Posted - February 28, 2011

Bariatric Surgery Options for Diabetics

Today, there are a number of choices available for diabetics who are overweight or obese, and who are thinking about weight loss surgery. Each surgical option has its own pros and cons, so before making a decision, consider all the choices carefully.

Lap-Band or Gastric band surgery. For those who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, gastric band surgery may be a good choice. With this procedure, a surgeon places an inflatable band to divide the stomach into two separate parts. The band is pulled tight, which restricts the amount of food that can be placed in the stomach. Gastric band surgery is easier and has fewer complications than other types of weight loss surgical procedures, but it isn’t as effective. In terms of percentages, this procedure has about a 50 to 60 percent success rate. Additionally, people tend to lose weight more slowly and lose less weight overall with Lap-Band surgery, than with some of the other more radical surgical procedures.

Gastric bypass surgery. This procedure involves stomach stapling, creating a pouch and a passage for food to bypass a part of the small intestine. This weight loss surgery procedure has roughly a 70 to 80 percent success rate. Further, patients typically keep weight off for up to 30 years. Diabetics may see a return to normal blood sugar levels with this procedure.

Sleeve gastrectomy. With a sleeve gastrectomy, the stomach is reconfigured to look like a tube or banana in order to limit calorie absorption. It has a success rate of roughly 80 percent. The sleeve gastrectomy is a relatively new procedure, so long term effects are unknown.

Duodenal switch. This weight loss surgery procedure has a higher rate of complications than some of the other surgical procedures, but has a success rate of around 95 percent. With a duodenal switch, approximately 80 percent of the stomach is removed. There is a higher risk of malnutrition and diarrhea with this procedure.

If you are a diabetic and are considering weight loss surgery, speak with your Dallas, Texas physician to discuss your options.