Weight loss surgery can lead to diabetes remission

(BPT) – For the more than 643 million people worldwide with type 2 diabetes, the disease’s health-related issues can be serious, deadly, and costly. Diet and exercise can help control diabetes. But a recent study shows that the remission of type 2 diabetes is achieved more effectively and with longer-lasting results with bariatric surgery, rather than through medications and lifestyle changes.Reversing a diagnosis of life-altering diabetes is empowering. April Ammons of Florida (a patient of bariatric surgeon Michael Baptista, M.D. of Jacksonville) was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on her 40th birthday. She progressed from oral diabetes medication to an insulin pump combined with oral medications and insulin injections. But today, she says she has been released from “diabetic prison” thanks to the 110 pounds she lost after having an adjustable gastric band (AGB) surgically placed.“The band made it possible for me to discontinue use of the insulin pump, and as the weight came off, the diabetic medications decreased,” says April. “I would never dream that I would be free of the horrible effects of diabetes — pain when walking, sleeping with a CPAP machine, depression, overall exhaustion. My A1C was once in the 15s and is now in the 7s. To say my doctor is thrilled is an understatement.”Backed by 25 years of clinical evidence, the FDA-approved Lap-Band® system features an AGB placed around the upper stomach to help limit food intake and promote a feeling of fullness. It involves a short, outpatient procedure and brings power over hunger and more control because of its adjustability over weight loss than other bariatric surgery options. On average, patients kept off 60% of their excess body weight after five years of having the minimally invasive Lap-Band surgery1.Lap-Band can be a powerful option for those with diabetes. In fact, of people with diabetes who had a Lap-Band placed, 73% reported remission of type 2 diabetes due to weight loss after two years2.The Lap-Band system is for those with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions, like diabetes. The band can be tightened or loosened as a patient’s body or physical needs change over time, helping to provide sustainable weight loss over the long term. Regular adjustments by a surgeon help continue weight loss. Think about it like having to tighten your belt as the weight comes off.April, who had her Lap-Band surgery in 2021, now takes line dancing, stretching, and yoga classes at a gym. She’s enjoying going to the beach and traveling again.“For me, my new life began after the 45-minute procedure to place the band and a couple of days of recuperation,” says April. “I’m in awe of the changes I have experienced since my surgery, and I finally feel like I am an active participant in my life again. I encourage any diabetic battling weight issues to talk to your surgeon about the procedure.”Visit Lap-Band.com to find a Lap-Band surgeon near you.Actual patient. The views and opinions expressed here are patient’s own. Patients’ experience and results may vary.Important Safety InformationPatients’ results and experiences may vary. The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives. This surgery requires significant changes in eating habits. This system is contraindicated in non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age) with inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, severe cardiopulmonary diseases, esophageal or gastric varices, portal hypertension, or who currently are or may be pregnant. Placement of the system is major surgery and, therefore, death can occur. Most common related adverse events include: band slippage, pouch dilatation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting.For full safety information: https://www.lapband.com/safety/. CAUTION: Rx only1 Ray James, Ray Shahla. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. Safety, efficacy, and durability of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in a single surgeon U.S. community practice2 Dixon, John et al. JAMA Vol 299 No 3 Jan 2008 Adjustable Gastric Banding and Conventional Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial