A recent study reported in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) provides important new information regarding weight loss surgery and diabetes: diabetic patients who undergo laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, also known as the LAP-BAND system, often see a total remission of their type 2 diabetes.

While bariatric and metabolic surgeons have known this for years, the latest evidence-based research supports their claim. In a study of those recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, results indicate that those who underwent LAP-BAND surgery displayed a 5 times higher remission rate than those who chose conventional weight-loss methods.

In a world where one-third of the American population is considered overweight and has obesity-related health conditions like diabetes, these current findings are staggering. It is important to note that in this study, the degree of weight loss, not the method, appears to be the major driver of improvement and diabetes remission in obese patients. Therefore, the research suggests that intensive weight-loss therapy may be a more effective step in the management of diabetes than traditional changes in diet alone.

For those considering LAP-BAND surgery for long-term weight management, remember that major lifestyle changes are still necessary post-surgery to sustain weight loss. Although LAP-BAND patients realize that surgery has a dramatic impact on quality of life, it goes without saying that the decision to undergo weight-loss surgery should be made carefully.

The following questions can help you decide if surgery is the best option for you:

• · Have you tried non-surgical options many times in the past but were unsuccessful at losing and/or keeping the weight off?
• · Do you suffer from any of the following obesity-related health conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure/heart disease, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis of weight bearing joints, depression, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, gastro-esophageal reflux/heartburn, infertility, urinary stress incontinence, menstrual irregularities?
• · Have you considered the risks/complications of surgery?
• · Are you aware of the major lifestyle and dietary changes that follow surgery?
• · Are you aware that these changes are a lifelong commitment?

For more information on the MidState Bariatric Program, including LAP-BAND surgery, contact Karen Darley, LCSW, Program Coordinator, at 203.694.8343, or or send an e-mail by clicking here.