"In the film industry, it's common to do a cosmetic job and hide it. The fact that these girls have come up and shared their journey of how bariatric surgery has changed their life is commendable!" - Roop Kumar Rathod
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"The health of India is changing because of surgeons like Dr. Lakdawala." - Shri Nitin Raut
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"Obesity is a boat which takes so many chronic diseases. But Dr. Lakdawala is doing a fabulous job." - Anil Deshmukh
Dr. Lakdawala's charming genius, a pleasant Sunday afternoon, coffee and some serious conversations about potential ways to an improved health and lifestyle makes perfect description of "Coffee with Muffi", an event that has transformed lives of many Mumbaikars.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140505/10096755)
Which is perhaps why 250 patients turned up along with their families to spend an afternoon interacting, enjoying a special photo booth and listening to not just Dr. Lakdawala talk, but interact with his team, at the 10th anniversary of CODS (Centre for Obesity and Digestive Surgeries) and "Coffee with Muffi" - a unique support group launched for bringing together like-sized patients across the country.
Joining this special event were also Dr. Muffi's patients - Honorable minister Anil Deshmukh (who's a GI patient), and celebrity bariatric surgery patients - Maharashtra Health Minister Nitin Raut, Salma Khan (Salman's mom) and builder M P Lodha who were present to inaugurate the first CODS calendar. The calendar - a first for bariatric surgery patients showcasing their before and after lives - showcases images of their journey where more and more of these patients have come out to talk about their bariatric surgery.
Even the politicians and patients commended Dr. Lakdawala handsomely. A fit-looking Nitin Raut said, "The health of India is changing because of surgeons like Dr. Lakdawala." Even Anil Deshmukh, Civil Supply Minister, said, "Obesity is a boat which takes many chronic diseases on it. But Dr. Lakdawala is doing a fabulous job in combatting the same."
Designer Alvira Agnihotri, writer and producer Mushtaq Shaikh who chose the 10 girls out of the 250 entries from amongst the patients who sent their story came in to lend their support. Even VIP Industries owner Dilip Piramal, a bariatric surgery patient, was present at this event which was held at the Y B Chavan Center.
The lovely calendar girls were even bought onto the stage by Roop Kumar Rathod who said, "In the industry, it's common to get "jobs" done and then hide it from every one. But here, these lovely ladies have come forward and shared the details of their surgery and why they have done it - it's absolutely commendable!"
Some of the calendar girls couldn't stop talking about the change of their lives. "I was overweight, had trouble breathing and my blood pressure was unstable. Also, I was in a negative frame of mind, and I didn't want to live like that anymore. Today, after I lost weight through CODS, my own family, who didn't really believe me, has a lot of faith in me. I am totally enjoying my life, going out, being social, being able to walk and accomplish so many things on my own," says Namrata Dhabawala, 40.
Hair stylist Afreen Elaviya, 23, said, "My life around me hasn't changed that dramatically but what has changed is me. I was very depressed when I was overweight. I had no self-confidence. I used to think that people loved me because they didn't want me to feel bad and that they would break my heart. Now, I know that people love me for who I am."
Can a coffee ever be complete without a rapid fire. A fun Q&A round saw Dr. Lakdawala at his wittiest best. When asked about who is his most popular politician patient was, he said, "Nitin Gadkari made us famous. But Venkaiah Naidu is the one who follows diet, instructions to the T with a regular half-an-hour workout and other restrictions."
Dr. Muffi loves coffee and hence he nicknamed this support group "Coffee with Muffi". This is a casual approach to dealing with serious health issues. It's an interactive session of patients with the best doctor one can come across. Fondly called Mufi, Dr. Lakdawala initiated "Coffee with Muffi" to give all concerned a platform to express their anxieties and seek advice from the amicable and warm Dr. Lakdawala.
When asked why he chose women to feature in the calendar, Dr. Lakdawala who's performed 3000 surgeries said, "As a doctor, I celebrate every small win in my sphere of work as it's about giving hope or life to someone else. The CODS calendar as a concept is a big victory not only for every single woman in it but also for all the 250 who applied. Unfortunately, we could choose only 10 women to be a part of the CODS calendar this year. This calendar is a platform for these women to come out of their comfort zones and express themselves."
When asked why women were chosen, he said, "I believe that obesity affects women way much more psychologically and socially, than it does men. A few cases that come to my mind are, an obese daughter hating her thin mother and her mother's despair at this thought or a sibling hating her younger sister who was not so plump, driving her towards suicidal tendencies. The large number of young girls compromise on their choice of life partners as they believe that their obesity will be just the reason for not getting the man of their dreams. I believe they shrink into their own cocoons, living with complexes and believing that they are missing out on the best things in life, their friends are judgmental and don't care for them."
Asia's most well-known laparoscopic surgeon and acclaimed expert on modern age weight loss surgeries like digestive surgery, bariartric surgery (for weight loss), etc., Dr. Lakdawala's spell of genius has not spared even the biggies like Hon'ble Shri Nitin Gadkari and Hon'ble Shri Nitin Raut. They are the biggest testimony to how this modern age therapy has helped them live a disease-free healthy life.
Dr. Lakdawala, together with his team, runs the leading medical institute - CODS, India. Known for 100% success rate, the CODS India team has done the maximum no. of weight loss surgeries in India, i.e. more than 2500 surgeries in 9 years, and still counting.
CODS India also comprises of a team of nutritionists, psychologists and well-trained staff who ensure both pre and post-operative care for patients. Those wanting to know more about this revolutionary team can log onto www.codsindia.com or watch their patients' stories on Youtube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl1VIw8ez_s
About CODS:
The Centre for Obesity and Digestive Surgery, CODS, founded by Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, one of Asia's most well-known laparoscopic surgeons, is an institution built on the pillars of experience and excellence. Providing comprehensive solutions to all digestive and weight related issues, in an environment of world-class infrastructure, super-specialized healthcare professionals and personalized care, is the vision that drives all of CODS' initiatives and services. The CODS team, trained and led by Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, includes highly qualified and committed doctors like Dr. Aparna, Dr. Rashmi, and many others. Combining their skills with the latest, cutting-edge technology in the field of surgery, CODS ensures complete dedication towards the well-being of each of its patients. CODS' aim is to make safe and reliable medical treatment accessible to everyone who needs it. It strives to create awareness and mitigate issues related to digestive surgery, bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery), co-morbidities of obesity, so patients get a second chance at life. For more details, log onto www.codsindia.com
About Dr. Mufazzal Lakdawala:
Dr. Lakdawala is regularly hosted by several institutions and forums to teach and practice bariatric and laparoscopic surgery across Asia. Multiple live surgical demonstrations have been organized at key international forums across Asia. He holds prestigious positions in numerous policy think tanks and clinical organizations globally. He is the Chairman of the Position Statement Committee for IFSO (International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity & Metabolic Disorders) and is on the board of the Asian Endosurgery Task Force (AETF). He enjoys clinical privileges at Saifee Hospital (Director & Chief - Department of GI, Minimal Access and Bariatic Surgery) and Fortis Memorial Research Institute Hospital in Gurgaon, Delhi (Director & Chief - Department of GI, Minimal Access and Bariatic Surgery).
Check out Dr. Mufazzal Lakdawala's profile on http://www.codsindia.com/dr.lakdawala-cv.pdf
Media Contact: Nidhi Taparia, [email protected], 9892049374, CODS India
