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Impact of Weight Loss Surgery on Diabetes

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is an effective treatment option for individuals struggling with obesity and its associated health conditions. One such condition is Type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

At Texas Endosurgery Associates in Houston, we understand the profound impact that diabetes can have on one’s quality of life. That is why Dr. Ricardo Bonnor, MD, FACS, FASMBS, and our team are dedicated to providing surgical solutions to help patients more effectively manage their diabetes and achieve long-term weight loss.

Contact Texas Endosurgery Associates in Houston at (281) 579-5638 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bonnor.

About Type 2 Diabetes

Accounting for 90% of all diabetes cases, type 2 diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders in the United States. (1) Type 2 diabetics must closely monitor their glucose levels and make necessary adjustments to diet, physical activity, and medication management. 

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

One of the primary factors contributing to type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. In people with insulin resistance, the body becomes less responsive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. (2)

Obesity also plays a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase insulin resistance and impair the body’s ability to effectively use insulin. A sedentary lifestyle further exacerbates these effects, as physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and promotes overall metabolic health.

Poor dietary choices, characterized by high consumption of processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats, contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. These dietary habits can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and insulin resistance over time. Genetic factors and family history of diabetes also play a role, as certain genetic variations can predispose individuals to developing the condition. (3)

How Can Weight Loss Surgery Help?

Weight loss surgery works by altering the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to significant weight reduction and metabolic changes that positively affect various health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. 

Weight Loss Surgery & Hormones

Weight loss surgery brings about hormonal changes that affect metabolism. For example, after surgery, there is an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which means the body can better regulate blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as it can lead to better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of complications.

Weight Loss Surgery & a Healthy Lifestyle

It is essential to emphasize that weight loss surgery is not a standalone solution to diabetes. It is part of a comprehensive approach to managing obesity and its associated health conditions. If you are struggling with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, we encourage you to explore the benefits of weight loss surgery as a potential treatment option. 

Is Weight Loss Surgery Better Than Semaglutide for Diabetes Management?

Weight loss surgery and semaglutide are both viable options for diabetes management, but it is essential to understand the nuances of each approach to make an informed decision. At Texas Endosurgery Associates, Dr. Bonnor prioritizes patient well-being and ensures that individuals receive comprehensive information about their options.

Weight Loss Surgery

Dr. Bonnor performs primary as well as revisional bariatric surgery to meet the needs of patients using both robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic techniques.

Sleeve Surgery

Sleeve surgery involves removing a large part of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, banana-shaped stomach. This reduces the stomach’s capacity, leading to decreased food intake and hormonal changes that contribute to better blood sugar control.

One of the advantages of sleeve surgery is that it does not involve rerouting or bypassing any part of the intestines. This eliminates the risk of malabsorption issues. 

Gastric Bypass 

Gastric bypass, specifically the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves creating a smaller stomach pouch and rerouting the intestine to bypass a portion of it. This procedure not only restricts the amount of food you can eat but also changes the way your body absorbs nutrients, resulting in weight loss and improved glycemic control.

Duodenal Switch Surgery

The duodenal switch operation involves two main components: creating a sleeve and rerouting the intestines to reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients. During the procedure, a sleeve gastrectomy is fashioned in the standard manner.   Next, the small intestine is divided, with the lower part being connected to the newly created stomach pouch. This allows food to bypass a significant portion of the small intestine, decreasing calorie and nutrient absorption. The upper part of the small intestine is then reconnected further down the digestive tract, allowing digestive enzymes and bile to mix with food and facilitate proper digestion.

Single Anastomosis Duodenal Interposition (SADI)

SADI is a modification of the traditional duodenal switch procedure with overall less complications compared to the double anastomosis or standard duodenal switch (DS), which involves rearranging the digestive system to reduce the absorption of calories and nutrients. During the SADI procedure, a portion of the stomach is bypassed and connected directly to the small intestine, allowing food to bypass a significant portion of the digestive tract. This results in reduced calorie absorption and promotes weight loss.

Sleeve Revision

Sleeve revision surgery aims to address issues such as inadequate weight loss, weight regain, or persistent comorbidities after initial gastric sleeve surgery. It involves modifying the existing sleeve to achieve better results. The majority of gastric sleeve revisions are performed using minimally invasive robotic surgery. This approach offers patients several benefits, including smaller incisions, reduced scarring, faster recovery, and decreased risk of complications. The options for revision include: re-sleeve, revision sleeve to gastric bypass, and revision sleeve to duodenal switch (DS).

Gastric Bypass Revision

Gastric bypass revision is a surgical procedure that aims to address complications or failures associated with previous gastric bypass surgery. Also known as revisional surgery, this robotic procedure is specifically designed for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery in the past but have experienced challenges or unsatisfactory outcomes.

Lap Band Revision

There are several reasons why a lap band revision may be required. One common issue is band slippage, where the band moves out of its intended position. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, or ineffective weight loss. Another complication is band erosion, which occurs when the band erodes into the stomach wall. This can cause infection or other digestive problems, requiring corrective action. The options for lap band revision include: Lap band removal, lap band revision to a sleeve gastrectomy, lap band revision to gastric bypass. 

Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery

Ideal candidates for weight loss surgery are individuals who have been unsuccessful in achieving long-term weight loss through diet and exercise alone. They may be dealing with various comorbidities associated with obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or joint pain. These candidates should be motivated to improve their overall health and are committed to making lasting lifestyle changes.

Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Houston

To book your personal consultation with Dr. Bonnor, call (281) 579-5638 or send us a message online.

Commonly-Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of weight loss surgery for diabetes?

The benefits of weight loss surgery for diabetes are extensive. Studies have consistently shown that weight loss surgery can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar control, often resulting in the reduction or elimination of diabetes medications. Some individuals even experience complete remission of their diabetes.

In addition to improved blood sugar control, weight loss surgery has been associated with other positive outcomes for individuals with diabetes. These include decreased cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improved overall quality of life.

Is weight loss surgery right for me?

Weight loss surgery may be an appropriate option if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 30 or higher with obesity-related health conditions. However, each patient is unique, and a thorough evaluation by a qualified surgeon is necessary to determine eligibility. 

References

  1. Goyal R, Jialal I, Singhal M. Diabetes mellitus type 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Published June 23, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513253/ 
  2. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Type 2 diabetes: Overview. Nih.gov. Published January 11, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279509/ 
  3. Laakso M, Fernandes Silva L. Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes: Past, Present, and Future. Nutrients. 2022;14(15):3201. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153201