doesn't happen in the US! 

I guess I should mention another great part of my experience: the fact that I paid probably HALF of what even is charged in Mexico for the same procedure---and received world class treatment and care!  Of course, I wouldn't have made the decision to proceed if I wasn't 100% sure of the care I would get irrespective of the cost difference---but it sure was a nice bonus!

Fast forward to the present:  I am now about 7 months post-op, and I feel great! I've already lost over 80 pounds (from the pre-op diet to the present)! Regarding how much I can eat, I still feel restricted so not too much unless it is liquid or soup. I'm very rarely physically hungry---but I do battle emotional hunger---hence all the walking I am doing to counter it.

Dr. Kriplani and his team are all great.  I never felt like I wasn’t getting top notch care or top notch answers to any questions.  His team is equally responsive. He and I exchange emails regularly--they are 13.5 hours ahead of me time zone wise and I would say that typical email turnaround is less than 24 hours.

I travel to India frequently on business. Indians like Americans and are friendly and accommodating. Traveling to India is perfectly safe.   That doesn’t mean you don’t have to be cautious---you do but all in all, I love India

Doctor, Thank you for your excellent service, and I look forward to celebrating more weight loss with you!

Mike Mattsen