Metabolic Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes
The path to a healthier, happier you.
Diabetes surgery or metabolic surgery, can significantly aid in weight loss and remission of type 2 diabetes. These bariatric surgical procedures involve either reducing the stomach size or bypassing it, resulting in early satiety and reduced food intake.
Who's Eligible?
1 If you have a BMI of 35 or more and are experiencing type 2 diabetes or other obesity-related illnesses, and have not been able to achieve normal fasting blood sugar levels (less than 125 mg/dl or HbA1c less than 7 percent), you may be a candidate for diabetes surgery.
2 In some cases, if your diabetes is difficult to manage, you may be eligible for surgery even if you have a BMI of less than 35.
Common Laparoscopic Diabetes Surgeries
Gastric Bypass
In this procedure, also called Roux-en-y, the digestive system is redirected to exclude most of the stomach except for a small pouch at the upper end. This results in an early sense of fullness and decreased absorption of calories from food.
Gastric Transit Bipartition
Transit bipartition divides the small intestine into two parts, connecting only one part to the stomach to create two pathways for food to travel. This leads to reduced calorie absorption and eliminating of undigested food as waste.
Prognosis
• After the surgery, blood glucose improvements may begin, allowing you to potentially reduce or stop diabetes medication and decreasing the likelihood of heart and kidney failures, strokes, and heart attacks.
• Additionally, sleep apnea and fatty liver may improve. Following dietary guidelines, including a liquid diet initially and transitioning to solid food with the help of a dietitian, will help in short-term and long-term weight loss.
• Recovery time varies, but returning to work in 3-4 weeks is typical, depending on the surgery and recovery progress.
