At 212 kg, he was recommended for bariatric surgery as the only viable option for long-term, sustainable weight loss
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock
A multidisciplinary team at a Mumbai hospital has successfully performed a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on a 45-year-old man from Mumbai, weighing 212 kg. The patient, who battled multiple obesity-related health conditions, has lost 43 kgs within the first six months of surgery and is on the path to further weight loss.
The team at Saifee Hospital led by Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, a bariatric, hernia, and laparoscopic surgeon, treated the patient (who wishes to remain anonymous), who was working as a supervisor in a Gulf country, had been suffering from gradual weight gain over the years. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure three years ago and had obstructive sleep apnoea and struggled with daytime sleepiness, chronic back pain, varicose veins, breathlessness, and swelling in both feet and ankles. He also had acanthosis nigricans (a condition that causes areas of dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases) on his forehead and neck. This skin condition is linked with insulin resistance and is a sign of early diabetes.
In the past, he had attempted multiple weight loss diets, each offering short-term success followed by rapid weight regain leading to immense frustration. The weight kept increasing, and as it crossed 165 kg, even basic movement became a struggle, making physical exercise nearly impossible.
In the last couple of years, his weight rapidly increased to 212 kg, and his BMI stood at 67.35 kg/sqm, placing him in the very high-risk category. It was then that the patient and his family members consulted Dr Bhasker at hospital.
At 212 kg, he was recommended for bariatric surgery as the only viable option for long-term, sustainable weight loss. Bariatric surgery can lead to a weight loss of 35 to 40 per cent of the total body weight.
It was the need of the hour because as the weight increases, the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, joint-related problems, and risk of certain cancers increases. Individuals with obesity are more likely to require medical treatment for related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and joint-related issues. At a BMI of 67.35, the patient’s quality of life was compromised. Bariatric surgery was not just an option; it was a medical necessity.
Dr Bhasker further added, “Given the patient’s extreme obesity and multiple comorbidities, a comprehensive preoperative plan was put in place. This included incentive spirometry and breathing exercises to improve lung function, BiPAP support, DVT prophylaxis with compression stockings, medications to manage hypertension, and a 14-day preoperative diet to shrink the liver and reduce abdominal fat. On January 29 in 2025 he underwent a bariatric surgery in the form of a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, where nearly two-thirds of his stomach was removed. This not only restricts the amount of food intake but also triggers beneficial gut hormone changes that support weight loss. It decreases the levels of the hunger hormone- Ghrelin and leads to a surge in the gut hormones like GLP1, GIP, and PYY, which aid in weight loss.”
Bariatric surgery, when combined with lifestyle changes, can be a life-saving solution for many. “Following surgery, the patient was placed on a liquid diet for the first 15 days, followed by a soft diet for the next 2 weeks, and then a regular but restricted diet. Nutritional supplements and protein shakes were introduced, and he began light cardio exercises one month after surgery, with weight training scheduled after three months. The patient is doing well now and has already lost 43 kgs in the first six months and has resumed his daily routine with ease. He is expected to lose a lot more weight in the coming months. His comorbidities are in control now,” added Dr Bhasker.
“Before the surgery, I couldn’t walk 50 metres without losing my breath. I avoided family gatherings, stopped meeting friends, and slowly started withdrawing from everything I once enjoyed. I was merely surviving, not living. But today, after losing the first 43 kilos, things are finally changing. I’m more active, more present, and most importantly, I feel hopeful,” concluded the patient.
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