Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, can be used to control diabetes and can be done in several minimally invasive procedures. The surgery helps treat diabetes by regulating the amount of glucose in the blood. For some people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels can get back to normal after weight loss surgery. This typically means you may need less diabetes medication or even none at all.
Studies show significant improvement in diabetes and type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery. One study tracked 400 diabetic individuals. Six years after weight loss surgery, 62% of the participants showed no signs of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, these people had better triglyceride, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
On the other hand, only 7% of people under diabetes medication, but hadn’t undergone weight loss surgery, experienced similar improvements.
Is bariatric surgery right for you?
Several factors must be taken into consideration when it comes to determining whether you are a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
- Do you have metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes?
- Is your body mass index (BMI) 30 or higher?
- Have you been trying to lose weight without success?
If your answer to these questions is yes, your doctor will ask you some questions and give you a check-up to see if you are emotionally and physically ready for the procedure and the changes you’ll have to make. Some of these changes include adhering to a healthy diet, eating a lot less, and exercising regularly for the rest of your life.
It is essential to understand that every situation is different and other doctors may get involved in some cases. For example, if you’ve been diagnosed with any cardiovascular disease, your cardiologist and other specialists may need to approve you for weight loss surgery.
What are the Different Types of Bariatric Surgery?
There are various different types of weight loss surgery. Some procedures change the way the body absorbs nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Others help patients lose weight by simply shrinking their stomachs to make them feel full for longer, even after smaller meals.
So, what does each of these procedures involve?
1. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
Simply known as gastric bypass surgery, this procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach by separating it from the rest of the stomach. When the patient eats, food goes to the pouch and is made to bypass the top part of the small intestine. As a result, the patient gets full faster and absorbs fewer nutrients and calories.
Pros
- Patients lose between 60 and 80% of their unwanted weight.
- Research shows that 80% of patients show no signs of type 2 diabetes after surgery.
Cons
- The body does not absorb as many nutrients and vitamins as before and this can lead to health complications such as dumping syndrome.
- Gastric bypass surgery is irreversible.
2. Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy surgery)
This procedure involves removing a big part of the stomach. This makes the patient feel full faster because there is less room for food. Gastric sleeve surgery also helps lower a hormone known as ghrelin, which is responsible for making you feel hungry.
Pros
- At least 60% of patients show no signs of type 2 diabetes after the procedure.
- Patients lose up to 50% of their unwanted weight.
- The surgery can be done laparoscopically.
Cons
- The surgery is irreversible.
- The body does not absorb as many nutrients and vitamins as it used to, which could cause health problems.
3. Adjustable gastric band
An inflatable band is placed around the top of your stomach to create a small pouch where everything you consume goes. You’ll feel full faster because this small pouch fills up faster as well.
Pros
- The surgeon doesn’t have to move the intestines or cut the stomach, like in other procedures.
- Less invasive resulting in fewer complications
- The band can be taken out or adjusted later
- Up to 60% of people who undergo this surgery show no signs of diabetes after the procedure.
Cons
- The band may become worn or it may slip and you may have to undergo another surgery to fix such problems.
4. Biliopancreatic diversion (with duodenal switch)
This procedure is not common, largely because it is one of the most complicated weight-loss surgeries. The doctor removes part of your stomach and changes how food moves in the intestines.
Pros
- It is one of the most effective surgeries for diabetes patients.
- You’ll lose up to 70% of your extra weight.
Cons
- The risk of complications with this procedure is higher compared to other surgeries.
- It has a longer recovery period
- The procedure may lead to problems digesting and absorbing food.
What are the Risks of Bariatric Surgery for Diabetes?
As with other major operations, all bariatric and metabolic surgeries (also called weight-loss surgeries) have potential risks for complications. These include infection, bleeding, and leaks in your digestive system.
5. Electric implant device
This procedure involves implanting an electric device beneath the skin of the abdomen. This electric implant device controls signals in the nerve connecting the brain to the stomach, reducing the feelings of hunger.
Pros
- The procedure is considered minor surgery and the device can be easily removed once you achieve your desired weight.
- The implant can be controlled remotely
Cons
- The implant is associated with side effects such as pain, problems swallowing, heartburn, nausea, chest pain, and belching.
6. Gastric balloon
An intragastric or gastric balloon is a temporary device that is placed in the stomach through the mouth. These devices can last for up to 6 months. You end up eating less because the balloon takes up space in your stomach.
Pros
- The procedure is easy, temporary, and reversible.
- Less expensive than other weight-loss surgeries.
- The device is inserted by a procedure known as endoscopy, which does not involve cutting.
- It is commonly recommended for people who are not eligible for other weight-loss surgical procedures.
Cons
- Gastric balloons may cause complications such as stomach perforations or blue-green urine as a result of balloon deflation.
The bottom-line
The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to adhere to the diet and exercise plan recommended by your doctors. You may have to eat considerably smaller meals and it’s recommended that you choose at least half a cup of protein-rich foods and vegetables per serving. Choose low-fat yogurt and cheese, lean cuts of meat, beans, and fish.
Be sure to work with a professional nutritionist as you change your eating habits, primarily because your body does not absorb vitamins and nutrients as well as it used to before the weight loss surgery.
Your nutritionist will make sure you’re getting enough of all the nutrients and vitamins you need.
