Delhi: 52-year-old woman weighing 200 kgs undergoes bariatric surgery
A 52-year-old Delhi woman whose weight was 200 kgs underwent bariatric surgery at a private hospital in December last year. After the six-hour surgery, she has lost 30 kgs and is recuperating. It took a team of six doctors from different specializations - pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology and anaesthesia - to help her give life another shot. Normal BMI should be 30; hers was above 75.
She had developed other complications as well
Anju Chowdhury, the Delhi-based woman was finding it extremely difficult to do her daily activities. "Every time I tried to lose weight by starting radical lifestyle changes, I used to gain more weight. I hardly used to socialize," she said. Due to her weight she had developed other complications as well like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and depression.
Specialized tables, bed had to be arranged for her
Dr Wadhawan, Director - Bariatric and GI Surgery at Fortis Hospital said that specialized operation table, bed and equipment had to be arranged for her. Describing the operation, he said, "Reaching the point of incursion under the layers of fat was a challenge. Besides, time management was essential as the anaesthetic administered was the same that would have been administered to a lean patient."
Post surgery, recovery was hassle-free
Immediately post operation, she was put on ventilator. "The patient was feeling lighter. Had we not conducted the surgery, it could have left her bed ridden. Currently we look at her being able to lose 100 kilos in 18 months and lead a healthier life," added Dr Wadhwan. Notably, obesity has become a worldwide problem now. It has tripled since 1975, reports WHO.
More than 100 bariatric surgeries performed per day in India
Bariatric surgeons in India perform more than 100 operations per day, with Delhi and NCR capturing the top spot. Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and couple of Southern states are also preferred destinations. Patients from Afghanistan, Iraq, Dubai and several countries from Africa choose India as their venue.
