Our Summary

The study investigated the characteristics of patients who had weight-loss surgery to treat type 2 diabetes. They used data from 15 countries from 2015-2018. The study found that about a quarter of the patients had type 2 diabetes, and most of them were women. However, men with diabetes were more common than women with diabetes. Patients with diabetes were typically older than those without, and men with a body mass index (BMI) less than 35 were more likely to have diabetes than those with higher BMIs. The most common surgery was the sleeve gastrectomy, but it was less common in patients with diabetes. In contrast, the gastric bypass, which reroutes food away from much of the stomach, was more frequent in patients with diabetes. This suggests that patients with type 2 diabetes who undergo weight-loss surgery have unique characteristics compared to those without diabetes.

FAQs

  1. What was the most common type of weight-loss surgery for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to the study?
  2. What were some unique characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent weight-loss surgery?
  3. What was the proportion of patients who had type 2 diabetes among those who underwent weight-loss surgery in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering obesity surgery that it is important to carefully consider their options and choose the surgery that is best suited for their individual needs and health conditions. They may also advise the patient to work closely with their healthcare team before and after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes. Additionally, they may stress the importance of making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise routine, to support long-term weight loss and overall health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery include those who have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Additionally, patients who have tried and failed to lose weight through other methods such as diet and exercise may also be recommended for obesity surgery. It is important for patients to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if they are a good candidate for obesity surgery.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  • Patient may have tried various diets and exercise programs without success in losing weight
  • Patient may have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea
  • Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including a surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other healthcare professionals
  • Patient attends pre-operative education sessions to learn about the surgery, potential risks and benefits, and post-operative lifestyle changes
  • Patient may be required to lose a certain amount of weight before surgery to reduce surgical risks

After obesity surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgery, which can be a sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or gastric banding
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient follows a strict diet plan provided by the dietitian, which starts with clear liquids and gradually progresses to solid foods
  • Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team to monitor weight loss, nutrition status, and any potential complications
  • Patient may experience rapid weight loss in the first few months after surgery, followed by a slower rate of weight loss over time
  • Patient may experience improvements in comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea
  • Patient must make long-term lifestyle changes including regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and regular follow-up with the healthcare team to maintain weight loss and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of weight-loss surgeries available for treating obesity and how do they work?
  2. How will weight-loss surgery specifically benefit my type 2 diabetes treatment?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with weight-loss surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of weight-loss surgery in improving type 2 diabetes outcomes?
  5. How should I prepare for weight-loss surgery in terms of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes?
  6. What kind of follow-up care and monitoring will be required after the surgery?
  7. How long is the recovery period after weight-loss surgery and when can I expect to see results in terms of weight loss and diabetes management?
  8. Are there any specific dietary or nutritional guidelines I need to follow post-surgery?
  9. Will I need to take any additional medications or supplements after weight-loss surgery?
  10. How will weight-loss surgery impact my overall health and quality of life in the long term, including potential changes in mobility, energy levels, and other health conditions?

Reference

Authors: Welbourn R, Hollyman M, Kinsman R, Dixon J, Cohen R, Morton J, Ghaferi A, Higa K, Ottosson J, Pattou F, Al-Sabah S, Anvari M, Himpens J, Liem R, Våge V, Walton P, Brown W, Kow L. Journal: Obes Surg. 2021 Jun;31(6):2391-2400. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05280-6. Epub 2021 Feb 27. PMID: 33638756