Mumbai: Weight loss surgery helps 42-year-old woman defeat sleep apnea and obesity

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In a medical achievement, a 42-year-old homemaker from Mumbai, underwent a successful weight loss surgery at a city hospital, subsequently leading to the resolution of other health issues including asthma, obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes.

Nafisa Khan (name changed) lost over 40 kg in six months, bringing her weight down from 130 kg to 90 kg. She had struggled with her weight for years, especially after her pregnancies. Despite numerous attempts at various diets, she consistently regained any weight she lost.

The patient developed high blood pressure in her twenties, and five years ago, she was diagnosed with diabetes. By the age of 38, her worsening health had led to heart disease. By the time she crossed 125 kg weight, lying down flat became impossible; she had to sit up all night to catch her breath and even walking short distances left her breathless. Simple activities like breathing, walking and staying awake turned into daunting challenges, which prompted her to seek urgent medical intervention.

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, a bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon at Saifee, Namaha, and Apollo hospitals, who performed the surgery, stated, "When Nafisa came to us, she weighed 130 kg with a BMI of 63.8 kg/m². She was suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea along with various other health issues. During our consultation, she actually dozed off, which alerted us to the dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide in her blood. (In individuals with obesity, excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fatty tissue around the neck and throat, which increases the likelihood of airway obstruction during sleep. This obstruction causes repeated pauses in breathing, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood.)"

She further informed, "She could barely walk, as even taking two or three steps left her extremely breathless. In addition to obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, she was also dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Four years prior, she had experienced kidney-related complications as well. Obesity had wreaked havoc on her body and severely impacted her health. Left untreated, her condition could have been life-threatening and what struck me the most was that she was just 42 years old; she had a long life ahead of her."

The surgery was performed after all necessary investigations, and she was medically optimised with the support of various specialists, including an endocrinologist and a cardiologist. Nutritionist Shamika Girkar implemented a low-calorie, high-protein diet for approximately three weeks, which helped Nafisa lose 6 to 8 kg before surgery and improved her metabolic parameters.

Nafisa then underwent gastric bypass surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure conducted through small incisions in the abdomen. Performed under general anaesthesia, the surgery typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes. Patients are encouraged to start walking within 4 to 6 hours post-surgery and can be discharged from the hospital within 36 to 48 hours.

"My life became limited to my home as my weight increased. I struggled to stand or walk without assistance, and for four years, I suffered from sleep apnea and asthma, which left me wheezing and coughing. This had a profound impact on my overall quality of life. Finding clothes that fit was a constant challenge, and I often spent my days lying in bed. As a result, I felt frustrated, anxious, stressed, isolated, ashamed, guilty and embarrassed. There were times when catching my breath felt impossible. Thankfully, I sought help. Now, at 90 kg, I'm feeling much better and am dedicated to continuing my weight loss journey with a proper diet and exercise plan as advised by Dr. Bhasker," said Nafisa.

Bariatric surgery typically results in a total body weight loss of about 30 to 40 per cent and is recognised as one of the most effective methods for weight loss in patients with clinically severe obesity.

Dr. Bhasker noted, "Obesity and bariatric surgery are often surrounded by stigma, with many perceiving it as a shortcut. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. In cases like this, bariatric surgery can truly be life-saving. It's important to recognise that the journey toward better health starts with bariatric surgery; it is merely the first step. Patients need to have regular follow-ups, maintain consistent nutrient supplementation, and adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle."

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