Bariatric surgery is a treatment for obesity and diabetes that has been found to be durable, safe and successful. After the patient undergoes bariatric and metabolic surgery, they experience significant weight loss as well as improved glycemic control in most cases because of enforced caloric restriction combined with enhanced insulin sensitivity or increased secretion of this hormone by their liver cells due to requirements from less food intake than before surgery. Decrease in the appetite hormone, calorie restriction, alteration of the body set point in metabolism are just some of the many mechanisms of body changes after bariatric and metabolic surgery, that contribute to improvement in diabetes control.
The Role of Bariatric Surgery on Diabetes
The use of bariatric surgery against obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is on the rise. A recent study suggests gastrointestinal manipulation can induce T2DM remission in patients with T2DM (metabolic surgery), especially given the digestive tract's importance in metabolic regulation. There are several mechanisms by which bariatric surgery for diabetics may modulate weight loss-independent effects, including changes in insulin sensitivity, intestinal glucose metabolism, and brown adipose tissue metabolism.
Recovering After the Bariatric Surgery
Hospital Recovery:
Following bariatric surgery, patients usually spend one to two days in the hospital, or longer if complications arise. Most of bariatric surgeries are done via laparoscopic method (“Key hole” surgery), hence leading to a shorter period after their surgery.
After surgery, your nurses will keep an eye on you in your hospital room. Your nurses will monitor your vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate, as well as encourage you to perform breathing exercises, coughing, leg movements, and get out of bed. Doing these exercises can help lower your risk of complications. Please notify your nurse if you have any symptoms of nausea, anxiety, muscle spasms, altered breathing patterns, or increased pain. You will be able to walk around your room on the same day of surgery.
Within a few days, most people are feeling ready to return to their normal activities after weight loss surgery. Keep in mind, though, that you've undergone a major operation and should take things slowly for a few weeks.
Wound:
Waterproof dressings will be applied to the small wounds on your abdomen after the operation. It is advised to keep the dressing on for a few days after the surgery (only change it if the wound oozes or the dressing has lifted and become non waterproof). When that happens, the wounds are usually healed enough to be left uncovered. Stitches are usually dissolvable. From the day following surgery, you can bath or shower as usual. Whenever you notice pain, redness, swelling, or pus you should go and see your Practice Nurse for a wound check.
Exercise:
In addition to getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of fluids, gentle outdoor exercise is important. Your exercise should slowly increase until you are walking for 30 minutes a day. As you walk, you should be able to feel your breathing getting short and your body becoming sweaty.
Driving:
As soon as you can wear a seatbelt comfortably and stop in an emergency, you can drive. For specific information regarding driving after keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery), check with your insurance company. After surgery on the abdomen, you should not lift heavy objects for two to three months.
Home recovery:
Based on your progress, your surgeon will determine when you can leave the hospital. Your surgeon and his team of dietitians will provide specific instructions about what to eat, what to do, and when to notify them. Speak to your nurse or discharge coordinator about any concerns you might have about returning home.
Plan to take things easy once you get home. During the recovery period, your body will recover from major surgery and loss of weight.
Bariatric Surgery: What is the Benefit to Diabetics?
With type 2 diabetes or obesity, this type of diabetics surgery can be an effective way to lose weight.
Obesity, in fact, has a strong link to the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes. If a patient has diabetes, their doctor may suggest that they lose weight as part of their therapy.
Bariatric surgery for diabetics is a type of weight loss surgery that experts prescribe for those people who are obese. They're also frequently suggesting it as a treatment for diabetes (type 2) in obese persons. This will reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as stroke or heart attack in the future. People who are worried about their health due to obesity and or diabetic patients should strongly consider bariatric and metabolic surgery to reduce their risk of future health issues.
Is Bariatric Surgery the Answer to Diabetes?
Doctors nowadays highly recommend bariatric surgery and patient with diabetes can significantly benefit from it. Bariatric surgery is now one of the fastest-growing surgical interventions around the world. The two most common bariatric and metabolic surgery done in Singapore are sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Discuss with your Bariatric surgeon to see which one is more suitable for you. Each and every patient is different, your bariatric surgeon will discuss which procedure is more suitable for you.
Previously, this kind of surgery was reserved for severely obese people with life-threatening obesity. Doctors now consider surgery as a new option for treating type 2 diabetes in individuals struggling not only with their weight, but also their diabetes and other health problems. There is now strong evidence that surgery may cause some patients with diabetes to go into remission, and stay in remission for a prolonged number of years. They can also slow or stop the progression of type 2 diabetes and their complications.
Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes: Weighing the Impact for Obese Patients
An important concern about using bariatric surgery to treat type 2 diabetes is the risk of morbidity and death associated with these procedures.
The cardiovascular risks of continued obesity and type 2 diabetes must be considered along with the mortality rate after bariatric surgery. There is now strong scientific evidence that suggests bariatric surgery can increase lifespan, and reduce the patient cardiometabolic risk factors for future health problems.
When To Consult A Doctor?
There are several situations or conditions that a bariatrician can assist with:
- ● Weight loss is a priority for you, so you're willing to make lifestyle adjustments.
- ● Various weight loss programs you have been trying on your own haven't succeeded.
- ● If you have diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as high blood pressure, then you have two or more risk factors for serious obesity-related complications.
- ● You seem out of control when you overeat and feel distressed.
- ● You have a BMI greater than 27.5kg/m2.
Men have waist circumferences larger than 40 inches, women have waist circumferences larger than 35 inches
Final Words
Despite the benefits of bariatric surgery for diabetics, all weight loss surgeries are major procedures carrying serious risks and potential side effects. Additionally, you must commit to making permanent changes to your diet and getting regular exercise to make sure your bariatric surgery for diabetes is successful long-term. Speak to your Bariatric surgeon who uses the multidisciplinary approach to improve your success after surgery
Be the first to comment