Bariatric surgery in the Armed Forces: Reshaping the SHAPE!

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Surgical Obesity Management

Background:

• A small percentage of Indian Armed Forces personnel become morbidly obese due to injuries or inactivity.
• Bariatric surgery is considered when diet and exercise fail for weight reduction in this cohort.
• Limited studies exist on bariatric surgery outcomes in military personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of bariatric surgery on body mass index (BMI).
• To assess the impact on co-morbidities associated with obesity.
• To determine the influence on employability and return to active duty.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study design.
• Inclusion of patients who underwent bariatric surgery over a ten-year period.
• Minimum one-year follow-up post-surgery at a service hospital.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in mean body weight and BMI observed.
• Significant improvement in diabetes mellitus and obstructive sleep apnea control.
• 80% of patients returned to active duty; hypertension control showed non-significant improvement.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric surgery is a viable option for managing obesity in military personnel.
• The procedure yields good clinical outcomes with low post-operative morbidity and mortality.
• Successful return to active duty is achievable post-surgery.