Morbidly obese patients fight diabetes, sleep apnea with Bariatric Surgery at Fortis Mohali

For Dr Sanjeev Mittal, a well-renowned doctor from Moga, life has taken a complete turn in the past few months. Last July, he underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, a form of Bariatric Surgery, and has since lost over 35 Kg. But more than the weight, Dr Mittal has been able to fight Diabetes and Sleep Apnea because of this surgery.

Talking to mediapersons here, Dr Mittal said, “I had severe diabetes, due to which I was advised a high dose of insulin therapy. Being a doctor, I knew these problems were related to obesity and that I had to do something to get healthy. After I underwent the surgery, I not only lost the excess weight, but also gained energy and good health. The recovery has been absolutely smooth and I started going to work very soon after the operation.”

Dr Amit Garg, Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon at Fortis Hospital Mohali, spoke about the latest advents in Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery for diabetes, and said many patients like Dr Mittal had benefitted from these. He said Type 2 Diabetes is often known as a lifestyle disease and very few patients have defect in pancreas. Therefore, all patients with Type 2 Diabetes should be assessed for their pancreatic Beta Cell Function. Patients with over 50% of function can get cured from Type 2 Diabetes with Metabolic Surgery, he said.

Dr Garg (MS, FMAS, FMAMBS, FBMS - Taiwan) said, “Obesity has doubled worldwide since 1980 and close to 40% world’s adult population were obese in 2014. Though obesity is preventable, many fail to fight it. Punjab has one of the highest burdens of obesity in the country, all thanks to the fat-rich diet and sedentary lifestyle. At our centre, we don’t do just 1 type of bariatric surgery. In fact, we offer close to 5 options, and depending on the patient’s BMI, eating habits, social habits and diabetic status, we suggest the best option.”

Listing the major risk factors associated with obesity, Dr Garg said these include diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, acid reflux, hypertension and even cancer. “People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of over 32.5 and other problems like diabetes, sleep apnea or hypertension can seriously consider the surgery,” he added.

“I was walking the same evening as the surgery, and did not have to stay in the ICU. My entire surgery and post-surgery planning was done properly and the entire Fortis team ensured I did not have to worry about anything,” Dr Mittal shared.

Like Dr Mittal, Moga resident Mr Sanjeev Sood, 42, underwent Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as he was suffering from diabetes for over 17 years. “I was on insulin since the last 15 years and was taking 120 units of insulin and other medicines. My starting weight was 84 Kg and the surgery was done on April 9 this year. Today, I weigh 68 Kg, have not needed insulin since 2.5 months and take a very small dose of diabetes medication. My life has changed for the better,” he said.

While those under 50 usually undergo this surgery, Dr Garg also did this surgery on 73-year-old Raj Kumar Bansal, who had many other medical problems also. “He had undergone stenting in the past and a cardiac bypass, was diabetic, hypertensive and was suffering from sleep apnea. All these, and his age, made him a high-risk patient. But his surgery went off very well and today he is much healthier and has been able to take control over his medical conditions,” said Dr Garg.

“At our centre for diabetic and metabolic surgery, patients have hugely benefitted from the world-class treatment available here. Due to the minimally-invasive surgery and skilled surgeons & team, there is no ICU stay even after such a major surgery. Also, the patients are able to walk on the same day as the surgery and are not required to stay for more than three days,” said Mr Abhijit Singh, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Mohali.

The indications of Bariatric Surgery include 32.5 BMI or greater with co-morbidities, 37.5 BMI or greater even without any co-morbidities, age is between 18 and 65, failed attempts at weight loss for at least six months, no psychological contraindications, understanding surgery/risks and compliance with postsurgery diet and exercise requirements.

The kinds of bariatric and metabolic surgeries performed at Fortis Hospital Mohali include Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic Greater Curvature Plication, Mini Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic roux-en-y gastric bypass, among others.

For more information, please contact:

Fortis Healthcare Limited
Megha Sandhu | 9876710700
[email protected]