In just one year, 28-year-old Trong Nhan reduced his weight from 264kg to 103kg. Now, as the Lunar New Year approaches, he embarks on a new chapter to perfect himself further.

Just days before Tet, Dr. Tong Hai, Deputy Director of the Center for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery at the National Burn Hospital (Hanoi), welcomed a unique visitor from the south.

From obesity to a life-changing transformation

Trong Nhan, a Ho Chi Minh City resident, became widely known on social media for his remarkable year-long effort to shed 161kg, dropping his weight from a peak of 264kg to 103kg. However, the rapid weight loss left him with a significant amount of excess skin that required surgical removal.

As a child, Nhan suffered from malnutrition and was overfed, leading to severe obesity. Over the years, he struggled to control his weight, which reached a staggering 264kg by the time he was 23. His health deteriorated significantly, with conditions such as diabetes and spinal degeneration, making even short walks exhausting.

More than a year ago, Nhan decided to turn his life around by eliminating unhealthy habits, including drinking nearly two liters of soda daily. With the guidance of a center in Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak Province), he adopted a weight-loss program combining exercise, nutrition, and medical supplements.

Starting with simple water exercises like moving his arms and legs, he gradually progressed to high-intensity workouts, including cycling, weightlifting, and boxing.

Nhan’s dedication paid off as he lost an incredible 161kg. However, the rapid weight loss left him with an overwhelming amount of excess skin, which now needs to be surgically removed to achieve a more proportional and toned appearance.

After careful consideration, Nhan chose to travel to Hanoi to undergo life-changing surgeries at the National Burn Hospital.

A two-phase surgical journey

Dr. Tong Hai explained that Nhan’s surgical process will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase focuses on removing the excess skin, which requires two separate surgeries. The initial procedure will eliminate excess skin from his upper body. By the fourth day after surgery, Nhan is expected to start light leg exercises and mobility. After 1.5 to 2 months, he can resume intense physical training.

Three months after the first surgery, the second operation will focus on removing excess skin from his legs.

The second phase will involve cosmetic enhancement. Because Nhan’s previous extreme weight caused his internal organs to enlarge, abdominal reconstruction will be performed gradually alongside exercise to achieve the desired results.

Precision and recovery

Dr. Hai emphasized the importance of precise planning for patients with large amounts of excess skin. Surgical incisions are carefully calculated to minimize scarring and promote optimal healing. Advanced stitching techniques are also employed to reduce the length and visibility of scars.

Post-surgery, patients can utilize various scar treatment methods, such as compression garments and anti-scar medications.

Dr. Hai highlighted that gradual weight loss is essential for obese individuals to minimize excess skin. He recommended combining consistent exercise to burn fat naturally with the use of compression garments immediately after workouts to maintain skin elasticity.

Nhan’s transformation is a testament to determination, discipline, and the power of modern medicine to help individuals reclaim their lives.

PV