Reducing of body weight has emerged as one of the hot topics in healthcare. Obesity, to be specific, is linked to many complications as one of the risk factors. Some succeed in weight reduction and some do not. Food habits and lifestyle are directly linked to obesity.
The Apollo Speciality Hospitals in Madurai has started doing laparoscopic surgeries for obesity, performed on persons only after preliminary counselling, orientation and trying out other means for weight loss. “We don't contemplate surgery for obesity (bariatric surgery or weight loss surgery) immediately when a person comes to us. There will be counselling and first we will give a diet chart to be followed. If there is no weight loss, then we recommend surgery,” says A. Suresh Kumar, consultant laparoscopic surgeon.
Surgery for obesity was introduced in January this year and it had been performed on six women till date. And, some are going through counselling sessions at the hospital. Mostly, it was carried out on persons who are very obese.
Some features of the surgery were explained to press reporters on Tuesday. The stomach shape is changed from pouch to a narrow tube and the overall stomach capacity reduced. After the surgery, the person's appetite and satiety feelings remain the same and he will be able to take normal diet but in reduced quantity. He would start losing weight gradually from the post-operative period and will shed 50 per cent of the excess weight over a period of six months, says Dr. Suresh Kumar.
“This surgery will not be performed just like that for all. Besides, it is not a cosmetic surgery, but done solely for medical benefits,” he said.
When an obese person comes, experts at the Minimal Invasive Surgery Department of the Apollo Speciality Hospitals will study various parameters such as body mass index. The surgery takes about two hours and a person will have to be hospitalised for a minimum period of seven days. Totally, it costs about Rs.2 lakh.
“Health benefits are more in this surgery since obesity is one of the prime causes for health problems. Since, it is not a disease, this surgery is not covered under health insurance,” says Rohini Sridhar, Chief Operating Officer and Director-Medical Services, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Madurai.
For persons who are weight conscious and want to overcome obesity, the surgeon clearly warns that they must avoid junk food, oil and fatty food and particularly items such as ‘samosa' and chips. They have to do regular physical activity, be it walking or jogging, depending on one's age.
“Morbid obesity is dangerous. Unfortunately, consumption of chips and other snacks have become common place, the reason why obesity among children is also high these days,” Dr. Suresh Kumar says. This surgery, according to him, is being done in the US and elsewhere.
