Arjuna Ranatunga's Dramatic Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery Leaves Fans Stunned

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga has left cricket fans amazed with his dramatic weight loss following bariatric surgery. The transformation came into the spotlight after Congress leader Shashi Tharoor shared a photograph with Ranatunga during his visit to Colombo, where he was attending the inaugural Colombo Literary Festival. Sharing the picture on X, Tharoor wrote that many cricket fans might struggle to recognise the former World Cup-winning captain because of his remarkable transformation. He revealed that Ranatunga, now 62, underwent bariatric surgery and has since become noticeably leaner. According to Tharoor, the cricket legend joked that he can now comfortably bat for three hours in charity matches, compared to his playing

days when he would tire after just three overs. The striking change has once again put the spotlight on bariatric surgery and its health benefits for people living with obesity.Also read: The Biggest Health Mistake Indians Make Isn't Junk Food - Doctors Say It's This

Cricket fans might have some difficulty in recognizing this former Sri Lankan cricket captain who called on me in Colombo. Yes, this is the new, svelte, post-bariatric surgery @ArjunaRanatunga! Asked how it felt after years of being famously roly-poly even at his cricketing… pic.twitter.com/7PJoxuB0ii

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 26, 2026

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help people achieve significant and sustained weight loss. These operations alter the digestive system by reducing the size of the stomach and, in some cases, changing how the small intestine absorbs nutrients. The procedure is generally recommended for people with severe obesity, especially when lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medications have failed to produce lasting results. Common types of bariatric surgery include:

• Gastric sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy): Removes a large portion of the stomach, limiting food intake.
• Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass): Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine.
• Mini gastric bypass and other metabolic procedures may also be considered depending on individual health needs.

Beyond weight loss: Major health benefits

Doctors emphasise that bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure. Its primary purpose is to improve health by reducing obesity-related complications. Research has shown that bariatric surgery can help:

• Improve or even reverse Type 2 diabetes
• Lower high blood pressure
• Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Improve sleep apnea
• Ease joint pain by reducing pressure on knees and hips
• Lower the risk of fatty liver disease
• Improve mobility, stamina and overall quality of life

Ranatunga's ability to spend hours batting after surgery reflects one of the most noticeable benefits patients often report - greater physical endurance and improved fitness.

Who is eligible?

Experts say bariatric surgery is typically recommended for adults with:

• A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above
• A BMI of 35 or above along with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea

Before surgery, patients undergo detailed medical, nutritional and psychological assessments to determine whether the procedure is appropriate.

It is not an easy shortcut

Health experts caution that bariatric surgery should never be viewed as a quick fix. Long-term success depends on permanent lifestyle changes, including following a balanced and high-protein diet, taking prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements, exercising regularly, attending regular medical follow-ups and maintaining healthy eating habits for life. Without these changes, patients can regain weight and develop nutritional deficiencies.

Ranatunga's transformation inspires conversations around obesity

During his cricket career, Arjuna Ranatunga's stocky build became one of his defining characteristics. Despite not being known for athletic running between the wickets, he relied on exceptional game awareness, timing and leadership to guide Sri Lanka to its historic 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph. Today, his dramatic transformation serves as a reminder that obesity is a chronic medical condition - not simply a matter of appearance- and that effective treatment can significantly improve health, mobility and quality of life. As fans celebrate the cricket legend's new look, medical experts hope the conversation also encourages greater awareness about obesity management and the life-changing role bariatric surgery can play for carefully selected patients.