Diabetes Surgery or Metabolic Surgery Can SAVE LIVES

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease strongly associated with obesity and can reduce the life expectancy of those who live with it. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and peripheral nerve damage.

“Diabetes surgery, also known as metabolic surgery, is effective in treating type 2 diabetes in more than 80% of patients. It can also help improve associated health conditions and quality of life, and it is estimated that it may increase life expectancy by up to 10 years.”

What Is Diabetes Surgery?

Diabetes surgery involves the use of surgical techniques commonly performed in bariatric surgery for patients with mild obesity (BMI between 30 and 35) or severe obesity (BMI over 35) who have type 2 diabetes mellitus and have been unable to achieve their target blood glucose (blood sugar) levels despite appropriate medical treatment, including diet, physical activity, and medication.

When patients also have other conditions such as high cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, or high blood pressure, these may improve significantly after surgery. In many cases, patients may even be able to reduce or discontinue medications used to manage these conditions under medical supervision.

When Is Metabolic Surgery Recommended?

• For patients with severe obesity and associated type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• When previous medical treatment and lifestyle interventions have not been effective.

What Does Metabolic Surgery Involve?

Several bariatric surgical techniques can be used for metabolic surgery, depending on each patient's individual characteristics. The main procedures include Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Mini Gastric Bypass.

Effectiveness of Metabolic Surgery for Diabetes

The changes made to the stomach and intestine can improve the body's insulin response. Within just a few weeks after surgery, more than 80% of patients may experience a significant improvement in blood sugar control.

As weight loss continues, these improvements may become more sustainable, and many patients may be able to reduce or discontinue their diabetes medication under medical supervision. Cardiovascular risk may also decrease, along with improvements in blood lipid levels and a reduced need for antihypertensive medication.

Risks of Metabolic Surgery

Patient-Related Factors

• Advanced age.

• Very high BMI.

• Limited physical mobility.

Surgical Team-Related Factors

• Lack of surgeon experience with a specific procedure.

• Revisional surgery involving a stomach and/or intestine that has previously undergone surgery.

Currently, the General and Obesity Surgery Department at REVENANT CLINIC consists of a multidisciplinary team of specialists with more than 15 years of experience regularly performing these procedures.

We have also developed the ability to complete a patient's comprehensive evaluation protocol with all required specialists in less than 48 hours, while our surgical procedures take approximately 60 minutes on average.

Follow-Up After Metabolic Surgery

Follow-up care is essential to ensure appropriate weight loss and help prevent potential complications. Monthly monitoring by the bariatric specialist and registered dietitian helps ensure that:

• Vitamin and mineral levels remain within appropriate ranges.

• Weight loss progresses appropriately.

• Previously prescribed medications are adjusted as necessary to help prevent imbalances.