Sashidhar Ganta Bariatric Surgeon M.D., F.A.C.S.

I first met Dr. Ganta a couple of years ago when I went to seminar in his office. I had been looking at weight loss surgery for several years and was getting closer to making the decision to do it. He didn't say too awful much beyond the mechanics of the surgery, but he came off as a very competent, reserved and caring surgeon. When I made the decision earlier this year to do it, I did not hesitate and made an appointment with Ganta. I should say that I had contacted others, but the office wouldn't stop mailing or emailing me. I was impressed that Ganta's office sent me mailing list stuff, but took me off when asked and they didn't push. It was my decision and they left me alone to make it. Having said that, they still had all of my information from the seminar so getting an appointment was easy.

Even though I was self-pay, I was still required to do a fitness and psyche evaluation (all done in his office) and meet with a nutritionist. I liked that. It made me get more prepared and also made me realize that I needed more help to deal with the emotional aspects so I went out and found a counselor to meet with (which I highly recommend to everyone, she keeps me in my right head space). The psychology, fitness and nutrition appointments all went very well, I get the feeling Dr. Ganta likes good people around him and goes to lengths to obtain that.

My only negative about the office is that they sometimes take a long time to reply to emails or they lose them. None of the important ones, but sometimes general questions seem to go into the ether. I had a few times that I had to send a follow up email a week later to get an answer. As someone that works mostly through email, I do wish they were a little more responsive. Anytime I need anything immediate, I usually call and they're very responsive by phone though!

My first one on one meeting with Dr. Ganta was during my consult. I have never felt so un-rushed in my entire life. He acted as though I was the only patient he had that day and was more than willing to sit there for as long as I needed to talk about options and answer my questions. He also asked me questions about what I knew of each procedure, gave me additional information, asked what procedure I thought I wanted and then asked me questions as to why. So, he wasn't there to just sign or do whatever I wanted, he wanted me to really think about what I was doing and why. At the end of the day, he agreed with what I wanted for the reasons I laid out, but he also gave me some additional food for thought as far as complications that I hadn't considered. I left there feeling very confident in my choice of surgeons and in his ability.

I will tell you that he comes off very reserved and quiet. Which kind of means when he says something, you listen because it's going to be important. His bedside manner is very gentle and matter-of-fact. At first I thought he might not have a sense of humor, but he certainly does, it's just a little dark and dry, which I kinda like. During our consult I mentioned that I knew he had a low rate of complications, leaks, etc. He said, "oh, we've had a few leaks, but I haven't lost anyone yet". It was the perfect thing to say to me because I've got that slightly off-kilter humor myself and I was a little nervous. I like that he was able to read that.

Having said that, if you need a surgeon that is all hugs and rainbows, Dr. Ganta might not be the right one for you. I wanted someone that I would (literally) feel comfortable putting my life in their hands and he was the right person for that. His office staff definitely makes up for any rainbows you are missing. That's not to say he doesn't have a great personality, he's just a little more reserved, but he listens and he's even cracked a smile and joke now and then.

I saw him once again at the pre-op appointment a few days before surgery and, again, he was unhurried and I felt like he would have been more than happy to sit there and answer my questions until I was fully satisfied and okay. I like that. All too often, doctors seem to be in a really big hurry and I feel bad for asking questions. He wasn't like that at all. I was free to ask anything I needed. I even had a small list - some were probably silly questions - but he didn't mind answering them and then making sure I understood. This does translate to him running behind quite a bit, so you'll have a wait in the waiting room, more than likely, but it's a trade off that I'm willing to accept.

He was great before surgery, he stopped in, made sure I was okay, reminded me what we were going to do. Let my husband know how long he expected it to take, made sure he had a way to get in touch with him afterwards, etc. I didn't see him again until discharge the next day where he made sure I understood all the post op instructions, made sure I had a follow up appointment scheduled and smiled and wished me well along the way.

I did have to call a few days after surgery because of nasty muscle pain that won't go away and the Lortab wasn't helping. It was after hours and he answered the phone himself. He listened and then called in an additional medication. He answered the phone himself - I was impressed with that. I didn't have to wait 30 minutes. I didn't have to explain my problem to several people until someone finally let me talk to the doctor. He answered. He handled it.

He seems to take after-care very seriously. In fact, for his cash pay clients, he includes a year of follow up. His pre-op and post-op diet is very strict and seems to be slightly more strict than others I've seen online. He did his part and he fully expects you to be accountable for doing your part. This has been true as I moved up to each level of food and beyond. I'm currently about 7 months out and have found his no nonsense refreshing. He did his part, now it's my turn to do mine.

I love the office. They always remember who I am, always smile, always say I look great (cuz I do, darn it!), and are very laid back. Dr. Ganta is always warm and inviting, he's still reserved a bit, but he can laugh with me while giving me pointers on what I need to be doing and things I can try as time goes on and this whole journey continues to take shape.

Overall, I've been very impressed with him and his office and I would not hesitate to recommend them to others (and already have!). I've done a lot of research on bariatrics in Austin - a whole lot. I can honestly say that THIS is the right doctor if you are in Austin. Do your research, look for people's experiences, you'll find Dr. Ganta to be tops in the area, heck maybe the state.

Update at 18 months post-op: Still loving this man. I've lost nearly 200 pounds. He gave me my life back and probably saved my life. More than that, he's an awesome surgeon. At my last appointment I even made laugh and got a hug on the way out. It's odd, but I want to make him proud. He did good work and so have I. We BOTH should be proud :)

Update at 2 years post-op: I'm now in maintenance mode, having lost a total of 220-225 pounds! I'm at a healthy BMI, although the upper range of my normal, but a plastic surgeon has said he'd remove around ten pounds, so that would put me right where I want to be. Life is good and follow-ups with Dr. Ganta have been helpful. He's almost always running behind, I stick with him because he truly is the best, but hopefully they will work out those kinks :)

I first contacted my surgeon in May of 2006 after attending a conference at St. David's in Austin, TX. I was very happy at being able to get an appointment in only 2 days! Dr. Ganta was new to the area at that time but I was able to find him on the internet and read reviews about him and I was happy and felt very informed on my choice. His office is well established now and even though I do not have to follow up with him anymore I still have a little contact with the office due to the fact that he has also done surgery on my mother and sister. Dr. Ganta's aftercare diet was very strict but very effective. I know several people who have had bariatric surgery at another major hospital in central Texas. Their diet was very different and guess what....they did not lose the weight and keep it off the way I did by following Dr. Ganta's "rules".

I am a registered nurse and I "investigated" the gastric bypass surgery thoroughly before deciding to have it. I am EXTREMELY glad that I chose Dr. Ganta. To me, he is a life saver and I will remember him always. If in the future I ever need any kind of surgery that he is qualified to do I will definitely return to his care. On a scale of 1-10? He is a 20!!!!

Dr. Ganta is a phenomenal surgeon. He is also compassionate AND competent....and I am a tough critic being an RN for 20+ years. He truly listens and that is rare. His surgical skills are well beyond his years of experience. I recommend Dr. Ganta without reservation.

When I first met Dr. Ganta he seemed very serious and matter-of-fact. But as I kept coming to the office for visits, i realized that he has a great sense of humor and I try to find ways to make him smile. He is an awesome physician. I couldn't have asked for a better surgeon.

The staff is great and seem very eager to help.! Love them all!

I highly recommend Dr. Ganta. He is a phenomenal doctor and an even better surgeon. I was so blessed to have found him. I wish for anyone taking this journey to meet and work with Dr. Ganta. As for his office staff, there were some problems at the beginning of my journey, but they have since worked out the kinks and I just love all the people who work in his office. I wish everyone luck on their journey and hope everyone has the opportunity to meet Dr. G! :-)

I love Dr Ganta. He is funny in his own quite way, he is very informative and very, very smart. I just love going to see him. He took great care of me and still continues to 7 months post surgery. I love his office staff, and how they make me feel when I visit. I would recommend Dr. Ganta to everyone looking to gain control over food. He is the real deal. I trust him 100%. I want to let everyone know you can trust him too, and you'll know that after the first meeting. Go ahead and ask him anything you want, and come prepare with your questions written down, as I do everytime. He is very knowledgeable, quite, professional, respectful and very funny. I really love my doctor, Dr Ganta!
Jean Wilson
08/01/82011
RNY on 12/22/2010

Dr. Ganta has held me accountable through the whole procedure. I am grateful for his patience and knowledge of the revision process.

Dr.Ganta knows what he is doing! Super easy to work with. His staff was accomodating and prompt. I would recommend Dr. Ganta to anyone.

Bariatric Surgeon Austin Texas

Sashidhar V. Ganta, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Ganta, one of the most experienced Bariatric Surgeons in Austin, Texas has been performing bariatric surgery since 2001 and has extensive experience in Advanced Laparoscopic surgery. He has performed RNY Gastric Bypass, Lap-band, Gastric Sleeve, Duodenal switch, BPD, Stomaphyx and Revisions and with the laparoscopic approach.

On his path to becoming a leading Austin bariatric surgeon, Dr. Ganta completed his education including medical school in India. An outstanding performer throughout his career, was awarded the "Best student of the class" in Medical school and won seven Gold medals including Biochemistry, Physiology and Pathology.

He underwent extensive surgical training in India, England, Scotland and United States. He was awarded "Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of England" and "Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland"at a very young age. Subsequently Dr. Ganta completed his surgical residency in New York at New York Medical College one year early because of previous experience and superior performance. He did a fellowship at "Yale University" in advanced laparoscopic Surgery. At Yale he has considerable experience teaching other surgeons advanced laparoscopy and Laparoscopic suturing, a skill that is difficult to master.

Dr. Ganta completed several Bariatric surgery fellowships and was trained at some of the best hospitals and surgeons in the country such as Dr. Alan Wittgrove, Dr Wesley Clark (Carnie Wilson Surgeons) and Vivek Prachand at the University of Chicago.

He won "TOPGUN" in laparoscopic suturing at the American College of Surgeons Meeting in Chicago in the year 2000.

He then moved to Illinois to start and develop a Bariatric Surgery Program and was there till 2005. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery, Member of the Texas Medical Association and a Member of the Travis County Medical Association.

Dr. Ganta has moved to Austin and founded AIBL to continue his dream of developing a center for comprehensive bariatric care.

In his leisure time, he loves to spend time with his loving wife and adorable daughters.

Dr. Ganta was the first doctor I met with (Aug 2009), after several attempts to get a consult in one of the large bariatric practices in town. To get a consult required 2+ hr commitment up front, which did not fit with my expectations of my relationship with the doctor, practice, or my own time allowance.

Dr. Ganta is reserved, wanting patients to make their own informed choices. For me, he placed all of the procedures side by side, as he was aware I had done research, though one of the research choices was still causing me anxiety. He asked why, laid out the facts, and asked me to read more, now that I understood better.

That choice was for the DS (Dec 2009). He did not push me to the choice at all, but when I came back after a couple of weeks and had selected the DS, he was glad I had made such a choice, and confirmed that he thought I would be an excellent candidate, considering my BMI, general good health, mental attitude, and primary stated desire to remove myself from insulin.

The 3 mos program was fairly pedestrian, and could use some more work to clearly distinguish the expectations, requirements, anticipated diets, and anecdotal experiences between different procedures. The staff, while polite and nice, seemed overwhelmed, and there was no support group. When I asked post-op to talk to someone, the staff certainly responded. All calls were taken, even if there was not much recommendation forthcoming on how to deal well with my lactose intolerance and general lack of diet I could keep down.

However, with the changes in staff, there is certainly more focus on post-op care, including the return of the support group. Even having pre-ops in the support meeting is of key help. Kudos to Dr. Ganta, Emily, and Pam for listening to the patient base and recognizing the need - and following up with active changes. Hopefully the staff's paperwork for pre- and post- op dietary needs expands as well. It is a conservative post-op regimen, so be prepared.

The staff is always ready to assist, and Dr. Ganta is a more than competent surgeon - he's quite brilliant. He also listens well in meetings, never seeming to rush the patient. With the new additions to staff, the care will cease being reactive and become far more proactive, and match the quality of the surgeon at the center of it.

I would highly recommend this surgeon, the growing practice, ask the patient to be very educated and dedicated to their WLS care plans, and always tell Dr. Ganta his/her concerns or your own proactive care planning.

Continued good wishes to the AIBL team.