Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker regularly conducts a Bariatric Surgery Support Group Meeting wherein people living with obesity share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs openly, seek advice and coping strategies, celebrate each other’s milestones, and provide mutual encouragement to follow a healthy lifestyle

Mumbai:  A group of around 58 individuals, united by a shared challenge and triumph came together on a platform to share stories of weight loss, improved well-being, and emotional resilience. These narratives not only showcased physical transformations but also highlighted the societal and psychological impacts of obesity and its accompanying stigma. Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, a renowned bariatric surgeon, conducted the event, guiding numerous individuals on their transformative journeys. The gathering also featured a 45-minute “Positive Life Affirmations” workshop led by Ms. Kruti Sharma, founder of Mumbai’s Image and Lifestyle Studio. This workshop aimed to empower patients who underwent bariatric surgery and their companions by fostering a positive self-image and mindset through personalized affirmations. These support group meetings are instrumental in reshaping lives.

In our society, obesity is often not recognized as a medical condition but rather seen as self-inflicted and something that is undeserving of medical intervention. This lack of understanding results in various misconceptions about obesity. Despite bariatric surgery being the most effective treatment for severe obesity, it remains stigmatized and taboo in Indian society. This mis-belief perpetuates the stigma surrounding obesity, discouraging individuals from seeking necessary medical assistance. Obesity stigma remains a pervasive issue, often perpetuated by societal attitudes that equate body weight with personal value. Such stigma can hinder individuals from seeking necessary medical interventions and support. The stories exchanged in support group meetings underscore the harmful impact of this stigma, including social exclusion, emotional strain, and reduced self-esteem. The transformations experienced by the support group members demonstrate that significant and life-enhancing changes are possible with the right medical help and a supportive environment.

“Bariatric surgery support group meetings are a vital space for individuals living with obesity, to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs openly. The attendees of these meetings encompass a range of individuals, from those contemplating bariatric surgery to recent post-operative patients and those who underwent surgery long ago, along with occasional appearances by friends and family members. These gatherings provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community essential for long-term success in their weight loss journeys. The stories shared on this platform underscore the critical role of support and community in overcoming the challenges associated with obesity. The support group meetings offer a space where individuals can find understanding and encouragement, vital for maintaining motivation and self-esteem,” said Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, Consultant Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgeon, MetaHeal- Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery Center, Mumbai.

Dr Aparna added, “The advantages of support group meetings are manifold. They provide a safe and empathetic environment where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgment. These meetings foster a sense of community and belonging, which helps in emotional well-being. Participants can exchange practical advice and coping strategies, celebrate each other’s milestones, and provide mutual encouragement to follow a healthy lifestyle. This collective support can significantly enhance individual education, motivation, and resilience, aiding long-term success in weight management and overall health improvement.”

Amidst all the sharing, one particularly compelling narrative came from a mother who endured years of ridicule from her community. “My son used to come home in tears every evening, tormented by the women in our neighborhood who would call him ‘the son of the fat lady’,” she recalls. “Now, those same women refer to him as ‘the son of the lady who lost weight.'”

Another participant shared an equally inspiring story. “I weighed 262 kg when I underwent bariatric surgery in December 2022,” he says. “In the last 18 months, I’ve lost 120 kg. After eight years of unsuccessfully trying to have a baby, my wife and I are finally expecting. This dream became a reality thanks to bariatric surgery.”

A 58-year-old woman recounted her journey marked by skepticism and eventual success. “When I decided to undergo bariatric surgery, my husband was against it. He doubted my ability to lose weight, telling me I would never succeed,” she reveals. “But in the last eight months, I’ve lost 27 kg. Today, my husband is thrilled with my weight loss and improved health.”

The experiences of those in the bariatric surgery support group illuminate the profound impact of such interventions on individuals’ lives. “They remind us that overcoming obesity is not merely about physical change but also about societal transformation—challenging stigma, fostering empathy, and supporting each other in the journey towards better health and wellbeing”, highlighted Dr. Aparna.