?Dr Jayashree Todkar, bariatric & laparoscopic surgeon, has been selected as Faculty member for the next Endoluminal and Laparoscopic Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Course which will take place at Institute for Research on Cancers of the Digestive Tract (IRCAD) in Taiwan.

Dr. Jayashree Todkar has treated more than 25000 patients and continues her research and treatment in advanced laparoscopic surgeries, bariatric surgeries, trauma, hernia surgeries & metabolic surgery.

She is the first Indian lady doctor to represent India at this level internationally. Dr Jayashree Todkar has completed diploma in advance laparoscopic surgery from University of Strasbourg, France in 2003, Bariatric fellowship from Dr Scopinaro, University of Genoa, Italy in 2005, Bariatric training at Gastro Obeso Center, Brazil in 2008 and Fellowship in Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA in 2009. Her expertise lies in Gastrointestinal Surgery, Laparoscopic Surgery, Robotic Bariatric Surgery etc.

The closest and the topic of discussion at various conferences today are Adolescent obesity and adolescent bariatric surgery. It has been recorded that adolescent obesity has increased from an uncommon problem to one of the most important public health problem worldwide. Obesity was seen as an adult problem until a few years and it has now become an upcoming curiosity for the world. Change in the environment, genetic factors is some of the causes of adolescent obesity. As Dr Todkar puts it, “the main causes of adolescent obesity are Hormonal Imbalance and Mechanical Impact”. There are so many teenagers getting treated for premature diabetes, high BP.

Dr Todkar says, “Each child is different, they weigh differently, their bone structure is different, and therefore the treatments too need to be administered differently”.  With obesity, the teenagers notice an abnormal curvature in the knees and joints, flat foot or even spinal injury (obesity affects the spine too). There are young adults and adolescents going through disc surgery.

“When the young adult or the teenager is brought to us for a medical examination, we as doctors need to evaluate the patient scientifically”, said Dr. Todkar. On the basis of the evaluation, it is decided if the patient needs to get treated surgically or can have a non-surgical treatment.

There are some cases which show resistant obesity (unresponsive to non-surgical treatment). In such cases surgery is considered. During the treatment, the doctors need to take into account the after effects irrespective of the treatment followed. Doctors make sure that it does not hamper the growth of the teenager, both physical and mental. A team of doctors are consulted before the treatment and they include – paediatrician, counsellor, nutritionist, and physiotherapist. The patient is studied and then the decision is taken as the psychology of the youngster also gets impacted. The family history is also considered just to know the reflection of the family on the adolescent, genetics, diet, habits and environment.