Weight loss is a difficult journey. For some, it’s a life or death situation. For others, it’s an opportunity to get themselves back on track, or prevent drastic complications from taking place. Either way, the topic of weight and health is something that can’t be avoided.
People seek help in altering their body weight for different reasons, many of which could be lifesaving. That’s why, dear readers, we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ahmed Al Mulla.
Dr. Al Mulla is a surgical consultant and head of general surgery at Royale Hayat Hospital, with expertise in Obesity surgeries of the bariatric, laparoscopy and oncology nature. The RSCI graduate boasts fellowships and qualifications from the American College of Surgeons, and the International Federation of Obesity Surgery, as well as the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. With his credentials, it’s no wonder that the surgeon has a passion for what he does; “I chose to become a surgeon because I respect it as a medical practice,” he says matter-of-factly. “The difference between surgery and medicine is that, with surgery, you can confront the issue and treat it right away, then after allowing the patient to rest for a short period of time, you see instant results. Medicine is a waiting game filled with hope and anticipation – taking tablets, and significantly guarantee less that the patient’s ailment will be cured.”
Enter the obesity ailment. According to Dr. Al Mulla, “Obesity was classified as a disease in 2012, due to its widespread over the past century. It used to be known as a state, but with minimal mobility and overconsumption of processed foods, it has turned into a pandemic.” Though it may seem dramatic, the numbers don’t lie: Did you know that in the 1980s, Obesity in children was less than 10 percent, and now it’s reaching at 35 percent in some countries? That’s a terrifying statistic to be faced with, and what’s even scarier is that obesity is reaching up to 45 percent with adults in Kuwait. With almost half of the population being obese, this burdens the Ministry of Health, who have to keep up to treat the 195 diseases associated with and caused by obesity.
If you fall into that category, keep calm and ask the right questions. At Royale Hayat Hospital, Dr. Al Mulla and his team of talented surgeons are prepared to help change your life for the better, if you have a skyrocketing BMI (body mass index) anywhere between 35-40 or above, and some cases, if your BMI is between 30-35. “Generally, we encourage people whose BMI falls in the overweight-grade one obesity range (25-35) to alter their lifestyles with diet and exercise before considering an invasive surgery. We only operate on Grade 1 Obesity patients (30-35) if they’re suffering from an extreme case of diabetes, or have Metabolic Syndrome: diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol all at once.”
But, if you do classify as overweight to mildly obese and have reached your breaking point, you could opt for an endoscopic (oral) method like the balloon. The “balloon” is filled with water, and goes into your stomach through your mouth to aid in lessening your portions. It stays in there for six months and can be adjustable. Think of it as a tool, giving you the push to reach your weight-loss goals, along with a sustainable food and fitness plan.
However, those with a higher BMI and medical issues such as diabetes, bronchial asthma, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and any of the other diseases linked to obesity, more than qualify for the updated surgical methods of bariatric surgery, or the Sleeve Gastrectomy. “The greatest thing about the innovation of this surgery, is that the incisions we make aren’t like they were 15 years ago – nowadays, we make smaller keyhole incisions, which makes for a less invasive surgery and a quicker recovery. Where a recovery used to take a couple of weeks, the patient can now go back to work three or four days after surgery!”
And to further sweeten the road to a new life, Royale Hayat Hospital’s full package treatment includes dieticians, physicians, pharmacists and nurses, in addition to Dr. Al Mulla and his team of surgeons, who will walk you through the best surgical experience possible. “But don’t forget, you have to put in the work as well. We cannot stress how important it is for the treatment of obesity to include a healthier lifestyle. All we’re doing is our part to help fight it, treat it, and giving you a chance to start over. It’s up to you to do the rest.”
Royale Hayat Hospital is located in Jabriya, off the 4th Ring Road. For more information on the General Surgery wing, visit their website at www.royalehayat.com, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook @royalehayat.
Follow Dr. Al Mulla on Twitter @doctoralmulla, Instagram @dr_ahmed_almulla, and Snapchat: doctoralmulla.
