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.