Gastric Bypass and Diabetes

According to University of California San Francisco (UCSF) researchers, Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery performed by a bariatric surgeon is more effective at eliciting a remission in type-2 diabetes within one year post-bariatric procedure than other bariatric procedures, such as laparoscopic banding.

In the UCSF study, 76% of the patients who had Roux-en-y gastric bypass saw improvements in their diabetes, as opposed to only a 50% improvement for the laparoscopic banding patients. In another study out of Taiwan, a near entire diabetes remission was seen after one year in patients who received various types of bypass surgery, as compared to only 50% diabetes resolution in those who had sleeve gastrectomy. The findings of both studies were published in Archives of Surgery February issue.

Researchers noted that because gastric bypass surgery results in greater weight loss, improved diabetes resolution may be more likely than with other bariatric surgery procedures, such as laparoscopic banding.

While the findings of these two studies are encouraging, researchers still are cautious. Researchers note that the follow-up period of one-year is relatively short, and longer follow-up studies are needed in terms of maintaining weight loss and controlling diabetes over the long-term. If it turns out that a five-year follow-up study still demonstrates that the Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery remains superior in terms of sustained weight loss and diabetes remission, the study findings may actually change clinical bariatric surgery practice as it is seen today.

Miramar weight loss surgery candidates that are looking for relief from their diabetes should discuss the findings of both studies with their bariatric surgeon.