Weight loss surgeries are not a ‘cure’ for diabetes, some ethics experts say.
Weight loss surgeries are not a ‘cure’ for diabetes, some ethics experts say
Shobita Dhar,TNN | Oct 4, 2014,
Weight-loss surgeries should not be promoted as a diabetes 'cure', say some ethics experts, as they are not without risks
As obesity rates in India continue to rise, more and more people are seeking surgery for weight loss. And while the procedure is safe and effective for most people, complications can occur as in the case of a senior cabinet minister who was recently hospitalized due to an infection that developed after undergoing a gastric bypass in Delhi.
But are patients and their relatives getting enough warning before they opt for the surgical route to weight loss? Gopal Agrawal, a Mumbai-based banker, says he wasn't aware of these risks till he lost his father in 2012 to a complication developed after undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy. Agrawal alleges that the surgeon — a reputed name in Mumbai — did not brief his family about risks of the surgery. "The surgeon never mentioned to us that there are chances of infection or complications with this surgery," says Agrawal. His 56-year-old father who suffered from high blood pressure, knee pain and sleep issues was operated in a private hospital in Mumbai. Within 48 hours of surgery, Agrawal's father — who weighed 116kg — developed breathing problems due water accumulation in lungs. He never recovered from this complication and died four months later. Agrawal has filed a case in consumer court and with the Maharashtra Medical Council against the bariatric surgeon more
Shobita Dhar,TNN | Oct 4, 2014,
Weight-loss surgeries should not be promoted as a diabetes 'cure', say some ethics experts, as they are not without risks
As obesity rates in India continue to rise, more and more people are seeking surgery for weight loss. And while the procedure is safe and effective for most people, complications can occur as in the case of a senior cabinet minister who was recently hospitalized due to an infection that developed after undergoing a gastric bypass in Delhi.
But are patients and their relatives getting enough warning before they opt for the surgical route to weight loss? Gopal Agrawal, a Mumbai-based banker, says he wasn't aware of these risks till he lost his father in 2012 to a complication developed after undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy. Agrawal alleges that the surgeon — a reputed name in Mumbai — did not brief his family about risks of the surgery. "The surgeon never mentioned to us that there are chances of infection or complications with this surgery," says Agrawal. His 56-year-old father who suffered from high blood pressure, knee pain and sleep issues was operated in a private hospital in Mumbai. Within 48 hours of surgery, Agrawal's father — who weighed 116kg — developed breathing problems due water accumulation in lungs. He never recovered from this complication and died four months later. Agrawal has filed a case in consumer court and with the Maharashtra Medical Council against the bariatric surgeon more
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I feel sorry to read about the sufferings of Mr. Gopal Agarwal family in Mumbai. In fact, we do not have much/ any choice when you are in the Hospital, SPECIALIZED Doctors busy selling their products/surgery to the suffering person/family simply to make more money. GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN GENERAL PHYSICIAN USED TO TAKE CARE of our 90% HEALTH ISSUES. more
Oct 05
I do not know what to say about ethics being followed by some doctors. Patients/relatives should be told about all the risks involved in all surgeries whether of knee, heart, kidney or for obesity etc. I heard there is an oath of following ethics which doctors take after passing medical degree. It is useful to keep this oath in a frame prominently displayed in front walls of the doctors, so that they are reminded of this oath always. That may, perhaps, make some difference, God willing. more
Oct 04
