Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Obesity is a chronic progressive disease and has proved itself to be one of the fastest growing epidemics in the world. It is the second largest cause of preventable death. In addition to that, it poorly affects the quality of life of the person who is afflicted with this disease.
The answer to curtailing the progress of any disease is a cumulative understanding of multiple aspects of the disease and its burden. The first step at finding answers, is to recognize the question or the problem. In most parts of the world, obesity is still not recognized as a disease. How can we go about providing answers, when the problem does not even exist in our mind? Even today, we ostracize people who are suffering from obesity. They do not get the same sympathy as patients who are suffering from say diabetes or heart disease. This is the first time in history, that an epidemic of a chronic disease is staring in our faces, and we are repeatedly refusing to recognize its seriousness. We need urgent action at policy level, better planning and execution of those plans. And yet, it will take decades before we can get close to finding answers.
Coming to the question of whether bariatric surgery is the answer to obesity? Well, a surgery or any treatment modality can never be the complete answer to a disease epidemic. However, every chronic disease is multifactorial in origin and it is always a combination of therapies that work for its treatment. We obviously cannot eradicate obesity from this world by performing bariatric surgery on every one.
However, bariatric surgery is a valid treatment option for those who are at the top of the pyramid. It is the choice of management for those who have tried everything else, and yet the disease is so severe that they continue to gain weight despite their efforts. It is a valid treatment option for those who are already in the category of clinically severe obesity and are at risk of developing associated diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, PCOD, joint pains, heart disease, hernia, gall bladder stones, cancers, infertility, gout and the list is endless. It is also a treatment option for those who are suffering from grade 2 obesity but have already developed type 2 diabetes and other associated diseases of obesity.
It is important to know which therapy must be advised when. Bariatric surgery comes with its pros and cons, but sometimes it is necessary and the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks in some patients.
Bariatric surgery is not the answer to obesity. Answer to every disease ultimately lies in its prevention. However, bariatric surgery is a valid treatment option for clinically severe obesity and forms an important part of the treatment pyramid.
About Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is an accomplished Bariatric Surgeon and Laparoscopic Surgeon. She is very renowned and is extremely passionate about her field of specialization.
Read more about Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker- https://www.bestbariatricsurgeon.org/dr-aparna-govil-bhasker/
Please write in to info@bestbariatricsurgeon.org or draparnagovil@gmail.com & Call/Text/WhatsApp: +919819566618 or +919930922761
Dr. Aparna’s website is- https://www.bestbariatricsurgeon.org
You can read her lovely blogs on- http://www.aparnagovilbhasker.com
Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker is a visiting consultant at the following hospitals:
- Gleneagles Global Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
- Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Khar West, Mumbai
- Apollo Hospital, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai
- Suchak Hospital, Malad, Mumbai
- Namaha Hospital Kandivali, Mumbai
- Currae Specialty Hospital, Thane
- MGM Hospital, Vashi, Navi Mumbai
- Apollo Spectra Hospital, Tardeo and Chembur, Mumbai
- Saifee Hospital, Mumbai
Patient Stories
Mansi considered bariatric/ weight loss surgery as she was suffering from grade III obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 47.5 Kg/m2. At 121.7 Kg she was not able to exercise much due to severe knee pain. She would feel breathless on exertion. Her sonography revealed grade II fatty liver. She underwent a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on 14th of November 2018. She knew that bariatric surgery was not a shortcut to weight loss, and worked very hard on changing her lifestyle post surgery. She exercises for 2-3 hours daily and follows a great diet regime. She has an amazing will power as she was able to accomplish her goal of climbing more than 3000 steps at Palitana just after 2 months post surgery. She lost 35.7 Kg in 6 months, we salute her grit and determination!
