AIIMS to introduce Bariatric surgery for weight loss

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Bariatric surgery, an effective means to reduce weight, will now be made available in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the first time in public funded hospital in the country.

Till recently it was being offered in only few selected private centers in metropoltan cities the reach of the significant segment of population, due to expenses.

''The aim of AIIMS is to offer in low cost and safe surgical treatment and to contribute towards formulation of national guidelines in future'' said Prof M C Misra, Head, Department of Surgical Disciplines and chief, JNPA Trauma Centre AIIMS.

''Obesity is not a cosmetic problem. the obese are prone to a number of disease including Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, joint pain and more.'' Associate Professor Dr Sandeep Aggarwal said.

''Treatment options includes diet and physical exercise, drug therapy and surgery'' Dr Rajesh Khadgawat said.

Dr Aggarwal said that weight gets reduced by performing laparascopy. ''The same treatment in private hospitals would be Rs 3-5 lakhs or even more depending on the complication of the patients but here in AIIMS, We are providing routine service at a very reasonnable price'' Prof M C Misra said.

Sanjay Aggarwal38, a case study patient said he had lost 47kg after the surgery. The surgery was done on march 10 when his weight was 165kg. ''I could not walk for more than 500 meters but now I walk 5-6 km every day. I used to be ashamed to even go out of my house,'' he added.

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