PUNE: A bariatric surgery is no longer considered a cosmetic weight loss procedure but a life-saving intervention for morbidly obese patients battling with medical conditions either caused by or related to obesity.
The wife of a Union government employee became the first person in the city to be reimbursed for a bariatric surgery under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Besides, a privately employed professional also received a full cashless cover from a public sector insurance company a few days ago. Both underwent bariatric surgeries at the Ruby Hall Clinic in the last week of May.
Thirty-four-year-old Manisha (name changed) weighed 99 kg at the time of surgery. She had a host of medical conditions like breathlessness even at slightest physical activity, loud snoring, pain in the knees, irregular menstruation, fatty liver disease, mood swings and episodes of depression. Besides, she was battling hormonal imbalances due to which she was unable to conceive. Manisha had attempted non-surgical weight loss programmes in the past but to no avail. She lost 5 kg in a week’s time after the surgery. Her mood swings have gone down and her physical activity has increased. “I feel better, lighter and energetic. I have started going on regular walks which was not possible before the surgery,” Manisha said.
