SUNGAI BULOH: M. Balaji has come a long way to get to where he is now thanks to his fighting spirit and the help of a dedicated team of doctors and medical workers.
“I remember when I was 318kg and admitted in Penang. I lost hope. I did not think people could help me lose weight,” said Balaji, who was later transferred to Sungai Buloh hospital in September last year for his treatment.
“The team in Sungai Buloh Hospital is simply amazing,” said Balaji, 48.
Balaji has managed to shed about half of his weight and now weighs 173kg.
His advice for another severely-obese man, Sia Chee Herng, 33, who needed firemen and a lorry to help transport him to a Sibu hospital on Friday, was to stay positive and to trust the team of doctors who are helping him.
“It was not easy but it can be done. Sia must exercise regularly with the help of the doctors and hospital staff. He will need a lot of support like I am getting here,” he said.
Balaji, who now enjoys red apples as his snacks, declined a treat when asked if he was craving for any food.
“No, cannot.
“They watch everything I eat here,” said Balaji as he pointed at a sign that says “Low Calorie Diet” at his bed.
Dr Mohammad Shukri Jahit of Sungai Buloh hospital said Balaji was now in good health. He said that Balaji was 280kg when they received him from Hospital Pulau Pinang.
“Everyone gave up on him as he was too obese with multiple medical issues.
“He was in total emotional disarray too at times, which was partly the reason why many teams gave up on him,” replied Dr Shukri through an e-mail from London.
According to Dr Shukri, the most important things in the management of an obese patient are sheer self-determination and discipline with good guidance from a dedicated team.
Balaji has gone through a few surgeries – gastric bypass, abdominoplasty and bilateral hip replacement less than one month ago, said Dr Shukri.
“He is able to walk now and is much more positive emotionally,” he added.
Surgeon Dr Hans Alexander Mahendran said Bariatric Surgery, a surgical procedure performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss also acted as a life saver for Balaji.-thestar
