Patients who underwent minimally invasive weight loss surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), say the healthy lifestyle they now lead has greatly improved their confidence.
Teekah Singh, 33, and Sharon Stevenson, 56, were the first and second patients to undergo the life-changing laparoscopic bariatric surgery at the hospital.
On Wednesday, the pair agreed that their health has significantly improved; they encouraged others to follow a diet plan and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
The surgery is geared to reduce the stomach, therefore making it easier for persons to consume less, easily decreasing their chances of over-eating.
Singh was recommended the surgery after he tried dieting but didn’t lose weight. The surgery, a first of its kind performed locally, was carried out in February 2022.
“Life was normal- I had my size but (I was) active because of my work, but I kept getting bigger and bigger. Then I came to the hospital to see Dr. Ramcharran [the surgery consultant] and then he related to me about the loss weight surgery,” Singh said.
He underwent a diet plan but with no progress in losing weight, Singh was approved for surgery.
He satisfied several requirements, including clinical tests and doctors’ visits to ensure he was fit for the procedure.
“After the surgery it was strictly liquid [foods] for about three months. And then we moved to softer foods like soup.
“I could eat any kind of food but not a large amount. I am far slimmer and more agile and more proud,” Singh said.
Meanwhile, Stevenson’s obesity prevented her from being able to walk properly and she also had other complications, which were all determining factors for her to undergo the surgery in August, 2022.
As a result of having hypertension and diabetes, she joined the clinic. Soon after, she was recommended for the surgery because she was obese.
“I couldn’t move about so agile, but now since the surgery I can breathe now. I’m doing everything as normal. Before this surgery, I didn’t know how difficult it was moving around with that size. But now I see the difference so you have to keep it up,” Stevenson said.
She added, “I was so proud that I got this surgery done and I feel so good. I will keep it up.”
Persons who have had the surgery eat a lower amount of food, which helps weight-loss and according to both Singh and Stevenson, being able to walk and move without restriction has transformed their lives.
