Patients who have undergone Bariatric surgery walk the ramp in a unique fashion show
New Delhi, 29th April, 2015: Dr Atul NC Peters, Director, Bariatric, Metabolic and Minimum Access Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh was adjudged the ‘International Surgeon of Excellence’ by the Surgical Review Corporation, USA. To mark this achievement, a unique fashion show was put together by the hospital over a weekend, where patients who had undergone bariatric surgery walked the ramp and shared their life experience.
Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an internationally recognized healthcare leader committed to advancing the safety, efficacy and efficiency of surgical care worldwide. The SRC recognises Surgeon of Excellence as one who adheres to highest standards of medical care. This is a Distinctive accreditation as patients identify one as a world-class surgeon. While the heritage of the organisation can be traced to bariatric surgery, SRC now offers Excellence programs and health information technologies to other surgical specialties as well.
Dr. Atul NC Peters, Director Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Fortis Shalimar Bagh said,“Obesity can severely affect one’s quality of life significantly. A recent study puts an alarming 70 percent of India’s urban population as obese. With morbid obesity affecting 11% of the country’s population, India is following a trend of the other developing countries that are steadily becoming more obese. Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery has been able to transform the lives of many obese people and has improved their quality of life especially of those suffering with diabetes”.
A few patients who had been through Bariatric surgery shared their personal experiences and the joy of living a healthy life after the surgery. Pankaj and Sanjaya Sain, a middle aged couple, while sharing their experience said, “Life had become a curse due to our overweight and we were ageing faster, much before time. We had both developed obesity related co-morbidities like Hypertension, Diabetes etc. But after the surgery, we feel as though we have taken a new birth. We have not only got rid ourselves of all our excess weight but also of the diseases. We love socializing and no longer feel embarrassed in large crowds. We are enjoying life to the fullest now.”
Ruchi Vij, another patient, who made the choice of bariatric surgery said” At early 30’s, life was just not fair to me because of my excess weight and problems associated with it. I became an introvert and a recluse and stayed locked in my room. I even gave up on my job and stayed at home. But after my Surgery, I feel confident and happy. I have started working again. Dressing up and looking good has become a part of my daily routine. Life has changed and so have I.”
Congratulating Dr. Peters on being conferred the award, Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Facility Director of Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh said, ” Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh has offered treatments and procedures in multiple clinical specialties that have carved an identity in healthcare. The organization is proud of Dr. Atul NC Peters whose efforts have resulted in this prestigious International accreditation. The hospital regularly runs a Bariatric Support Group for the operated Bariatric patients to encourage communication to overcome the challenges that obese patients experience and encourage them to be socially active. “
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century, with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the country’s population.India is following a trend of other developing countries that are steadily becoming more obese. Unhealthy, processed food has become much more accessible following India’s continued integration in global food markets. This, combined with rising middle class incomes, is increasing the average caloric intake per individual among the middle class and above income households. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and raising awareness about this issue has become the need of the hour.
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. 23The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Singapore, Dubai, Mauritius and Sri Lanka with 54 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), approximately 10,000 potential beds and 260 diagnostic centres. In a global study of the 30 most technologically advanced hospitals in the world, its flagship, the Fortis Memorial Research Institute’ (FMRI), was ranked No.2, by ‘topmastersinhealthcare.com, and placed ahead of many other outstanding medical institutions in the world.