From Fear To Recovery As Metabolic Surgery Gives Obese Patients A Second Chance At Life

Twenty-four-year-old Ritu Sharma recalled the constant anxiety her family endured as her mother, Rekha Sharma (54), weighing 88 kg and battling uncontrolled diabetes, saw her health steadily decline. “We were living under constant tension,” she said, reflecting on the period before medical intervention.

In March last year, her mother underwent metabolic surgery at AIIMS Delhi. Since then, her weight has dropped sharply to 50 kg, and her diabetes is now under control without the need for medication, said Ritu. Beaming with relief, she described the transformation as “a second life” for her mother.

Ritu said they have been careful to support long-term recovery by ensuring a simple, home-cooked diet. Reflecting on the cause of her mother’s illness, Ritu, who lost her father around 20 years ago, said prolonged stress had played a significant role in triggering both obesity and diabetes.

Rekha, accompanied by her daughter Ritu, was among several patients who shared their experiences at a patient interaction programme organised by the Department of Surgery, AIIMS Delhi recently. The aim was to enable patients to share post-surgery experiences and address common doubts related to bariatric and metabolic surgery.

The Health Outlook later spoke to them in detail, and their stories revealed a common thread: years of overeating or stress-driven, sedentary lifestyles—often compounded by alcohol use and smoking—progressively worsening metabolic health and ultimately leading to surgery when medication and dietary measures failed to deliver results.

Medha Bhatt (34), a Dwarka-based advocate, recalled a long, uneven battle with obesity—marked by overeating, discipline, relapse, and delayed diagnosis. After reducing her weight from 113 kg to 76 kg through intermittent fasting and exercise, her health worsened following a premature delivery in 2024. Diagnosed with thyroid disorder, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), she regained weight, turning recovery into what seemed like a hopeless uphill struggle.

In December last year, Medha underwent bariatric surgery. Since then, she has lost nearly 17 kg, bringing her weight down to 98 kg. “Earlier, I used to live for food. Now I have realised that I need to eat to live,” she said, describing a significant reduction in food cravings after the surgery. Gradually resuming a balanced diet, she says the procedure has helped her regain control over both her health and daily life. “I can no longer live the carefree foodie life I once did; my baby now comes first.”

Ratan Prakash (67), who has been living with diabetes for the past nine years, underwent metabolic surgery a few days ago. He said the surgery has already shown early health benefits, and early investigations have indicated a drop in his blood sugar levels. His weight has reduced from 81 kg to 71 kg. Currently on a prescribed liquid diet as part of post-operative care, he said he is feeling better and optimistic about recovery.

“I hope to gradually bring my weight down to between 58 and 68 kg,” he said, adding that the early improvement has given him confidence about regaining better health.

Suman Kashyap (32) from East Delhi shared a similar experience. Once weighing 129 kg, she has brought her weight down to 90 kg after surgery and says her quality of life has improved markedly. “I feel better physically and can climb stairs without difficulty,” she said. Though she does not have diabetes, Suman flagged the long-term cost of nutritional supplements and medicines as a concern. “We are grateful that the surgery was free, but I hope the government also considers supporting the cost of lifelong medicines. That would make the journey to better health easier,” she added.

Rakesh Kumar (48) from Haryana underwent bariatric surgery in December 2024 after his weight had climbed to 172 kg, with 166 kg recorded at the time of surgery. Years of unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption had taken a toll on his health.

Since the procedure, Rakesh has lost nearly 64 kg and now weighs 102 kg. He said the surgery has also led to the resolution of his thyroid-related problems and a marked improvement in his physical stamina. “Earlier, even walking was difficult. Now I can walk long distances and no longer feel weighed down by my body,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Rakesh said lifestyle-related factors and poor dietary choices had driven his weight gain. Post-surgery, he now follows strict portion control and is committed to maintaining long-term dietary discipline and healthier living. Rakesh said he has significantly reduced smoking and alcohol consumption and is consciously working towards a healthier lifestyle, setting a target to bring his weight down further to 85 kg and eventually to 75 kg. “Earlier, I felt I would not live beyond 50 years. Now I feel my life expectancy has increased,” he said.

For Sneh Lata (47) from Samaypur Badli, Delhi, access to surgery in a public hospital proved crucial. Her weight had reached 98 kg after the age of 40, accompanied by thyroid disorder, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A mother of three children, she underwent bariatric surgery at AIIMS in April 2025. “I tried yoga and even supplements, but in vain,” she said. Post-surgery, her blood pressure has stabilised, thyroid levels have improved, and her sleep quality has increased. “I don’t snore anymore,” she said with a smile.

A similar journey is that of thirty-four-year-old Talvinder Singh, who runs a garment business in Tilak Nagar, Delhi. He said a sedentary lifestyle coupled with calorie-dense food habits had pushed his weight up to 117 kg. Borderline diabetic and unable to tolerate long-term medication, Singh opted for metabolic surgery. Since then, he has reduced his weight to 90 kg. “Earlier, I ate without thinking. Now I understand what my body actually needs,” he said, adding that he has shifted almost entirely to home-cooked food.

The highlight of the programme, however, was the presence of Member of Parliament Phaggan Singh Kulaste, who has himself undergone metabolic surgery. Sharing his personal weight-loss journey, Kulaste said the procedure had brought about a significant improvement in his overall health and quality of life. He praised the medical team involved in his treatment and stressed that, when appropriately advised and carefully monitored, such interventions could offer many patients a fresh start and a renewed chance at healthy living.

Dr. Manjunath, Additional Professor of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery at AIIMS Delhi, said that they have been doing such medical intervention for obese people for a quite long time, but during investigation it was found that patients with uncontrolled Type-2 diabetes and obesity have fully recovered from diabetes after undergoing metabolic surgery.

He emphasised that bariatric and metabolic surgery is not a cosmetic intervention but a medically indicated procedure for selected patients. “Metabolic surgery becomes crucial when obesity and type-2 diabetes remain uncontrolled despite long-term medication, exercise and dietary changes. Metabolic surgery is not the last but the best form of treatment for uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and that surgery offers durable metabolic benefits. The procedure which is almost two hour long brings positive hormonal and metabolic changes that help normalise blood sugar levels.”

Dr. Sunil Chumber, Professor & Head, Department of Surgery, AIIMS Delhi, talked about the growing obesity menace causing a slew of health hazards, with diabetes being the major killer which affects all vital organs. “Beyond diabetes, individuals with severe obesity frequently suffer from a cluster of associated conditions, including hypertension, abnormal lipid profiles, fatty liver disease among others. Together, these disorders significantly impair physical functioning, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.”

For patients with severe obesity, bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective therapeutic option. It not only enables substantial and sustained weight loss but also leads to complete or partial resolution of many obesity-related comorbidities, he added.

Speaking at the programme, Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Professor at the Department of Surgical Discipline, AIIMS Delhi, stressed the importance of precautions before and after surgery, proper nutritional management, and regular follow-up. He said that correct patient selection and treatment by a specialised medical team are key to the success of the surgery.

Dr. Prasanna Ramana, Fellow of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, AIIMS Delhi, made it clear that patients with type 1 diabetes do not benefit from metabolic surgery because their pancreas does not produce insulin, and the underlying cause of the disease is fundamentally different. As a result, surgical intervention does not address the core problem in such cases. In Type 2, only those individuals are selected for surgery whose BMI is 27.5 and above, as per the international guidelines. “Sometimes those who do not look obese but have central obesity are also right candidate for such surgery,” he added.

At the same time, Dr. Richa Jaiswal, Dietician (RD), Surgical Disciplines, gave detailed information on optimal nutrition for pre- and post-surgery individuals. “Diet and exercise form the backbone of any weight-loss and metabolic surgery programme. Nutritional care begins weeks—sometimes months—before surgery to prepare patients physically and mentally. In the 7–15 days before surgery, most patients have to follow a high-protein, low-calorie diet to reduce liver size and visceral fat, making surgery safer. This phase is also used to correct common micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, vitamin D, B12 and folate, and to train patients in portion control, mindful eating and healthy habits. Those opting for metabolic surgery at lower BMI need tailored dietary guidance rather than strict liquid diets.”

Post-surgery, nutrition remains critical. Diet progresses gradually from liquids to solid foods, with an emphasis on high-protein intake, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and regular follow-up to prevent deficiencies and complications, she added.