There is a range of health benefits to undergoing weight loss surgery.
The decision to undergo weight loss surgery should not be taken lightly — any surgical procedure comes with risks, as well as a recovery period that needs to be considered. But, if your weight is affecting your overall health, you could benefit greatly from a bariatric procedure. Now, research suggests that individuals who are obese and have diabetes could benefit from weight loss surgery in more ways than one — read on to find out more about how surgery could improve your blood glucose levels and promote overall health.
How does weight loss surgery help diabetes?
Weight loss surgery can go a long way in improving the overall health of individuals with type two diabetes. In some cases, patients notice that their blood sugar levels return to normal after their procedure, which allows them to reduce or stop their medication altogether. According to some studies, some people show no signs of diabetes within a few years of weight loss surgery, while factors like blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels may also improve.
Are you a suitable candidate?
If you have diabetes and are considering weight loss surgery, it is important that you make sure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Good candidates for bariatric surgery typically have a BMI of 30 or higher; have made serious attempts to lose weight with only short-term success; experience severe negative health affects related to being severely overweight; and are unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time even through medically-supervised dieting.
If you would like to know whether you are well-suited to bariatric surgery, the best starting point is to consult with a surgeon who will be able to advise you on your options. Be sure to let them know about any other health conditions you have, as well as how long you have been struggling with issues like diabetes.
What procedures are available?
When it comes to weight loss surgery, there are a number of available procedures. The type that you choose to go ahead with will depend on a few factors, and it is always a good idea to get the guidance of a fully-qualified professional when making the decision.
Some bariatric procedures work by reducing the size of your stomach so that you feel full after eating less than usual, while other treatments actually change how your body absorbs nutrients.
Some of the most effective bariatric procedures include gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric banding, SADI-S, SASI-S, and Allurion Balloon Programme. Each of these treatments has its own set of benefits, which your surgeon will explain to you in detail.
What can you expect after surgery?
If you decide to go ahead with bariatric surgery as a means to lose weight and manage your type two diabetes, it’s important to know that you will need to make some changes to the way you eat. With the support and guidance of a qualified dietician, you will need to stick to a portion-controlled diet that is rich in nutrients. Over time, you will begin to notice the results of your treatment as you gradually lose weight and experience better overall health. In the best-case scenario, your blood sugar levels will return to normal, and your diabetes will be easily controlled or non-existent.
How can we help?
Dr Stephen Watson specialises in weight loss surgery and offers a range of procedures for those who would like to lose excess body weight and enjoy better general health. Dr Watson understands that each person’s goals, lifestyle, and body are unique, which is why he will take the time to get to know you before determining the best treatment plan for you. He works with a team of other professionals who are also available to support you on your weight loss journey.
For more information about the range of bariatric procedures that Dr Watson offers, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call at (08) 6311 7578.
