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Surgery for Obesity Might be Long-Term Diabetes Solution
From diabetesnews.com
July 30, 2009
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New research is revealing that obesity surgery does more than simply help patients lose weight; it may also "cure" type 2 
diabetes for five years or longer. In two new studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, researchers have found that both "lap band surgery" and gastric bypass surgery can help eliminate diabetes.
While previous studies have made similar findings, this new research finds that the effects can be long-lasting. In one study, researchers at New York University School of Medicine looked at 95 morbidly obese patients, with an average BMI (body mass index) of 46, who underwent a temporary form of stomach reduction, called laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Five years after the surgery, diabetes in 40 per cent of patients had gone into remission so that they could stop taking medication. An additional 43 per cent of patients saw their diabetes improved so that their blood sugar levels fell and they could reduce their medication use. "Our study contributes to mounting evidence that demonstrates gastric banding can have a sustained and meaningful effect on diabetes and morbid obesity and that the two diseases are interrelated," said Dr. Christine Ren, co-researcher and associate professor of Surgery at New York University School of Medicine. Ren noted that those patients who had diabetes for the least amount of time before surgery tended to be more likely to see their condition go into remission. "We didn't find a substantial difference in remission outcomes for patients who suffered with diabetes for more than six years compared to those who had the disease for a shorter period of time," said Ren.
A second study of 177 obese patients with diabetes who underwent gastric bypass surgery, or stomach stapling, as it's sometimes called, found that 57 per cent of those remained diabetes-free up to 16 years after the procedure. Once again, those most likely to experience a recurrence of diabetes were those who had type 2 diabetes longer prior to surgery and who had a more severe form in which they were dependent on insulin. Those who saw their diabetes return were also those who regained the most weight following the surgery. Study co-author, Dr. James W. Maher, professor of Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University said these two factors seem to be the primary determinants of long-term diabetes resolution after gastric bypass surgery. "This study suggests that people with Type 2 diabetes and morbid obesity who get surgery before becoming insulin-dependent have the greatest chance for complete resolution and avoiding the progression of diabetes." In gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is reduced from the size of a football to golf-ball-size. As well, the upper portion of the small intestine is replaced with the lower part. Stomach banding, or LABG, involves wrapping a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to limit the amount of food it can hold. People who are morbidly obese are generally 100 or more pounds overweight and have a BMI of 40 or more. They also meet the definition if they have a BMI of 35 or more with an obesity-related disease, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea. The American Diabetes Association recently recommended bariatric surgery be considered for adults with BMI greater than 35 and type 2 diabetes, especially if the diabetes is difficult to control.
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Comments (7 comments)
Add your commentI had gastric bypass six years ago and lost a total of 90 pounds. I have since gained25 pounds (poor food choices-bread is a no-no) and totally lost my need for diabetic and hypertension medications for the first five years. You must always remember the rule of "Once a diabetic, always a diabetic". Our bodies will adapt to our good or bad choices very easily, so choose wisely!
this artical was very very helpful. thank u.
My 58 yr old husband had the gastric bypass last March 2010. He lost his diabetes w/i 2 weeks and no longer needs any medication. He also no longer needs cholesterol medicine and greatly reduced his blood pressure medicine. This was all done with Dr. supervision. He was obese, but had other "co-morbidities" which were, cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. You don't have to be 100 pounds overweight, just have a bmi of approx 35 and have co-morbidities. The doctors told us that lap-band or gastric sleeve would not take away the diabetes, only gastric bypass will work due to the bypassing of certain areas of the stomach. My husband has lost 85 pounds and feels like a million bucks. His energy level is "off the charts!" His capacity has been greatly reduced, but he feels full and doesn't miss the volume that he used to eat. He has thrown up only 2 times and that was due to food texture and greasiness. In my opinion, he is the Poster Child for gastric bypass surgery. I am planning to have it also as soon as I can get scheduled. We belong to Kaiser and are required to take a 12 week (1Xper week) class to familarize with diet and exercise and how we should eat after the surgery. It was very helpful. I already completed those classes and have been having pre-op tests.
I have Type 2
Diabetes and I am scheduled for the surgery next month. My decision was made with the help of my cardiologist and my PCP. It was 7 years ago that I first looked into it. The reason I am having the surgery is because of the Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and difficulty losing weight with dietary changes. The surgery is a tool and it's a life-style change that requires diligence. I am choosing to have the surgery because, while all surgery has risks, the success of others and the support available to sustain my success is a part of it.
Currently you cannot get rid of diabetes by any means.
Bariatric surgery for obesity may be an option but other factors must be taken into consideration such as one's participation and the execution of a healthier, change of lifestyle to supplement the obesity surgery.
It's easier on paper than it is in reality.
~Mays~
Hi I heard about this many times and how it helps you lose weight and become diabetic free or free from taking insulin. Just as long as you continue to follow the regimen given after the surgery. You can no longer each what you are used to eating now. Your consumtion will have to be reduced.
As with any surgery no matter what kind or type there are always consequences or worries of the out come, it's a chance we take but this would be a good change for anyone to lose weight and get off insulin however, you have to be 100 lbs overweight.
Good Luck with whatever you decide, but be sure to check with your doctors and get as much information as possible before any surgery.
I would really appreciate some people who would be willing to discuss weight loss surgery
as a possible option for getting rid of diabetes,
high blood pressure, and other problems too.
I have been diagnosed as diabetic 8 months ago
and am currently researching having this surgery. I need to lose about 80-100 pounds and I am very tempted to do the surgery but
I've also heard some horror stories. If you mare willing to discuss I can be reached at
diabeautiful…made that name up today…