Bariatric surgery may improve kidney function among overweight people

Shashank Shah, a bariatric surgeon at Pune claims that bariatric surgery can substantially improve kidney function among overweight people. Shah has studied renal parameters of 70 obese patients following weight-loss surgery and claims to have found marked improvement in kidney performance after significant and sustained weight loss. One of his patients Raksha (46) had developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) about three years ago, which put her on the verge of dialysis and eventual kidney transplant. This is when her doctor suggested bariatric surgery to overcome the problems.

Following her doctor’s advice, Raksha underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, a kind of bariatric surgery about a year ago. She has lost 38 kg since then, and her kidney function has improved significantly. “My kidneys are functioning normally now. My surgeon told me that if I maintain the weight, my kidney functions may stabilize for many more years,” tells Raksha, whose weight before the surgery was 120 kg.

Raksha’s is not the only case. Forty-year-old Rishikesh (37) weighed 115 kg before the surgery and had been suffering from diabetes and blood pressure. He lost 39 kg in body weight after the surgery and says that the surgery alleviated his diabetes and improved kidney functions.

Avinash (50) also suffered from obesity along with severe diabetes, hypertension, and quickly weakening kidneys. He was on high doses of insulin. However, he says, “three years after bariatric surgery, I have lost much weight. The protein excretion in my urine has reduced and kidney function has stabilized.”

According to medical experts, high body mass index (BMI) elevates levels of serum creatinine in the blood. Nephrologist Shriniwas Ambike says, “Obesity is one of the factors that increase excretion of protein in urine and can result in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).”

There are many health problems which are directly related to obesity or being overweight. On top are diabetes and heart disease, but the problems associated with obesity include many more than just these two. For instance, obese people are at an increased risk for hypertension, certain cancers, liver and gallbladder disease, and stroke. People who are overweight may also develop arthritis and may have breathing problems, or sleep apnea. Obese women may even have difficulty in conceiving a child.

From a scientific perspective, to lose weight one needs to burn more calories than one consumes. To achieve this, either one can take in fewer calories on a daily basis than consumed, or increase activity the level to burn more calories. However, this is not as easy as it sounds. People who want to get rid of extra weight, especially a significant amount, need to have a plan, set realistic goals, and be consistent in their efforts.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a long-term, even lifetime, commitment to health and one has to be serious about it. Suitable modifications in diet and daily activities may be made to reach the desired weight goals. Including spinach, turmeric, and other ingredients having similar properties, in diet can help in losing weight. Health care providers such as nutritionists and personal trainers can be helpful in developing a realistic, workable plan for healthy weight loss. In extreme cases, however, consulting a bariatric physician is recommended.

To read this article in Hindi, click here

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