Rising obesity cases make bariatric surgery popular

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 12

Faulty lifestyle, junk food and no exercise is pushing people towards obesity. More and more people are becoming obese in the country. Punjab leads other states in the number of people, who are battling with obesity. Punjabis are fond of butter-laden ‘paranthas’ and fried food. Poor exercise regime is gradually taking them to the red line of obesity.

Today, the world of science has solved many problems. Now, bariatric surgery has come to rescue of the obese. With celebrities and politicians going for bariatric surgery, it has gained immense popularity. Also, this surgery is becoming popular among the masses as everybody wants to look slim and fit without doing any physical exercise.

In view of the rising obesity epidemic, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) is organising an international conference and live operative workshop on bariatric surgery to train surgeons on May 21and 22.

“The conference will comprise reputed bariatric surgeons of the country and from overseas” said Dr Ashish Ahuja, bariatric surgeon, DMCH, and organising secretary of the conference.

“As many as 10 patients will be operated by the DMCH team along with other faculty members on day one,” said Dr PS Nain, professor of surgery and organising chairman of the conference.

Dr Laurent Layani from the UAE, a French surgeon, Dr Robert Rutledge, Dr Maffazal Lakdawala, who has operated worlds heaviest women, many ministers and celebrities will be attend the conference.

Surgeons from Ludhiana surgical forum, Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of the country will attend the live operative workshop and conference.

“A special obesity run (mini marathon) will also be organised on May 22 at 6 am as part of the international conference. Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, Pradeep Aggrawal, along with chief cardiologist and Vice-Principal of the DMCH, Dr GS Wander, will flag off the obesity run,” said Dr Nain.

“The run is being organised by the DMCH Youth Club from Sutlej Club to the DMCH College campus. Participants will be welcomed by Ludhiana Mayor Balkar Sing Sandhu, who will also give medals to students,” he added.

“Secretary of the DMCH Managing Society, Prem Kumar Gupta, has approved a special discounted bariatric surgery for the conference for patients, who cannot afford this operation. Young surgeons and patients can use of the opportunity,” he said.

“Special courses on bariatric anaesthesia by the Department of Anaesthesia and bariatric dietician will organised for the first time in the region,” said Dr Sandeep Puri, Principal of the DMCH.

Bariatric surgery

Weight loss is achieved through bariatric surgery by reducing the size of stomach with a gastric band or by removing a portion.

What doctors say

Doctors from the alternate medicine are, however, of the view that reducing size of the stomach for weight loss is not good thing. If it can be achieved naturally by cutting down on fats and doing regular exercise then why go for surgery, which has today become a fashion. “Surgery is required only in extreme cases,” said an ayurvedic doctor from the city.