“I don’t know how many studies we need to do to keep comparing the best medical treatment to surgery, but it’s clear to me that surgery is the only thing that offers resolution to diabetes.” – Dr. Gagner. (in an article published on Wall Street Journal).
The American Diabetes Association also confirms “surgery as one option in its 2015 medical care guidelines for diabetic patients.”
I can attest to these claims. My doctor recommended I undergo gastric bypass surgery to help manage my condition. Otherwise, I would be dead sooner than later. Weight loss surgery is so far one of the faster means of keeping Type 2 diabetes under control. But, the effect does not last forever unless you choose to.
Let’s say, it’s got your back for the first two to five years max. Alright, seven years tops. It comes with a responsibility of attending follow-up checkups of course. During this period, you still need maintenance designed for the surgery. You need:
- Proper diet
- Exercise
- Supplements
Taking a number of supplements has become a part of my daily routine. I also began working out as many times in a week as I could. I also monitored my diet. For my medication, I took Metformin. The first few months after the surgery produced favorable results as I quickly lost 100 pounds. After this stage, the surgery can only contribute so much to your well-being. Effort is the key to achieving your ideal weight.
For someone with Type 2 Diabetes and a BMI of more than 30, the need for weight management is immediate. The purpose of the surgery, I believe is, to help you catch up on your ideal weight fast. Experts stated that doctors should recommend WLS to eligible patients earlier. This will help prevent complications of the disease.
While proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle change are far better, it takes time. Perhaps those who are in the prediabetes stage can still fill in all the gaps. Those who have full-blown Type 2 Diabetes have limited time, so to speak. This is when weight loss surgery becomes paramount.
The length of effectiveness depends on how well the body responds to a certain type of surgery. In my case, I underwent gastric bypass, which proved successful. I lost significant weight and regained control of my body.
Long story short, WLS is the faster way for managing Type 2 Diabetes but it does not do all the work for the rest of your life. It would save your life but not for the most part. Relying on the surgery alone is pushing yourself a dangerous ground. It always works best when coupled with proper nutrition and increased daily activity. There are things we people with Type 2 Diabetes need to do to prolong our time on Earth.
According to BariatricSurgerySource.com: “As many as 80% of patients eventually gain a little weight back after hitting their nadir (low point). In addition, the more time that passes following surgery, the more likely patients are to gain some weight back.”
Here’s what I recommend you do:
Stick to the plan and motivate yourself everyday. Focus on the result and not the struggle. Know that something good will come out of it. Maybe look for your own purpose. Mine is my Diabetes. If I don’t keep up and maintain a healthy lifestyle, I’d be a dead man walking. It sounds morbid but it is true.
Seek continuous professional help by a nutritionist or a your doctor. Consultation once-a-month won’t hurt, considering the benefits.
Research says that it takes 21 days for a human brain to form a new habit. Get a calendar and visualize your progress. You can always start over when you notice yourself falling off the line. Everyday is another day to start anew.
On a personal note, weight loss surgery and lifestyle intervention work hand in hand. Weight loss surgery would start you up fast but lifestyle intervention will keep you to it. Don’t settle for just one, especially if you have type 2 diabetes.