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Eman Ahmed Abd El AtyObese Egyptian woman
Country:
 Egypt |
Content:
- Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty: The World's Heaviest Woman
- Early Life and Health Struggles
- Planned Weight Loss Surgery in India
- Causes of Obesity
- Preparations for Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery and Recovery
- Successful Surgery and Weight Loss
Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty: The World's Heaviest Woman
Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty, an Egyptian woman struggling with obesity, is recognized as the world's heaviest living woman and the second heaviest in history, following Carol Yager. Her weight reportedly reached approximately 1,102 pounds (500 kg) until recently.
Early Life and Health Struggles
Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty was born around 1980 in Alexandria, Egypt. According to her family, she weighed 11 pounds (5 kg) at birth. Her schooling was cut short due to thyroid problems. She claimed to have been confined to her home for over 25 years.
Planned Weight Loss Surgery in India
Eman announced plans to travel to India for a major weight loss surgery, as reported by the BBC. She sought to undergo bariatric surgery. Initially, the Indian embassy in Cairo declined to grant Eman a visa. However, officials eventually approved her travel to Mumbai after Indian surgeon Muffazal Lakdawala wrote to the embassy offering his assistance.
Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj promptly responded to the news, thanking the doctor and ordering the issuance of a visa to Eman.
Causes of Obesity
Eman had claimed to be suffering from elephantiasis, a parasitic infection that causes swelling in body parts. However, Dr. Lakdawala told the BBC that he believed the 36-year-old's obesity was primarily caused by lymphedema, which can lead to a massive swelling in the legs.
Preparations for Surgery
Eman's sister, who cared for her with their mother, first reached out to Dr. Muffazal in October 2016. Responding to the appeal, Lakdawala helped the family raise funds for the travel to Mumbai, where the surgery was scheduled.
"We are planning to fly to Mumbai next week after completing the process," the doctor said. "Eman will have to stay in Mumbai for two to three months - for the surgery and treatment, after which she can go back. But it will take two to three years to bring her weight to 100 kg."
Bariatric Surgery and Recovery
While gastric banding and gastric bypass are more common weight loss surgeries, Eman was deemed to require bariatric surgery, an operation performed on those with life-threatening obesity. Before flying, she lost 220 pounds (100 kg) on a liquid diet rich in fiber and protein.
In March 2017, Eman finally arrived in India, where a team of doctors led by Dr. Lakdawala took over her case. The team included an endocrinologist, pulmonologist, cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, two bariatric surgeons, two critical care specialists, and three anesthesiologists.
"We are waiting for the genetic reports before we start the surgery," one of the doctors stated. "The diet and medicines have done their part. The next stage in her weight loss journey is the bariatric surgery."
Successful Surgery and Weight Loss
The bariatric surgery was reportedly successful. Eman's weight is planned to be reduced by another 440 pounds (200 kg) over the next six months.
