Gastric Bypass Delivers Pros and Cons for Diabetics

Weight loss surgery to help diabetic patients better control the disease has shown a great deal of promise. The procedure, however, is not without its share of potential risks. New research is showing that gastric bypass patients and their doctors should be very mindful of the risks and weigh them carefully against the potential rewards.

Gastric bypass involves the surgical shrinking of the stomach and the rerouting of the digestive system. When the surgery is performed, a patient will have a much smaller stomach capacity and decreased caloric absorption. The end result is not only a decreased capacity to hold food, but also to absorb calories and nutrients through digestion. For diabetics, the decreased consumption and absorption factors, along with the resulting weight loss, can greatly help with disease management.

Hoping to learn more about the long-term pros and cons of bypass surgery, doctors kicked off the Diabetes Surgery Study. The study focused on 120 obese patients between the ages of 30 and 67 who had type 2 diabetes. They were divided into two groups – those that would manage their conditions through lifestyle and medical approaches and those who would use medical management and gastric bypass. Researchers found that while gastric bypass could improve diabetes management well, patients in that group also had a higher incidence rate of bone fractures and infections. Nutritional deficiencies of calcium, vitamin D and iron were found. The thought is that gastric bypass might decrease bone strength because of a diminished capacity to absorb calcium from food.

The bottom line, researchers are finding, is that gastric bypass can indeed help diabetics control their blood glucose levels. The procedure, however, can have some unintended side effects that patients and their doctors need to be very mindful of. Maintaining proper nutrient levels post-surgery demands supplements and their introduction and continued use may prove critical for overall success in the long run.

People who are interested in learning more about weight loss surgery for diabetes management should discuss the topic with their healthcare providers.

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One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson

• along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.

Dr. Nicholson knows that you are unique. So he and his staff only perform specialized, custom-tailored weight loss solutions that put you, the patient, first. Becoming thoroughly acquainted with the various options, Lap Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric