Bariatric surgery, a procedure for weight loss, came to the rescue of 42-year-old Mr Ravichandran, a severely diabetic patient. Mr Ravichander had Type II diabetes. Six years of medication and attempts at healthy living had failed to rein in his blood glucose, leaving him terrified that he was on course for kidney failure. “I had to take five insulin injections a day to control my diabetes and was not able to work and do my normal activities,” says Mr Ravichandran, a resident of Mathikere.
In addition, the terrible skin discoloration which is common in obese people was spreading all over his body and loss of sensation in his legs was yet another cause of concern. Today, after undergoing surgery at Fortis Hospital, his diabetes is in remission. “About six months ago, Ravichandran had come to us with complaints of high level of diabetes, obesity and lack of sensation in his legs. We briefed him about the surgery procedure and within a few days the surgery was done. Two hours of intense surgical procedure and now he is completely out of insulin and has resumed work,” said Dr Shabeer Ahmed, consultant laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at Fortis Hospital.
Mr Ravichandran’s blood pressure and blood sugar level are now normal. Before the surgery he weighed 112 kg and now he weighs 85 kg. “Ravichandra's diabetes disappeared days after he shed much weight. Weight loss is the purpose of bariatric surgery and often reduces blood pressure. But this is a remarkable instance, as Ravichandran no longer has diabetes after undergoing the surgery. His skin condition is getting better and his sensory perception has also improved,” added Dr Ahmed.