Metabolic Surgery to Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

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Procedure Description

Metabolic surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is increasingly recognized as a powerful intervention to manage and, in many cases, reverse type 2 diabetes. While metabolic surgery was initially developed as a weight-loss solution, its impact on diabetes has been extraordinary, leading researchers and practitioners to redefine its role as a diabetes treatment. The procedure alters the gastrointestinal tract, influencing insulin production, glucose absorption, and other metabolic processes that are directly linked to blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

The most common types of metabolic surgeries used for diabetes include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. These surgeries change the way food is processed and absorbed by the body, leading to significant metabolic changes that promote weight loss and improve blood sugar levels. For instance, gastric bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch and reroutes a portion of the intestine, limiting food intake and nutrient absorption. This process reduces the production of glucose, which can result in improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

The benefits of metabolic surgery for diabetes are more than just anecdotal. Multiple studies show that many patients can achieve remission from type 2 diabetes following metabolic surgery. Remission here means the patient achieves normal blood sugar levels without the need for medication. However, the results can vary depending on the type of surgery, the patient's specific health profile, and their adherence to postoperative lifestyle recommendations. This makes metabolic surgery a transformative option for many patients, although it is not a universal cure and does not eliminate the need for ongoing health management.

Procedure Duration

The duration of metabolic surgery varies by the specific type of procedure chosen, the patient’s unique health profile, and the complexity of the surgical process. On average, most metabolic surgeries last between 1 to 3 hours under general anesthesia, with gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy on the shorter side of this range and duodenal switch on the longer side. This timeframe may extend slightly if the procedure is done laparoscopically or robotically, as these minimally invasive techniques require extra time to set up.

After surgery, patients typically remain in the hospital for 1 to 3 days, allowing healthcare providers to monitor their initial recovery. During this time, the medical team ensures that the patient can tolerate liquids and that there are no immediate complications. After discharge, the initial recovery phase at home can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, during which patients may experience mild discomfort, fatigue, and adjustments to dietary restrictions.

The recovery timeline for full metabolic and dietary adjustments can span several months. Patients must follow strict dietary guidelines, transitioning from liquid foods to soft foods and eventually to regular solids, ensuring their body adapts to the new digestive structure. Physical activity, although limited initially, is progressively increased under medical supervision. Patients can expect a return to a normal level of physical activity by about 6 weeks post-surgery, although individual recovery times vary.

Benefits

  • Improvement in Blood Sugar Levels: Most patients experience a marked improvement in blood sugar control, with some achieving complete remission of type 2 diabetes.
  • Weight Loss: Metabolic surgery can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss, which contributes to the management of other obesity-related conditions.
  • Reduction in Medications: Many patients find they can reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes-related medications after surgery.
  • Lower Cardiovascular Risk: By improving glucose control and promoting weight loss, metabolic surgery reduces the risk of heart disease, which is common in type 2 diabetes patients.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Many patients report a significant improvement in their overall quality of life, with increased energy levels and mobility post-surgery.

Potential Destinations

  • Thailand: Thailand has become a major destination for metabolic surgery due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, skilled surgeons, and affordability. Many Thai hospitals cater to international patients, offering comprehensive care and multilingual support.
  • Mexico: With numerous internationally accredited hospitals, Mexico is a popular choice, especially for patients from North America. Mexico offers competitive pricing and a growing network of skilled bariatric surgeons specializing in metabolic surgery.
  • India: Known for its highly trained surgeons and modern medical facilities, India provides metabolic surgery at a fraction of the cost found in many Western countries. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have well-established medical tourism networks.
  • Turkey: Turkey has positioned itself as a premier destination for metabolic surgery with advanced facilities, expert surgeons, and attractive medical tourism packages. Istanbul, in particular, has numerous internationally recognized hospitals.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE is known for its state-of-the-art hospitals and experienced bariatric surgeons, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The country’s focus on medical tourism ensures top-tier care and luxury accommodations for international patients.

Risks & Considerations

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Since metabolic surgery reduces nutrient absorption, patients may experience deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals and must take lifelong supplements.
  • Surgical Complications: Risks like bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications are present, as with any major surgery.
  • Dumping Syndrome: Some patients may experience dumping syndrome, where food moves too quickly through the digestive tract, causing discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea.
  • Mental Health Changes: Post-surgery emotional and mental health shifts are common, and patients may experience mood changes due to dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes.
  • Weight Regain: While the surgery aids in weight loss, long-term success depends on the patient's commitment to lifestyle changes; some may regain weight if they do not adhere to postoperative guidelines.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When selecting a doctor or hospital for metabolic surgery, it’s crucial to look for a provider with specific experience in bariatric and metabolic procedures. Verify that the doctor is a board-certified surgeon with expertise in metabolic surgery and, ideally, has a track record of successfully treating type 2 diabetes patients.

Patients should also consider hospitals with international accreditation or high national standards in surgical care. These facilities often have multidisciplinary teams, including endocrinologists, dietitians, and psychologists, who can support a holistic approach to managing diabetes pre- and post-surgery. A reputable hospital will offer personalized patient support, from preoperative consultations to postoperative follow-up, ensuring the highest standards of safety and patient satisfaction.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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