Obesity has become a significant challenge in India, where the prevalence of diabetes ranks among the highest globally. By 2030, an alarming 79.4% of India’s population is projected to be affected by diabetes unless effective measures are taken against obesity.
Obesity brings forth a host of related health issues including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, respiratory ailments, and certain cancers. The toll it takes on life expectancy is substantial, cutting an average of six to ten years from a person’s life.
Enter bariatric surgery, a groundbreaking solution not only for weight loss but also for managing a range of associated illnesses such as sleep apnea, menstrual disorders, infertility, depression, and stress.
The approach involves various methods, each aiming to achieve weight loss by altering the digestive system. Techniques include reducing stomach capacity using an implanted medical device like gastric banding, surgically removing a portion of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy), or rerouting the small intestine to a smaller pouch (gastric bypass surgery).
The results have been remarkable, with obese patients shedding around one kilogram per week and achieving a substantial 70% to 80% reduction in excess weight within approximately eight months. The impact on quality of life is undeniable, particularly for individuals unable to pursue traditional exercise routines due to underlying health conditions. The weight loss stabilizes over the course of eight to nine months post-surgery.
Following the procedure, patients experience early mobility, transitioning from oral fluids to liquids, and eventually to small, frequent solid meals due to the altered stomach size.
Remarkably, the cost of bariatric surgery and associated medication is accessible, making it attainable for individuals of all walks of life who aspire to achieve a healthier body. With obesity’s grip on India’s health in focus, bariatric surgery offers a ray of hope for a healthier future.