Bariatric surgery was once referred to as weight loss surgery, the surgical treatment for morbid obesity. It involves surgically reducing the stomach and/or bypassing a section of the intestines to achieve weight loss. However, over the past decade, research has repeatedly proven that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for the remission or improvement of type 2 diabetes and metabolic health.

These studies have shown that over 85% of people who have bariatric surgery will see the remission or significant improvement in their diabetes, and this effect is seen nearly immediately in the days after surgery. These results are shown to last even 5 to 15 years after surgery and to reduce the damage caused by long standing poorly controlled diabetes on the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves.

As research evolves, bariatric surgery is being referred to as metabolic surgery due to the astounding results it has on the remission and improvement in diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint pain, and other metabolic conditions. Bariatric surgery has also been shown to reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer and to prolong life compared to people with obesity who do not have surgery.

The evidence has been so convincing that the criteria to qualify for bariatric surgery no longer requires a person to have morbid obesity. A person with diabetes and with a BMI of 30 is a perfectly suitable candidate for this procedure.

Modern day bariatric surgery no longer requires lengthy hospital stays and surgical risk has been greatly reduced, even considered to be even safer than some routine surgeries. Within 1 to 2 days our patients return home with minimal discomfort and in many cases no longer needing their diabetes medication at all.

Bariatric surgery requires ongoing effort with respect to healthy eating and regular exercise to maintain the results. Although it is not for everyone, it is an outstanding solution for many to get a hold on their diabetes, their health, and their life.