4 days ago
Nairobi Woman Survives Complications After 11 Weight-Loss Surgeries
A woman from Nairobi had very serious health problems after many operations to lose weight.
She had her first operation when she was 17 and weighed 200 kilograms.
Over the years, she had 11 operations, but some caused dangerous complications.
She developed an intestinal leak, an infection and severe weakness because her body was not getting enough nutrients.
Doctors in India first treated the infection and helped her regain strength instead of operating immediately.
They later placed a long tube called a stent near the leak so it could heal.
She now weighs 86 kilograms and is preparing to go home.
Experts say obesity is a long-term disease and should be treated with science and compassion, not blame.
A 32-year-old Nairobi woman underwent 11 weight-loss and revision procedures over 15 years.
Repeated surgeries caused severe nutritional deficiencies, an intestinal leak, infection, sepsis and pus drainage.
Doctors first stabilized her with infection treatment, nutritional support, intensive care and physiotherapy.
A long stent was later placed across the stomach leak to help it heal.
Now weighing 86 kg, she has been discharged and is expected to return to Nairobi.
- Who
- A 32-year-old woman from Nairobi, Dr Shashank Shah’s medical team, and Indian obesity-care experts.
- What
- The woman was treated for life-threatening complications after 11 weight-loss surgeries, while medical societies issued a wider obesity-care consensus.
- Where
- She underwent procedures in Nairobi, Dubai and Mumbai, and received her latest treatment at Dr Shashank Shah’s centre in Pune.
- When
- Her surgical journey began in 2011; she was treated by Dr Shashank Shah this year and is expected to return home shortly.
- Why
- Repeated procedures led to nutritional deficiencies, infection, sepsis and a stomach leak; doctors treated these problems before placing a stent.
Key facts
- Patient
- A 32-year-old woman from Nairobi
- Starting weight
- 200 kg at age 17
- Number of procedures
- 11 weight-loss and revision surgeries
- Current weight
- 86 kg
- Major complications
- Severe nutritional deficiencies, sepsis, an intestinal leak and continuous pus drainage
- Treatment
- Infection control, nutritional support, intensive medical care, physiotherapy and a long stent across the leak
- Consensus
- The Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India and the Endocrine Society of India issued 55 recommendations based on the work of 78 experts
Quotes
Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker
Bariatric and metabolic surgeon quoted on obesity-care recommendations
“Obesity deserves the same scientific, compassionate and long-term approach as any other chronic disease. The focus should be on improving health, not blaming the individual.”
indianexpress.com
“When she arrived at our centre, her chances of survival were extraordinarily poor.”
indianexpress.com
The Nairobi woman
A 32-year-old woman from Nairobi who underwent 11 weight-loss procedures
“Doctor, I want to live.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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