Diabetics may struggle to lose weight. Diabetes and obesity are linked, and both have reached epidemic proportions. The best way to avoid Type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy body weight and engage in regular exercise. This may seem impossible to many diabetics. They’ve tried almost everything to lose weight. They frequently find themselves in a never-ending cycle of losing and gaining.

The good news is there is a solution to this. Gastric surgery, also known as metabolic surgery, is an effective treatment for diabetes and obesity. It can help with diabetes management and, in some cases, even cure it. A gastric sleeve, gastric band, duodenal switch, and gastric bypass are examples of these.

What is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure alters the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach is divided by the surgeon into a small and a larger stomach pouch. The small pouch is meant to hold food. The gastric remnant, also known as the large pouch, is bypassed. This restricts how much food and drinks you can consume.

The small intestine is then attached to the small pouch by the surgeon bypassing about 150 cms . This allows food to pass from the small pouch to the small intestine avoiding passage  through 150 cms bypass loop of intestine.. The large pouch will keep working and producing digestive juices that break down food.

In most patients, gastric surgery results in significant weight loss and diabetes remission. Glycemic control is restored after surgery through a combination of caloric restriction, increased insulin sensitivity, and increased insulin secretion.

What do studies and observations say?

Gastric surgery is becoming a potent weapon in the fight against severe obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Given its role in metabolic regulation, the gastrointestinal tract is an important target for T2DM treatment, especially in light of mounting evidence that surgery combined with gastrointestinal manipulations can result in T2DM remission (metabolic surgery).

If a type 2 diabetic patient is considering weight loss surgery, choosing gastric bypass soon after diagnosis can increase their chances of remission or reaching a blood sugar level that does not require treatment. Although studies confirm the importance of weight loss in inducing diabetes remission, gastric bypass has benefits that are independent of weight. If we can figure out what these benefits are, we might be able to develop new diabetes treatments.

Who is a good candidate for Gastric Bypass surgery?

People with the following conditions can undergo Gastric bypass surgery:

• Individuals with a BMI of greater than 40 (extremely obese)
• Obese people with a BMI of 35, and other medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Those who are unable to maintain a healthy body weight despite following all medical advice and making lifestyle changes.
• Those who have not achieved normal fasting blood sugar levels (less than 125 mg/dl or HbA1c less than 7%).

What are the benefits of Gastric Bypass surgery?

Remission of type 2 diabetes

The 70-80% diabetes remission rate ( if less than 5 yrs duration ) is a significant benefit of gastric bypass surgery. This advantage has nothing to do with losing weight. Diabetes is put into remission when blood sugar levels drop immediately after surgery.

Hormonal changes

Apart from many other benefits, this surgery helps bring good hormonal changes. The glucagon-like peptide hormone, which is produced by the intestines, is one example. This is the hormone that causes the pancreas to secrete insulin. It inhibits glucagon secretion. It also stimulates brain receptors, increasing your ability to feel “full” faster—and for longer periods of time.

Balances out blood sugar levels

After Gastric surgery, type 2 diabetes usually improves or goes into remission — and the results may come quickly. People with diabetes who undergo this surgery may occasionally leave the hospital with normal blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is resolved or improved in approximately 95% of patients undergoing duodenal switch, and many leave the hospital without taking any diabetes medications.

Improves cardiovascular health

It has been observed that following gastric surgery, bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels decrease. Good cholesterol levels frequently rise. The surgery may also reduce or eliminate high blood pressure, thereby improving heart health. 

Resolves other health issues

Many people with Type 2 diabetes also have other medical conditions. Several of these conditions have been shown to improve or disappear following gastric bypass surgery.

Also, other obesity-related conditions that often get better after gastric surgery are as follows:

• Fatty liver syndrome
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Persistent back and joint pain
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Blood pressure, for example, has returned to normal. They are no longer suffering from high cholesterol. Their sleep apnea has been resolved, and their triglyceride levels have returned to normal.

Weight reduction

This is perhaps the most desired result. Many people who have struggled their entire lives to lose weight and keep it off are now able to do so, thanks to surgery.

Weight loss has an impact on the entire person. You feel better not only physically but also emotionally. You can finally do everything you’ve always wanted to do. You are no longer burdened by the extra weight. It may also be easier to boost your self-esteem now.

It’s important to remember that all of these changes will require effort—both physical and mental. You did not develop these health problems overnight. You must adhere to the strict diet plan prescribed by your doctor. The difference now is that you can break the cycle of yo-yo dieting and other short-term fixes.

Increased physical activeness

Losing excess weight makes it easier to be physically active and establish a healthy exercise routine. As a result of increased physical activity and weight loss, the body’s ability to burn fat improves.

Mental peace

Active lifestyle, combined with successful weight loss, can also improve your mood. Gastric surgery has also been linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Better lifestyle

Overall, people report a higher quality of life following gastric surgery. They are more likely to be employed in some cases, and they have more meaningful social interactions. Gastric surgery ultimately helps you become physically healthier, but the benefits can truly improve every aspect of your life. 

Begin with personalized Gastric and Bariatric Care

We know that diet and exercise alone aren’t always enough to get you where you want to go. That’s why our weight-loss solutions go beyond what you eat and how you exercise to assist you in developing a healthier body, mind, and spirit. Our laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr. Girish Juneja is an expert in this field and has a strong track record of successful weight loss surgeries up his sleeves. With more than 30 years of experience, his professional excellence is quite renowned, and several positive testimonials from his patients are proof of it.

When you’re ready to make a change, our team is here to assist you. Learn more about our personalized bariatric and weight-loss options by clicking here.