Beyond weight loss
Maria Fernandes/NT
Obesity is recognised as a chronic medical condition that requires timely intervention and individualised care. For eligible patients who do not achieve adequate results through lifestyle modifications and medical treatment, bariatric surgery may offer an effective treatment option.
Dr. Manish Motwani, an accomplished metabolic and laparoscopic surgeon, recently appeared on The Navhind Times’ talk show, Talk from the Heart, which aired on the Goa 365 TV channel. During the conversation, he highlighted the importance of early intervention, personalised treatment approaches and long-term care in the management of obesity.
“Treat the problem when it’s a problem; don’t allow it to become a complication,” he said, highlighting the links between obesity and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. He stressed that bariatric surgery should not automatically be viewed as a last resort but as a medically indicated treatment option when appropriate.
Eligibility is determined by several factors, he elaborated, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, obesity-related health conditions and overall health. Under commonly used criteria, patients with a BMI above 35 or above 30 with obesity-related complications may be eligible for treatment. Emphasising the need for a tailored approach, he said, “Every stage of obesity is a different medical problem and each stage requires a different treatment.”
Explaining how the surgery helps the patient, he said, “Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by reducing stomach capacity, influencing appetite-regulating hormones and, in certain procedures, limiting nutrient absorption.” He added that the shift from open surgery to laparoscopic techniques has significantly improved recovery, with smaller incisions and specialised instruments minimising surgical trauma and allowing patients to resume movement sooner.
However, surgery carries risks, including bleeding, leaks and narrowing at the operated site. Nutritional deficiencies may also occur without appropriate dietary management and supplementation. “There is not one surgery for all,” Dr. Motwani said, explaining that procedures must be selected according to each patient’s needs and medical condition.
Before surgery, patients undergo comprehensive assessments covering physical, medical and psychological health. Evaluations may include cardiac and respiratory assessments, diabetes management and psychological screening. A multidisciplinary team determines whether surgery can proceed safely and whether additional treatment is needed beforehand.
Addressing common misconceptions, he stressed that bariatric surgery is neither a shortcut to weight loss nor simply a cosmetic procedure. He described it as “life-saving, life-transforming and life-changing” surgery, emphasising its potential to improve health and quality of life. He noted that young, unmarried adults may also be candidates when medically appropriate.
Long-term success, he said, depended on sustainable eating habits, physical activity and follow-up care. He recommended small meals, thorough chewing and limiting sugary foods. Weight regain, he explained, can occur because of behavioural, hormonal or anatomical changes, making continued medical support important.
His advice to those considering surgery was to not delay seeking professional help until complications develop. “Obesity is a medical problem. It requires a scientific solution,” he said, encouraging people to consult qualified obesity specialists for supervised, individualised treatment.
