Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, a leading bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon at Saifee, Namaha, and Apollo hospitals, recently performed a successful weight loss surgery on a 42-year-old Mumbai resident who had been struggling with obesity and related health issues for years. Mrs. Nafisa Khan (name changed), a housewife, saw her health deteriorate significantly due to asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, and heart disease. Weighing 130 kg at the time of consultation, she has since lost over 40 kg, bringing her weight down to 90 kg in just six months, transforming her health and quality of life.

Nafisa’s struggle with weight began years ago, particularly after her pregnancies. Despite countless attempts at various diets, she always regained the weight she had worked so hard to lose. This led to a vicious cycle of weight gain and loss, each attempt requiring more effort and yielding fewer results. Her health complications started early, with high blood pressure in her twenties, followed by a diabetes diagnosis five years ago. By the age of 38, she developed heart disease, and as her weight continued to increase, she became dependent on multiple medications, eventually losing her mobility and becoming homebound.

The severity of her condition was such that she could no longer lie flat due to breathing difficulties and had to sleep sitting up, relying on a BiPAP machine to improve her sleep quality. Simple activities like walking a few steps or even staying awake during conversations became major challenges. Concerned for her well-being, her family sought help from Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, who, after a comprehensive evaluation, recommended bariatric surgery to address her weight and health issues.

“When Nafisa came to us, she weighed 130 kg with a BMI of 63.8 kg/m², putting her in the super obese category. She was suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea and multiple other health issues. During our consultation, she actually dozed off, which alerted us to the dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide in her blood,” said Dr. Bhasker. “Obesity had severely impacted her quality of life. She could barely walk, and even minimal exertion left her breathless. Her condition was life-threatening, but at just 42 years old, she still had a long life ahead of her. It was crucial to intervene quickly.”

Before surgery, Nafisa underwent a thorough medical evaluation and was medically optimized with the support of specialists, including an endocrinologist and a cardiologist. This approach ensured she was in the best possible health for the procedure, reducing potential complications during and after surgery. Nutritionist Ms. Shamika Girkar also introduced a low-calorie, high-protein diet for three weeks, helping Nafisa lose 6 to 8 kg prior to surgery, which not only improved her metabolic health but also reduced the size of her liver—a key factor in ensuring a safer surgery.

Nafisa then underwent a gastric bypass surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that alters the stomach’s structure and reroutes the small intestine. This results in significant hormonal changes that reduce appetite and improve satiety, leading to sustained weight loss. The surgery, performed under general anaesthesia, typically takes between 60 to 120 minutes. Patients are generally encouraged to walk within 4 to 6 hours post-surgery and can be discharged within 36 to 48 hours.

Post-surgery, Nafisa’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past six months, she has lost 40 kg and is expected to lose more in the coming months. Her diabetes is now in remission, and the number of medications she takes for her blood pressure has significantly decreased. Most importantly, she can now lie down and sleep without the BiPAP machine, and she can walk and breathe with ease—basic activities she could not perform before.

Bariatric surgery is recognized as one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity, often resulting in a total body weight loss of 30 to 40%. “Obesity must be viewed as a chronic disease that requires appropriate treatment based on its severity. If left untreated, the condition can lead to life-threatening complications, as seen in Nafisa’s case,” said Dr. Bhasker. “Unfortunately, there’s a stigma surrounding obesity and bariatric surgery, with many perceiving it as a shortcut. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bariatric surgery can be life-saving and is often the first step in a comprehensive treatment plan. Patients need to adhere to follow-up care, maintain a healthy diet, and make lifestyle changes to sustain the benefits.”

Nafisa shared her experience, saying, “My life became limited to my home as my weight increased. I struggled to stand or walk without assistance, and for four years, I suffered from sleep apnea and asthma, which left me wheezing and coughing. Finding clothes that fit was a constant challenge, and I often spent my days lying in bed. I felt frustrated, anxious, stressed, isolated, ashamed, guilty, and embarrassed. There were times when catching my breath felt impossible. Thankfully, I sought help from Dr. Aparna Bhasker, who guided me in losing a significant amount of weight. Now, at 90 kg, I’m feeling much better and am dedicated to continuing my weight loss journey with a proper diet and exercise plan as advised by Dr. Bhasker.”

Nafisa’s story is a powerful reminder that timely intervention and appropriate treatment can transform lives. With the support of skilled healthcare professionals, she has overcome immense challenges and is now on the path to better health.