Life-Changing Bariatric Surgery Helps 30-Year-Old Woman Escape Obesity, Hypertension, Fertility Issues

Obesity is a festering wound that takes over every aspect of a person’s physical and social life. It can put your organs under extreme duress and your make you a target of shame, bullying, and societal guffaws. 

Obesity often makes its victims feel hopeless that their situation or health could ever recover. But that is far from the truth. Highlighting this is the recent case of Shruti (name changed) who made an impressive comeback from a weight of 122 kgs that put her life in danger.

Failed Pregnancy, COVID-19, Steroids, And Depression: The Recipe For Disaster

Shruti and her husband Raj, a couple from Andheri, Mumbai, had been married for over five years, eagerly awaiting the joys of parenthood. After multiple IVF cycles, their dreams seemed to come true when they were blessed with twins. Tragically, this joy was short-lived as they lost one twin in the first month of pregnancy, and heartbreakingly, the second baby just days before the expected delivery.

During this period of emotional turmoil, Shruti's health deteriorated. She experienced significant weight gain, which exacerbated her existing health issues. 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 hospitalisation and prolonged steroid treatment. The pandemic-induced restrictions further isolated her, depriving her of opportunities for physical activity, leading to additional weight gain.

The prolonged steroid use during her COVID-19 treatment led to an unexpected diagnosis of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the hip, culminating in hip replacement surgery at a remarkably young age of 28. 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, AVN, also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. Without adequate blood flow, the bone tissue collapses, leading to severe pain and potential joint dysfunction. 

With that, Shruti had also developed high blood pressure and difficulty breathing when she seaked treatment.

Also Read: Offering Hope To Aspiring Mothers, 33-Year-Old Trumps Morbid Obesity, Hypothyroidism In High-Risk Pregnancy

Shruti’s Journey Towards A Better Tomorow

Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, MetaHeal- Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center and Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, who treated Shruti, spoke to the Onlymyhealth team about her case and treatment.

Before diving into Shruti’s case, Dr Bhasker emphasised the challenges faced by women in managing obesity, “The prevalence of obesity is higher in women than men in India. Conditions like PCOD, pregnancies and menopause often contribute to weight gain. Women tend to prioritise others over themselves, leaving little time for self-care and exercise.” According to a study published in The Lancet, 40% women and 12% men were abdominally obese in India as of 2022.

Bariatric Surgery Offers Hope

“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,” said Dr Bhasker.

After a thorough evaluation and careful preparation, 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. The procedure lasted for two-hours,” said Dr Bhasker. 

Shruti began consuming liquids orally within 24 hours post-surgery and was discharged on the third day.

Also Read: Have You Undergone Bariatric Surgery? Here’s How You Can Avoid Nutritional Deficiencies Post Procedure

The Road To Recovery

In just five months, Shruti has already lost 21 kg, bringing her weight down to 101 kg. She can now breathe better, experiences less pain in her left hip, and has normalised blood pressure without the need for medication. Dr. Bhasker anticipates further weight loss of 12 to 15 kg over the next 6 to 8 months. Once her hip issues are fully addressed, Shruti can even consider planning a pregnancy again in about a year.

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."

Also Read: Is A Vegetarian Diet Better For Obesity Than Non-vegetarian Diet? Expert Shares The Key To Weight Loss

This remarkable transformation highlights the profound impact of bariatric surgery, not only in addressing obesity but also in improving overall health and quality of life. Shruti's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of seeking timely medical intervention.