Dr. Shanu Kothari
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
25+
Years of Experience
About Dr. Shanu Kothari
One of the most decorated leaders in American bariatric and minimally invasive surgery is Dr. Shanu N. Kothari, MD, FACS, FASMBS, the Jean and H. Harlan Stone Chair of Surgery and Professor of Surgery at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, and a surgeon at Prisma Health in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Professional Background
- Licensed in: Arizona, Colorado, and California
- Current Position: Jean and H. Harlan Stone Chair of Surgery, Chair of Surgery, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC and Professor of Surgery, USC School of Medicine Greenville
- Specialty: Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery; Foregut Surgery; Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
- Procedures Done: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Revisional Bariatric surgery, Advanced Minimally Invasive surgery of the Gastro-intestinal tract, Foregut and Reflux Surgery, Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy
- Board Certified in American Board of Surgery (FACS) and Fellow in American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS).
- Education: BA (magna cum laude) in Biology from Anderson University in Indiana, MD from University of Illinois College of Medicine–Peoria, General Surgery Residency from Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation in La Crosse, Wis., and Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University (Medical College of Virginia) in Richmond, Va.
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Innovations and Contributions
- Two of the most prestigious positions in American surgery: Immediate Past President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and Immediate Past President of the Southwestern Surgical Congress
- In 2001, founded the Gundersen Health System minimally invasive bariatric surgery program and in 2003, created the Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery and Advanced Laparoscopy Fellowship, which trained a generation of surgeons who practice in rural and underserved areas.
- Author of more than 130 peer-reviewed publications, 18 book chapters and senior editor of the 2011 and 2021 issues of Surgical Clinics of North America devoted to metabolic and bariatric surgery, Associate Editor of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases.
- 2015 and 2014 ASMBS Top Video Award Senior author; 2010 ASMBS Karl Storz Endoscopy America Fellow Scholarship Award; 3 ASMBS ObesityWeek Top Ten Papers
- Led a national research project funded by the TREO Foundation to explore the COVID-19 and obesity epidemics, to advance public health understanding of obesity as a disease, not a lifestyle choice, and to identify a strategy to address obesity during a pandemic.
- 2018 Brandeis Scholar for studying surgical leadership; encouraged multi-disciplinary collaboration with the National Lipid Society, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to expand the approach to obesity treatment
Dr. Kothari's distinguished background of high-volume surgical practice, a strong background in program development, leadership within the national bariatric and minimally invasive surgical societies, extensive publication and training of community surgeons makes him one of the most influential and well-rounded bariatric and general minimally invasive surgeons in the United States.
Good to know
Speciality
Language Spoken
Awards
- • World’s Top 2% Scientist
- • ASMBS Presidential Award
- • Patient Safety Excellence Award
Jean & H. Harlan Stone Chair of the Department of Surgery
2019 - Present
President (Past President)
2021 - 2022
Managing Director, Bariatric Surgery / Chair, Department of Surgery
2001 - 2019
Performed by Dr. Shanu Kothari
Obesity/Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery abroad covers gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric balloon, and revisional weight loss procedures performed by experienced bariatric surgeons. These life-changing operations are not limited to weight reduction alone, they resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The cost factor drives most patients toward bariatric surgery abroad. A gastric sleeve that costs $18,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $4,000 to $8,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified bariatric surgeons and comprehensive pre- and post-operative programs. Leading international bariatric centers offer shorter waiting times, comprehensive nutritional and psychological evaluation, and dedicated aftercare support. Patients consistently report more structured preparation, individualized surgical planning, and thorough follow-up care than they received at home. The surgeon's bariatric certification and the program's aftercare structure are the most important factors to consider. Always confirm the program includes a dietitian, psychologist, and long-term follow-up plan for clarity with plan. Dietary compliance, supplementation adherence, and lifestyle changes after surgery are what ultimately determine long-term success.
General Surgery
General surgery abroad covers hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, thyroidectomy, colorectal surgery, and abdominal procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques. These procedures address common surgical conditions with high precision, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery. General surgical costs vary greatly between countries. A [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery) cholecystectomy that costs $15,000 to $25,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $5,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with board-certified general surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international surgical centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, advanced laparoscopic and robotic capabilities, and streamlined pre-operative and post-operative care. Patients consistently report receiving more attentive surgical planning and recovery support than they experienced at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic experience and the hospital's accreditation are the most important factors. Confirm the surgeon's annual procedure volume and complication rates. Following postoperative wound care instructions, activity restrictions, and dietary guidelines directly influences recovery speed and long-term outcomes.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery abroad covers minimally invasive keyhole procedures for abdominal and pelvic conditions including cholecystectomy, hernia repair, appendectomy, bariatric surgery, and gynecologic operations. Small incisions, a high-definition camera, and precision instruments replace large open cuts, resulting in less pain and faster recovery. Laparoscopic surgical costs differ substantially between countries. A [laparoscopic procedure](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/fertility-treatment/laparoscopic-hysteroscopy-and-sonohysterography) that costs $15,000 to $30,000 at home may be available for $2,500 to $7,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced laparoscopic surgeons performing high-volume, low-complication procedures. [Leading international laparoscopic centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, single-incision surgical options, and structured same-day or next-day discharge protocols. Patients consistently report receiving more streamlined, efficient surgical experiences than they found at home. The surgeon's laparoscopic case volume and the hospital's minimally invasive surgical accreditation are the most critical factors. Confirm the surgeon regularly performs your specific [laparoscopic](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/laparoscopic-surgery/laparoscopic-hiatal-hernia-repair-procedure) procedure. Following postoperative wound care, activity limitations, and dietary instructions directly influences healing and outcomes.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment abroad gives patients an access to world-class oncology centers offering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, and surgical oncology. Multidisciplinary tumor boards of oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists collaborate to design personalized treatment plans. Oncology care costs can be financially devastating in many countries. Advanced cancer treatments that cost $80,000 to $200,000 at home may be available for $15,000 to $50,000 abroad at JCI-accredited hospitals with equally qualified oncologists and the latest treatment technologies. International cancer centers provide comprehensive care including PET-CT imaging, genomic tumor profiling, and access to clinical trials not available locally. Dedicated oncology case managers guide patients through every step of their treatment journey. The oncologist's experience and the hospital's technology are the most important factors to consider to ensure authenticity. Always confirm your treating team includes board-certified oncologists and that the facility is accredited by a recognized international body. Adherence to your full treatment protocol, nutritional support, and psychological well-being during treatment all significantly influence outcomes.
Weight Loss Program
Medical weight loss programs abroad offer medically supervised, evidence-based weight management combining nutritional therapy, GLP-1 pharmacotherapy, behavioral coaching, exercise medicine, and body composition monitoring. Programs are designed for sustainable, healthy weight loss — not short-term dieting — and address the metabolic and psychological drivers of obesity. Comprehensive medical weight loss care is expensive and fragmented in many countries. A medically supervised weight loss program that costs $8,000 to $20,000 at home may be available for $2,000 to $6,000 abroad at equally qualified medical wellness centers with physicians, dietitians, and behavioral coaches. Leading international medical [weight loss](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/obesity-bariatric-surgery/weight-loss-medications) centers offer thorough metabolic and hormonal assessment, personalized nutrition and pharmacotherapy plans, and structured exercise programs with ongoing monitoring. Patients consistently report more individualized, science-based weight management than they found through commercial slimming programs at home. The physician's expertise in metabolic medicine and the program's long-term support structure are the most important factors. Confirm the program includes a clinical dietitian and behavioral health support. Sustained lifestyle changes in eating habits, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management are the essential foundation for maintaining weight loss results long-term.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery abroad covers precision laser procedures across ophthalmology, dermatology, urology, ENT, and gynecology, including LASIK, fractional skin resurfacing, HoLEP laser [prostatectomy](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/urology/prostatectomy/united-states), and endovenous laser vein ablation. Advanced laser platforms deliver bloodless, scar-minimizing results across a wide range of clinical indications. [Laser surgery costs[(https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/how-much-is-laser-eye-surgery-cost-prices-factors-worth-it) vary considerably between countries. A fractional CO2 skin resurfacing session that costs $2,000 to $4,000 at home may be available for $400 to $1,200 abroad at equally equipped dermatology or aesthetic medicine centers with experienced laser surgeons. Leading international laser surgery centers offer comprehensive pre-treatment assessments, customized laser parameters, and thorough post-treatment care plans. Patients consistently report receiving more detailed consultations and better-documented treatment protocols than they found at home. The surgeon's laser experience and the generation of the laser platform are the most important factors. Always confirm the specific device model and your surgeon's case volume with that particular system. Sun protection, post-treatment [skincare](https://curemeabroad.com/blogs/top-skin-tightening-procedures) compliance, and follow-up appointments are critical for optimal outcomes and complication avoidance.
Chronic Diseases
Chronic disease management abroad offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, COPD, kidney disease, and inflammatory conditions. International centers provide integrative treatment programs combining specialist consultations, advanced diagnostics, pharmacological management, and lifestyle medicine. Ongoing chronic disease care in many countries involves long waiting times and fragmented specialist access. A comprehensive [chronic disease evaluation](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/chronic-diseases/diabetes) and management program that costs $5,000 to $15,000 at home may be available for $1,500 to $5,000 abroad at equally accredited hospitals with experienced internists and subspecialists. Leading international chronic disease centers offer same-week specialist access, comprehensive panels in a single visit, and dedicated chronic disease coordinators. Patients consistently report more thorough evaluations and coordinated care than they received through fragmented healthcare at home. The treating physician's subspecialty experience and the hospital's multidisciplinary infrastructure are the most important factors. Confirm the center has specialists in your specific condition. Long-term adherence to medications, dietary changes, [exercise programs](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/ayurveda/exercise), and scheduled monitoring is what ultimately determines disease control and quality of life.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery abroad offers minimally invasive procedures across urology, gynecology, cardiac, colorectal, and thoracic specialties using the da Vinci Surgical System and other advanced robotic platforms. Procedures combine 3D magnified visualization, tremor-free instrument control, and enhanced surgical precision. [Robotic surgery](https://curemeabroad.com/treatments/robotic-surgery/robotic-orthopedic-surgery) costs are significantly higher in many Western countries. A robotic prostatectomy that costs $30,000 to $50,000 at home may be available for $8,000 to $15,000 abroad at equally equipped hospitals with fellowship-trained robotic surgeons and comparable clinical outcomes. Leading international [robotic surgery centers](https://curemeabroad.com/) offer shorter waiting times, high-volume robotic procedure experience, and comprehensive pre- and post-operative coordination. Patients consistently report more thorough surgical planning and attentive recovery support than they experienced at home. The robotic surgeon's case volume and subspecialty certification are the most critical factors. Confirm the surgeon has performed a minimum of 200 robotic procedures in your specific indication. Following postoperative activity restrictions and attending all follow-up appointments plays a significant role in achieving the best outcome.
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Dr. Shanu Kothari
Shanu Kothari has been practicing medicine since 2004, giving them over 21 years of clinical experience. They currently serve as Bariatric Surgeon and have built a focused career in bariatric surgeon, prisma health.
Dr. Shanu Kothari
You can request a consultation with Shanu Kothari through CureMeAbroad by submitting your details. Video consultations are available for international patients before travel through CureMeAbroad.
Dr. Shanu Kothari
Bariatric surgery with Shanu Kothari typically costs 50-70% less than equivalent procedures in the US or UK. The final price depends on the procedure type (sleeve, bypass, or mini bypass), length of hospital stay, and pre-surgical workup. CureMeAbroad can provide a detailed quote after reviewing your medical profile.
How many years of experience does Shanu Kothari have?
Dr. Shanu Kothari
Shanu Kothari has been practicing medicine since 2004, giving them over 21 years of clinical experience. They currently serve as Bariatric Surgeon and have built a focused career in bariatric surgeon, prisma health.
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