Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure designed to help individuals lose weight and improve their overall health. For those struggling with weight-related health issues, including diabetes, bariatric surgery may offer a fundamental solution. One common and effective type of bariatric surgery is the gastric sleeve surgery, which has shown promising results for weight loss and diabetes management. Here’s more on gastric sleeve surgery, its benefits, and how it aids in managing diabetes:
Basics of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a bariatric surgery in which approximately 80% of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach is shaped into a narrow tube resembling a banana. This smaller stomach size restricts food intake, supporting sustainable weight loss.
Some clinics utilize advanced technologies, like the da Vinci robotic surgery system, to achieve increased precision during the procedure. Through small incisions, the surgeon minimizes stomach size while preserving its functionality, focusing on a safe recovery and optimal results. The principle of gastric sleeve surgery revolves around two key functions:
- Restricted Food Intake: The smaller stomach reduces calorie consumption by limiting how much you can eat in one sitting.
- Hormonal Adjustments: The surgery triggers changes in gut hormones that regulate appetite, metabolism, and even blood sugar levels.
Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The benefits of gastric sleeve surgery extend beyond weight loss. By addressing obesity, the procedure lowers risks of developing or worsening chronic health conditions like:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Disease
- Sleep Apnea
A bariatric specialist will evaluate your overall health and medical history to determine if this surgery aligns with your weight-loss and health goals. They might guide you through a medically supervised weight-loss program before recommending the procedure. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 35 or higher alongside obesity-related health issues like type 2 diabetes, could be candidates for this surgery. For lasting results, candidates must be equipped to adopt long-term lifestyle and dietary changes with this procedure.
Management of Diabetes With Surgery
For diabetic people, bariatric surgery has become an effective solution for managing type 2 diabetes. It targets the root causes of the condition by addressing excess weight and improving how the body regulates blood sugar. The smaller stomach size and metabolic changes induced by gastric sleeve surgery contribute directly to diabetes management.
Hormonal changes caused by gastric sleeve surgery improve insulin sensitivity and lower insulin resistance by enhancing blood pressure and metabolic functions. This procedure offers sustainable weight reduction by alleviating pressure on vital organs and lowering blood sugar levels. Many individuals are able to lower their reliance on medications, and some even achieve remission of type 2 diabetes entirely.
Patients benefit from improved insulin sensitivity resulting from better glycemic control following the surgery. This control helps stabilize blood sugar levels more effectively. With better control over diabetes, the risk of long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart problems decreases significantly.
Learn More About Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, particularly gastric sleeve surgery, offers a key solution for individuals struggling with weight-related health challenges. Beyond aiding in substantial and sustainable weight loss, the hormonal shifts and metabolic benefits of the procedure make it a pivotal tool in managing type 2 diabetes. Speak with a bariatric specialist to understand your options today. Reach out to learn more about how bariatric surgery can transform your health and quality of life.