Bariatric Surgery Helps Iraqi Man Lose 151-kilo Body Weight in 12 Months

A 43-year-old Iraqi man weighing 301 kg underwent a bariatric surgery on March 23 at BLK Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi. He is feeling lighter now, as he will be able to shed around 151 kg over 12 months.

Ali Saddam had put on so much weight and was touted as Iraq's heaviest man. His regular diet regimen included 24 eggs for breakfast, two chickens with 12 chapattis for lunch, and one goat for dinner along with two liters of milk and 15 khaboos (Arabic roti).

His weight gain was accompanied by a string of health issues, including uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep disorder. Because of obstructive sleep apnoea, Ali had to depend on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

Dr.Deep Goel, Senior Consultant and Director, Bariatric and Advance Laparoscopy Surgery, said, "When the patient first came to us, we weren't able to locate the abdomen as he had developed one foot of fat deposits around the belly. All his organs were densely covered with layers of fat. Secondly, controlling his heartbeat, blood pressure and sugar level was also critical before preparing him for surgery. Given his size, a team comprising two surgeons had to stand on stools while Ali was laid down on two operation tables."

Dr. Goel said, "The doctors performed the surgery in an hour using minimally invasive surgery. Ali has lost 20 kg in five days after the surgery. He would be able to lose almost half of his weight in next 12 months." The hospital administration had to make special bed arrangements in ICU for Ali to lie down properly.

Ali Saddam said, "I was reduced to a recluse in my own house. My appetite increased day-by-day and I maintained a sluggish lifestyle for years. I used to fall asleep while sitting in the car, watching TV and even talking. I did not realise that a heavy diet of saturated fats would end up making me weigh so much."



Source: Medindia