Bariatric surgery - possible treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus

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Published at: www.news-medical.net

Glen McDanielPresident and Chief Executive OfficerGM Global

Bariatric surgery may be a legitimate way to address diabetes

September 28, 2007

Diabetes continues to be a global problem with hefty costs in dollars, death and disability.  Over the years treatment has not varied much-exercise, diet and use of insulin- and the problem continues to grow. If bariatric surgery shows amelioration of diabetes (if "cure" is too strong a worrd),  then surgery should  be considered a legitimate option in some cases.

Another "cure" for diabetes?

September 26, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

1. Weight loss may improve carbohydrate metabolism in patients with  Type 2 DM 2. Weight loss is difficult to maintain even in these patients 3. There is more to curing type 2 DM then losing weight

Inurance reimbursement for MWL body contouring

September 24, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

I have seen a trend of decreased reimbursements in my practice with post MWL body contouring.  These patients are plagued with complications due to their malabsorption.  Wound healing and seroma formations are issues that are encountered close to 100% of all MWL patients who undergo elective surgery.  Therefore with decreased reimbursement and the time that is needed to care for these patients, I see that most private practice surgeons will turn these patients away and send them to a university setting where there are residents that can take care of these patients.  Unless the patient is willing to pay out of pocket, I don't see any private practice surgeon offering their free services for complicated surgeries. We performed a quality of life assessment on these patients and it was clear that in all categories (economical/health/psychological) there was a significant improvement following MWL body contouring.  

Is the Betterment of Diabetes just a Weight-loss Phenomenon?

September 24, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

A weight loss of at least 10% of original body weight has been found to reduce insulin resistance.  The amount of weight loss seen after gastric by-pass has led to a partial or compete reversal of diabetes with some patients going off therapy completely.  In some patients, there is a regain of some of the weight although return to previous weight is unusual in patients whose by-pass is still functional.  There are changes seen in the levels of gut hormones after the procedure that are thought to be part of the reason for the betterment of the procedure.  The benefit of the operation would be maximal for patients who demonstrate calorie counts greatly in excess of dietary needs. 

Robert FrankOwnerAria Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic Surgery after Bariatric Procedures - Whats cosmetic?

September 13, 2007

With the growth of bariatric procedures and the increased recognition of the health benefits associated with massive weight loss, more insurance providers are beginning to cover bariatric procedures. The problems arise when these patients present to their plastic surgeons after their weight loss and are surprised to find their procedures considered cosmetic and not "medically necessary".

Forrest RubensteinCardiac, Thoracic and Vascular SurgeonST. MARY'S HOSPITAL, STREATOR, OF THE HOSPITAL SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

Bariatric surgery is a useful adjunct in the management of obese diabetics

July 6, 2007

   Type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are highly correlated with obesity. These diseases are epidemic in our society.  Weight loss has been definitively shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients with complications from their obesity.  Bariatric surgery is a highly effective strategy for treating morbid obesity. It reliably produces greater weight loss than any other treatment.   As these procedures do have risks and potential complications, they should be considered a part of the treatment plan along with diet, exercise, and risk factor reduction.  No single strategy is best for all patients so this therapy needs to be individualized.

Bariatric surgery-- when all else fails in diabetic patients

May 21, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Bariatric surgery is a viable option for in properly selected, well-motivated, desperate patients with diabetes.

An added benefit

May 4, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Bariactric surgery is no easy deal. First convince the patient and then have him or her go thru a series of exams by various specialists including psychiatry before proceding. If diabetes is there the weight loss will improve the condition. It is not a primary indication by any means.

Is Bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus an overly simplistic solution

April 30, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

There is reasonably good data emerging that bariatric surgery can be effective in treating obesity related complications.  However, as the prevalence of bariatric surgery increases in the U.S. in an exponential manner, there are many patients who have received this surgery without us knowing the extended complications of the surgery per se.  The benefit of bariatric surgery seems to reside in the very poor prognosis of morbid obesity, the major indication for these surgical procedures.

Bariatric Surgery: Too much, Too early.

April 29, 2007

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Bariatric Surgery works to treat diabetes in the short run, but it is expensive and dangerous.