Weight-loss surgery camp targets people living with severe obesity

DAR ES SALAAM: PEOPLE living with severe obesity and seeking to improve their overall health and quality of life are set to benefit from a special weight-loss surgery camp offering advanced bariatric procedures using minimally invasive techniques.

The camp will run from Monday to September 11.

Shifaa Pan African Hospital in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, which is organising the initiative, said the camp will provide members of the public with an opportunity to undergo comprehensive health assessments and receive professional medical advice on weight-loss surgery using modern minimally invasive technology.

Speaking yesterday, the hospital’s Specialist Surgeon, Dr Kassim Bahsan, said the initiative is particularly intended for people struggling with severe obesity and looking for a safe and effective approach to improving their health.

“If you have been struggling with excessive weight and are looking for a safe and effective way to improve your health, this is an important opportunity to take a meaningful step towards a healthier life,” Dr Bahsan said.

He added that on September 4, Shifaa Pan African Hospital will host a public health education forum, where members of the public will have an opportunity to learn more about weight-loss surgery, including who qualifies for the procedure, its benefits and the expected outcomes.

“It will be an educational seminar on weight management. Participants will learn why weight-loss surgery may be recommended and who can benefit from it. They will also hear first-hand experiences from patients who have undergone the procedure and achieved significant weight loss. Some have reported improvements in conditions such as diabetes and hip pain,” he said.

The hospital’s Head of the Department of Surgery, Dr Murad Tarmohamed, said the initiative presents an important opportunity for people living with severe obesity to access specialist medical advice and potentially regain their normal quality of life.

He urged members of the public to take advantage of the camp by consulting experienced specialist surgeons, who will assess their individual conditions and provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take before undergoing surgery.

“Members of the public should take advantage of this opportunity to consult our team of highly experienced specialist surgeons. They will provide professional guidance on the necessary pre-operative assessments and the most appropriate treatment options to help patients return to a healthier and more active lifestyle,” Dr Tarmohamed said.

He explained that one of the key advantages of the procedure is that it is performed using minimally invasive techniques involving small incisions, which can facilitate faster recovery and enable patients to resume their normal daily activities sooner.

The hospital has also recorded successful outcomes among patients who have undergone weight-loss surgery.

According to Dr Tarmohamed, some patients who previously weighed as much as 148 kilogrammes have successfully reduced their weight to approximately 98 kilogrammes, enabling them to enjoy improved health and quality of life.

Shifaa Pan African Hospital has so far successfully performed minimally invasive weight-loss surgery on 20 patients living with severe obesity, with the hospital maintaining a team of highly specialised medical professionals dedicated to bariatric surgery and related care.

Dr Tarmohamed emphasised that weight-loss surgery should not be viewed merely as a cosmetic procedure, but as an important medical intervention for people whose excessive weight places them at risk of various health complications.

“Many people mistakenly believe that this type of surgery is primarily for cosmetic purposes. That is not the case. It offers significant health benefits, including helping patients manage or overcome obesity-related conditions such as diabetes. Some patients who experienced breathing difficulties due to excessive weight have also experienced significant improvement following surgery,” he said.

He further noted that excessive weight can contribute to chronic pain and mobility challenges, particularly affecting the knees and hips. Patients who undergo appropriate weight-loss treatment may experience substantial improvements in mobility and reduced pain.