Bariatric surgery helps 30-year-old Mumbai woman shed 21 kg

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Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, a Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon at MetaHeal - Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center and Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, recently performed a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery on a 30-year-old woman weighing 122 kg and facing severe health challenges. Following the surgery, the patient has shed 21 kg in 5 months.

After multiple IVF cycles, Shruti (name changed)' and her husband Raj (name changed)', were blessed with twins. Tragically, this joy was short-lived as they lost one twin in the first month of pregnancy, and the second baby just days before the expected delivery.

During this period of emotional turmoil, Shruti's health deteriorated. She experienced significant weight gain. The physical burden of obesity was compounded by depression and the weight of societal judgment and stigma. Her struggle intensified when she contracted a severe case of Covid-19, requiring hospitalization and prolonged steroid treatment. The pandemic-induced restrictions deprived her of opportunities for physical activity, leading to additional weight gain.

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The prolonged steroid use during her Covid-19 treatment led to an unexpected diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the hip, culminating in hip replacement surgery at a remarkably young age.

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker emphasized the challenges faced by women in managing obesity, "The prevalence of obesity is higher in women than men in India. Conditions like PCOD and reproductive milestones such as pregnancies and menopause often contribute to weight gain. Women tend to prioritize others over themselves, leaving little time for self-care and exercise. Shruti's journey has been incredibly difficult. When she came to us, she was struggling with excess weight, which led to breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, and severe hip and leg pain. Her mobility and daily activities were severely restricted, and her weight was affecting her other hip as well."

Dr. Bhasker performed a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on Shruti. This surgery reduces the stomach size and reroutes the small intestines to a small stomach pouch, changing the hormonal milieu of the body to decrease appetite and improve weight and blood glucose control.

Reflecting on her journey, Shruti shared, "A range of health issues and losing my babies left me overwhelmed. Fortunately, my husband provided unwavering support despite the stigma and judgment I faced. I am thankful to my doctors for their timely intervention, significantly enhancing my quality of life."