Hyderabad based Yahsoda Group of Hospitals have conducted 'Bariatric Surgery' awareness programme at its Secunderabad branch in the city.

The main objective of this programme is to bring more awareness among the common public about the latest techniques and medical advances especially in the surgical segments for providing safe and reliable solution for obese patients.

“Obesity is a growing health concern in India and our State. Morbid obesity ‘BMI (Body Mass Index) above 32.5’ is a dangerous disease which can decrease the life span of the individual. We at Yashoda Hospital have started this programme giving utmost priority to patient safety. To achieve this we have invested in acquiring latest technology and infra structure and a dedicated team of highly qualified doctors,” said Dr. T L V D Prasad Babu, Senior Surgical Gastroenterologists & Bariatric Surgeon at Yashoda Hospital.

More than 300 people from across the state took part in the awareness programme. Bariatric Surgery team including senior doctors along with 100 patients who had successfully undergone Bariatric Surgery also actively participated in the event. Nutritionists, Nurses and other patient support teams have been put in place to create awareness among the patients. Prospective obesity patients are counselled and motivated to take Bariatric surgery as it is safe and reliable. Many also clarified their doubts and shared experiences of successful patients.

With changing lifestyles obesity (abnormally over weight) has become a common problem in the present society. Obesity is the result of excessive accumulation of fat, which exceeds the physical and skeletal standards of the body. Currently, obesity is increasingly prevalent in adults and children. Throughout the World it is estimated that over 400 millions are obese. In India about 15 per cent of men and 18 per cent of women are overweight. In fact, 5 to 6 per cent of Indian population suffers from severe obesity.

Dieting and exercise alone cannot decrease wait once BMI crosses above 30. There are no effective pills available for this purpose. Research had shown that the only effective treatment for treating obese patients is Bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery not only gives long lasting effective weight loss but also cures obesity related side effects like hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, heart diseases, stroke and certain forms of cancer. Obesity can affect almost every organ of the body.

Bariatric surgery is done laparoscopically (key hole) resulting in less pain, no scars and faster recovery to the patients. These surgeries work through the mechanisms that include hormonal changes.

Dr Swarna Vyas, Expert Bariatric Nutritionist from Mumbai says “obesity itself is a disease. We must take very good care of our diet that is truly essential. Balanced diet is an integral part of any successful Bariatric programme”.