U.P. Singh, a laparoscopic surgeon with two stints in UK, has returned to Bihar for good.

Paras HMRI Hospital has hired Singh, an alumnus of Patna Medical College and Hospital, for performing bariatric surgeries at the health hub. At present, the procedure is conducted at two private hospitals in Patna.

Dr Singh worked in UK first from 1995-99 after which he came to India for two years. He returned to UK once again in 2001 before moving back to India late last year.

His last stop in UK was King's College Hospital in London. There, 51-year-old Dr Singh conducted 200 and odd bariatric surgeries.

Over the years, he worked at several hospitals in the UK but always yearned to return to his home state.

Paras HMRI Hospital gave him that chance when he returned to Bihar in late 2014 and he gladly took it up.

On his reasons for coming back, Singh, originally from Ara, said: 'I did my schooling from St Michael's High School in Patna and then my Inter from Patna Science College. I pursued my MBBS from Patna Medical College and Hospital - I was in the 1986 batch. I also did my masters in surgery from there in 1991. I was in London for 19 years but always wanted to come back to Bihar. It was only that I was looking out for some good opportunity. When I got the offer to work at Paras HMRI Hospital, I was more than happy to grab it.

His motivation is no longer to earn - he has 'earned a lot working in the UK' but he just wants to make a name among his own people.

On his UK experience, Dr Singh said: 'It was very enriching because I got to work in some reputable hospitals of UK, including Birmingham Children's Hospital, Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Portsmouth Hospital. I also worked at St George's University Hospital, North Middlesex University Hospital and finally King's College Hospital. Those who can work hard there are highly regarded in UK and lazy people have to face criticism. In Bihar, I am no more interested in monetary gains. I have earned a lot working in the UK. I only wish to earn a name in my home state now. That's why I have come back. My daughter, Kaushiki, who is in her final year of MBBS at King's College Hospital, also wants to come back to India and practise.'

On the bariatric surgeries he would conduct, the doctor said: 'Obese persons (body mass index (BMI) equal to 30 or more) or those in the morbid obesity stage (BMI between 35 and 40) are suitable candidates for the procedure. People with this condition tend to suffer from high blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol, which can further lead to diabetes, heart and kidney problems. Obese people can also develop infertility problems.'

On preparing a patient for the surgery, he said: 'We limit food intake to make the stomach smaller. The actual surgery takes one to two hours. The patient can lead a normal life right from the next day of the operation.'