Going under knife is not first option
Some patients lose the weight and then regain it. The operation is just a tool, it is up to the patients to change their lifestyle after surgery.” Dr Fuad Ahmed, consultant, general surgery, Burjeel Hospital
We have patients that think this is the easy way out. We work harder with them, and until they show us they are willing to change, we will go ahead.” Dr Mohammed Al Hadad, consultant bariatric surgeon Healthpoint
abu dhabi — Obesity is growing as an alarming epidemic in the UAE and thousands are now relying on weight loss surgeries every year. But is it the easy way out?
Doctors are urging patients to be vigilant before taking the decision to go under the knife, stressing that although shedding the weight is a must, many are blindly choosing surgeries, without thinking of the consequences that could rise later.
Dr Fuad Ahmed, consultant, general surgery, Burjeel Hospital, told Khaleej Times that more patients are now seeking alternatives other than the common strict diet.
“A weight loss surgery can be useful, but it should be the last option for the patient.”
He pointed out that for gastric bypass surgeries, patients must first follow a six months programme, that will determine whether they are eligible for the operation.
“If there is no response from the diet and medications and if the body mass index (BMI) is 35 and above, then they will qualify for the surgery.” He explained that a BMI of 18-23 is ideal, 28-35 is rated as class one obesity, whereas 35-29 is class two and 40-49 is class three.
Dr Ahmed noted that even after the gastric bypass surgery — which amounts to around Dh40,000 — patients must understand that the battle with their health and weight does not end right away.
Early complications that could develop from gastric bypass includes breathing difficulties, bleeding within the first 24-hours and even an abdomen leak, which will cause stomach to come out, meaning the patient will need to be operated on again.
Long term complications includes the lack of critical nutrient absorption from food intake, which means patients will have to rely on vitamins for the rest of their lives.
“Some patients lose the weight and then regain it. The operation is just a tool, it is up to the patients to change their life style after surgery.”
Dr Mohammed Al Hadad, consultant bariatric surgeon and consultant general surgeon, Healthpoint, also highlighted that surgery must not be the first option for patients. He noted that the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) set out strict guidelines in 2009 that determine if a patient is qualified for weight loss surgery.
“We have patients that think this is the easy way out and we instantly label them. We work harder with them, and until they show us they are willing to change, we will go ahead.”
Dr Al Hadad noted that patients opting to go under the knife must understand that post-surgery life “will not be rosy,” thus it is up to them to lead a health future.