Reema recounts 5 years of success since her Bariatric Surgery

Consistently depressed and constantly out-of-breath, Reema stared ahead gloomily at the prospect of a life battling obesity. About to turn 30, Reema heard the alarm call loud and clear. A life-time of medication and steroids for controlling her skin condition, had led to a situation she could no longer control through diet and exercise. Something more urgent was required.

‘I was constantly fatigued, feeling low, not able to go out. Unable to enjoy life like others my age,’ says Reema recollecting her misery.

But life has taken a 360 degree turn after the bariatric surgery she underwent five years ago with Dr. Abhay Agrawal. ‘I flew in from Nairobi in Kenya to Mumbai for the surgery. I was convinced it was the only solution and worth it,’ she reminisces.

Reema had been suffering from a condition called skin vitiligo and had been on steroids for its treatment. That had led to excessive weight gain. Exercise routines and diets had given short term benefits, which were quickly lost again. Reema realized she had to something more.

‘The surgery went off very well,’ she says. The initial changes are a little difficult when your body is getting used to eating less. You have to follow instructions like not drinking water with meals and eating small portions etc. But your body learns to adapt quickly.

Reema lost 10 kilos in the first week after the surgery. She lost 26 kilos in nine months. She now weighs 64 kgs and feels fit and healthy.

‘The experience with Dr. Agrawal was fantastic,’ narrates Reema. ‘I was operated at his clinic. I found the staff very caring and supportive. The atmosphere is very homely.’

Reema is a Consultant and Regional Manager of a Company. She finds that the surgery and weight loss has improved her life greatly. ‘I have more energy and can get more work done in a day,’ she explains.

Obesity is a very different kind of health problem,’ says Reema. ‘People don’t seem to understand. They will tell you to exercise, think you are being lazy. But in reality, it is not so easy.’

Reema is convinced it was the best decision she made and says she is happy to talk to any patient who may need advice on navigating through the battle against obesity.

I would recommend this surgery to anybody in my situation,’ she advises. ‘Young or Old, it is important to be the master of your body and not vice-versa. Do not look at this as an easy way out of the problem. On the other hand, look at it as a process that makes your life easy and worthwhile.’


About Dr Abhay Agrawal:

Dr Abhay Agrawal is a world-class expert in all types of Bariatric surgeries: Mini Gastric Bypass, Roux-en- y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Ileal Transposition (Diabetes Surgery) with vast experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Dr Agrawal is one of the few in world to be certified as International Surgeon of Excellence from the non-profit accreditation organisation Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) USA.

He has treated more than 4000 patients with Bariatric surgery and his Bariatric program is well known for consistent and high quAlyty results in long term weight loss as he personally treats every patient.

Dr Agrawal is available for consultations and surgeries at his own Center for Obesity and Diabetes Control (CODC) Malad East; SevenHills Hospital Andheri East; and Apollo Spectra Hospital Tardeo, at Mumbai, India.

For appointments, call or what’s app on +91 98210 32169 or email at drabhay@gmail.com

A life-transforming journey of Aly from Kenya

In 2013, I weighed 194 kgs. Life was a struggle beyond words.

Today I weigh 85 kgs and the journey has been life-transforming.

An asthma patient since childhood, I had been put on steroids for medication and this led to an abnormal rate of weight gain. At the age of 21, I weighed 194 kgs and was faced with the emotional, mental, physical and psychological trauma of being severely obese. It became extremely hard to lose that excess weight by natural means.

I had hit an emotional low point. Day to day activities had become a challenge. The remarks and taunts from people hurt. Even something as basic as breathing had become difficult. There were many other problems. It was at this point that I was recommended to approach Dr. Abhay Agrawal for bariatric surgery and I agreed.

My family was extremely supportive of my decision and I flew down from Nairobi, Kenya to Mumbai, India for the surgery. When I went in for the surgery, my BMI was 58. The surgery went off well and Dr. Agrawal was very responsive to my every concern and question. I returned to Kenya two days after the surgery.

During the first few days after the procedure, one is put on a liquid / semi-solid diet as the body starts preparing itself for a controlled diet.

In the first two weeks after the surgery, I lost 15 to 18 kgs. In the first year, I was down by 45 kgs. In two years, I lost 111 kgs.

Things are much easier today and I am able to enjoy living a normal life. I still have an asthma problem but things have improved. Even today, I am required to take steroids in case of severe asthama but my weight is under control. It has been a long journey but a fulfilling one.

In my opinion, there is a tipping point in the weight loss and weight gain journey. Up until that point, exercise, diet, nutrition etc may be able to help in losing weight but once the weight is beyond that tipping point, natural weight loss is impossible. If one finds themselves in such a situation, it is better to consider surgical options like bariatric surgery as a means to resolve the problem of obesity.

Today, I am fit, I go to the gym regularly to exercise, I can enjoy going out like other people and receive complements for my looks. I feel confident and good about myself.  I look back at the decision to go in for bariatric surgery as a turning point in my life.

 

 


 

About Dr Abhay Agrawal:

Dr Abhay Agrawal is a world-class expert in all types of Bariatric surgeries: Mini Gastric Bypass, Roux-en- y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Ileal Transposition (Diabetes Surgery) with vast experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Dr Agrawal is one of the few in world to be certified as International Surgeon of Excellence from the non-profit accreditation organisation Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) USA.

He has treated more than 4000 patients with Bariatric surgery and his Bariatric program is well known for consistent and high quality results in long term weight loss as he personally treats every patient.

Dr Agrawal is available for consultations and surgeries at his own Center for Obesity and Diabetes Control (CODC) Malad East; SevenHills Hospital Andheri East; and Apollo Spectra Hospital Tardeo, at Mumbai, India.

For appointments, call or what’s app on +91 98210 32169 or email at drabhay@gmail.com