Weightloss Surgery | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

What are the Risks of Bariatric Surgery for Diabetes?

According to a 2021 report from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), up to 13% of people in the United States have diabetes. Moreover, nearly 50% of people with diabetes are also obese.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes or worsening its symptoms, and weight loss is one of the key elements of managing diabetes. Bariatric surgery can result in weight loss and prevention or remission of type 2 diabetes in more than 75% of patients. After the procedure, glycemic control improves as a result of calorie restriction, increased insulin sensitivity, and enhanced insulin sensitivity.

Doctors often recommend bariatric surgery as a long-term weight loss solution for type 2 diabetes patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher. The procedure improves type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels, which could also result in a change in diabetes medications. In some cases, bariatric surgery may even result in permanent or long-term remission from type 2 diabetes.

However, it is important to note that bariatric surgery is a major surgery, and it may have some short-term or long-term risks.

Bariatric surgery encompasses several surgical procedures that change the digestive system in a bid to help patients lose weight. These procedures usually reduce the size of the stomach, helping you feel fuller sooner. In addition to helping you eat less food, these procedures also limit the absorption of calories by the small intestines and improve how your body uses insulin and metabolizes fat.

Some studies indicate that besides helping type 2 diabetes patients lose weight, bariatric surgery also improves kidney function, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall blood sugar control.

Types of bariatric surgery

1. Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is typically recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) above 40 or a BMI above 35 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

Also known as Roux-en-Y, gastric surgery is a permanent surgical procedure that involves stapling off the upper section of the stomach in order to reduce the organ’s size. As a result, you’ll eat less and the food will spend less time in the small intestine. Therefore, the small intestine will absorb fewer calories, leading to weight loss.

It’s important to note that gastric bypass surgery is not a quick fix for weight loss and requires a long-term commitment to lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain successful results.

2. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy

This procedure is also known as stomach stapling. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy works by removing up to 80% of your stomach, leaving behind a smaller, tube-shaped “sleeve” or “banana-shaped” stomach.

This new stomach is about the size of a banana and can hold significantly less food compared to the original stomach. By reducing the stomach’s capacity, the procedure helps in restricting the amount of food a person can consume, resulting in reduced calorie intake.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy has become a popular weight-loss procedure because it offers several benefits. In addition to limiting food intake, it also causes hormonal changes that can help reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control – however, the intestines are not rerouted and so the procedure is permanent.

3. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

This surgical procedure involves inserting a band on the top side of the stomach to reduce the amount of food your stomach can hold as well as the amount you can eat.

Find out more on gastric banding HERE

Risks and side effects of bariatric surgery

Some of the most common risks associated with bariatric surgery include:

Short-term risks

Anesthesia-related risks
Infection
Acid reflux
Dilation of the esophagus
Nausea and vomiting
Inability to eat specific foods
Failure to lose weight
Weight gain
Obstruction of the stomach

Long-term risks

Dumping syndrome (commonly associated with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting after surgery)
Ulcers
Hernias
Low blood sugar
Vomiting
Malnutrition
Bowel obstruction

Bariatric surgery risks by procedure:

Risks and complications may vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery procedure. Your surgeon will help you understand the potential risks and side effects of the specific procedure you want to undergo

1. Gastric bypass risks and side effects

Gallstones (risk may increase with substantial or rapid weight loss)
Leakage
Hernia
Dumping syndrome
Leakage
Internal bleeding
Bleeding of the wound
Perforation of intestines or stomach
Bowel or pouch obstruction
Skin separation
Spleen injury
Calorie or protein malnutrition
Cardiac problems
Pulmonary problems
Stricture
Intestine or stomach ulceration
Iron or vitamin deficiency

2. Potential risks and complications of gastric sleeve surgery

Gall stones
Internal bleeding
stricture
Blood clots
Hernia
Skin separation
Leakage
Perforation of intestines or stomach
Iron or vitamin deficiency

How can you reduce your bariatric surgery risks?

You can reduce some of the risk and side effects of surgery by taking measures such as:

Stopping smoking
Decreasing your BMI (body mass index)
Exercising regularly (as recommended by your doctor)

The bottom line

Bariatric surgery is highly effective against type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is often recommended for people with diabetes who are unable to achieve and maintain a healthy weight with medications or lifestyle changes.

Although bariatric surgery offers many potential health benefits, it is just one tool for managing diabetes and obesity.

Long-term success still demands regular exercise and a healthy diet. If you want to undergo bariatric surgery, you should also commit to regular healthcare visits as well as lifelong maintenance of exercise and diet.

Weight Loss Balloon: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks

An intragastric balloon, also known as a ‘weight loss balloon’ or gastric balloon placement is a weight loss procedure that involves temporarily inserting a soft balloon into the stomach. The procedure is done using an endoscope (non-surgically) and it helps you feel full faster and consequently reduces the amount of food you eat.

This endoscopic treatment is often combined with physical activity and a balanced diet in order to help you lose weight. A weight loss balloon is often an option for people who have concerns about their weight and exercise and diet haven’t worked for them.

Just like other weight loss procedures, a gastric balloon should be combined with a healthier lifestyle. This often involves making permanent healthy adjustments to your diet and getting regular exercise to improve the procedure’s long-term success.

Why is it done?

The main reason why an intragastric balloon is placed in your stomach is to help you lose weight by eating less. Weight loss helps you decrease your risk of serious weight-related complications, such as:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Stroke
Heart disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Obstructive sleep apnea

Most weight loss procedures, including intragastric balloon placement, are usually done only after trying to lose weight through exercise and diet changes.

Is a weight-loss balloon right for me?

A weight loss balloon is typically an option for people who:

Have a BMI (body mass index) of between 30 and 40.
Are ready and willing to make healthy lifestyle changes, participate in cognitive behavioral therapy, and get regular medical check-ups.
Have never undergone any esophageal or stomach surgery.

Keep in mind that weight loss balloons are not the best option for everyone who is obese or overweight. Patients usually undergo a screening process to help determine whether the procedure is the right choice for them.

Breakthrough in weight loss procedures

Weight loss surgeries have gained immense popularity over the last few years. However, new strategies have emerged for the treatment and management of obesity. The weight loss balloon is designed for people who are not only overweight but also may be unable to undergo surgical weight loss procedures, such as bariatric surgery.

A weight loss balloon is a safe, non-invasive weight loss solution. By partially filling your stomach, the balloon leaves less room for food, making you eat less. Moreover, it creates a feeling of prolonged fullness between meals, hence reducing your cravings.

The balloon is removed after about 6 months, allowing you to continue maintaining your new healthy lifestyle. Therefore, a weight loss balloon is basically a tool that helps you adopt better weight-loss strategies as well as portion control.

Your doctor will monitor your metabolic health and food intake before and after inserting the intragastric balloon.

Key benefits of intragastric balloon

The weight loss balloon eliminates the need for risky surgical procedures.
The procedure is quick and the recovery period is short, allowing you to resume normal activities quickly.
Weight loss balloons can help improve several obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and stroke.
Eliminates the need for nutritional supplements

Risks and complications

Weight loss balloons are very safe. However, some extremely rare complications may arise, such as:

Ulcers
Bursting or leakage of the balloon
Gastric issues such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, heartburn, and reflux.
Bleeding or rapture in the windpipe or stomach as a result of faulty insertion
Early removal due to intolerance of the weight loss balloon.
Bloating or stomach cramping

Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce, some side effects, which usually improve over a few days. However, serious complications may require advanced medical intervention, including surgery (very rare).

Tips to help reduce your risk of complications

Follow the recommended lifestyle and dietary guidelines before and after the procedure.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Seek medical attention immediately in case of unexpected side effects such as bleeding, increase in pain, or fever.
Tell your doctor if you have any medical allergies.

Thought about bariatric surgery for diabetes? Read more about it HERE!

The bottom-line

Studies indicate that when combined with healthy exercise and diet habits, an intragastric balloon can help patients lose up to 15% of their body weight in 6 to 12 months after the procedure.

In addition to helping you achieve your weight loss goals, a weight loss balloon can also help reduce your risk of other obesity-related complications. It is also a great option for people who may not be candidates for other weight loss medical procedures.

Be sure to choose a certified and experienced doctor to improve your odds of success. This is very important because it also affects whether the weight loss balloon is safe or not.

Type 2 Diabetes and Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy or sleeve gastrectomy, is a minimally invasive weight-loss surgical procedure that is usually performed laparoscopically. Studies show that gastric sleeve surgery can help tackle obesity as well as obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy typically entails reducing the stomach by removing up to 80% of it, leading to weight loss.

What does vertical sleeve gastrectomy involve?

Gastric sleeve surgery is usually done using a laparoscope, which is minimally invasive. This essentially means long tubes are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. The laparoscope has a camera and a light attached to it in addition to various surgical instruments.

General anesthesia is used during the procedure and the surgery often involves dividing the stomach into two parts. Therefore, almost 80% of the stomach is cut away to create a small banana-shaped pouch that is 20 to 25% of its initial size.

The procedure takes one or two hours and once it’s complete the patient is moved to a recovery room for post-surgery care. Recovery from anesthesia typically takes one hour and the incisions made on the abdomen usually heal very quickly largely due to the minimally invasive approach.

Most patients are able to go home within 2 or three days unless there are serious complications.

Is gastric sleeve surgery the best weight loss surgery for diabetics?

By significantly reducing the size of the stomach, patients feel full faster and stop eating, hence taking in significantly fewer calories. Also, the section of the stomach that produces the hunger hormone, ghrelin, is removed so the brain is less prone to hunger signals.

Research by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric surgery indicates that people who undergo gastric sleeve surgery lose at least 50% of their excess weight within the first 18 to 20 months after the surgery. In fact, some people lose up to 70% of their excess weight, which has been shown to help reverse or manage diabetes symptoms.

However, it is essential to note that you can only enjoy these benefits if you stay committed to following the exercise and diet plan recommended by your doctor. Adhering to these changes increases your chances of keeping off the excess weight long-term as well as reducing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Have you heard of the Eli Lilly Diabetes drug for weight loss? Read more about it HERE!

What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery?

Losing excess weight helps improve your general quality of life and makes it easier to perform normal daily activities. Another critical benefit of losing weight is reducing the risk of obesity-related complications, such as:

Obstructive sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension (type 2 diabetes)
Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)

Am I a good candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

It is essential to note that most types of bariatric surgery, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy, are only considered options when attempts to lose weight by improving your exercise and diet habits have not worked and the use of recommended weight loss medications has not produced any substantial results.

Even then, patients must meet some conditions in order to be eligible for gastric sleeve surgery. Most of these factors are based on your BMI (body mass index) and whether the patient is suffering from obesity-related conditions.

Gastric sleeve surgery conditions include:

Morbid (extreme) obesity (people with a BMI score of above 40)
Obesity (BMI of 35 to 39.99) with at least one obesity-related complication/condition.

In some cases, sleeve gastrectomy can be done if you are overweight (not obese), but you are suffering from health conditions related to being overweight.

Risks and side effects of gastric sleeve surgery

Just like other surgical procedures, gastric sleeve surgery comes with potential risks, both short-term and long-term. Some of the risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery can include:

Short-term side effects

Infection
Blood clots
Excessive bleeding
Breathing or lung problems
Unpleasant effects of anesthesia
Leaks

Gastric Sleeve Long-term Risks

Hernias
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Nausea and vomiting
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Gastroesophageal reflux
Malnutrition

However, it is essential to keep in mind that the risk of developing serious complications is very low and these complications are rarely fatal.

Read more about Bariatric Surgery and Diabetes HERE!

The bottom line

In order to qualify for vertical sleeve surgery, patients must meet certain conditions. For instance, you may need to prove that other conventional weight loss methods, such as weight loss medications, diet, and exercise have failed. Your surgeon will also consider your BMI as well as other obesity-related complications you may have.

Just like any other surgical procedure, gastric sleeve surgery has its own potential risks, side effects, and complications. Therefore, if you are considering gastric sleeve surgery as a weight-loss method and/or type 2 diabetes control strategy, you should consult your surgeon to check whether this is actually the best option for you.

Bariatric Surgery and Diabetes

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.