Type 2 diabetes is a very serious disease that affects millions of people. It is a chronic disease that affects the way the body processes blood sugar, requiring a restricted diet and sometimes the use of insulin. One factor that contributes to the onset of type 2 diabetes and its symptoms is being overweight or obese. In order to control the negative effects of diabetes, weight loss and weight management are very important.
Research has shown that bariatric surgery can improve type 2 diabetes and its symptoms. According to one study, which followed 400 people with the disease, 62 percent of participants no longer showed signs of diabetes six years after undergoing weight loss surgery. Those individuals showed improved cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
Good Candidates for Bariatric Surgery
It’s important to go to the right facility and consult with a doctor who is experienced in the area of bariatric surgery if you are considering it. If you are in the South New Jersey area, you may want to consider Dr. Louis Balsama, who specializes in bariatric surgery. You will get to discuss your options and discover whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. The doctor will consider the following:
- Whether your BMI is 35 or higher
- Whether you have tried to lose weight and were unsuccessful at keeping it off
If you meet these criteria, you will also have a follow-up appointment where you will answer questions to determine whether you are ready both physically and emotionally for weight loss surgery. You will also be instructed to change your eating habits by consuming smaller portions, eating healthy foods, and exercising in preparation for your procedure day.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery
There are different types of bariatric surgeries available including:
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
During gastric bypass surgery, the doctor makes a pouch in the stomach by dividing its top from the remainder. After the surgery, when you eat, the food goes into the pouch, bypassing the larger bottom part and the stomach and small intestine, which leaves you feeling full faster. Individuals with diabetes who get this surgery are 80 percent less likely to show signs of the condition.
Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve
With a gastric sleeve, the doctor removes a sizable portion of the stomach, which results in feeling full faster. Over 60 percent of individuals with diabetes show no signs of the illness after undergoing this procedure. It is important to know that this procedure technique cannot be reversed.
If you live in New Jersey and want to get weight loss surgery to help control your diabetes, contact Dr. Balsama for a consultation to discuss your options.
