A recent study led by the Cleveland Clinic has shown that patients who had bariatric surgery to treat obesity-related type 2 diabetes experienced significant health improvements over a period of five years. The research study published in the Annals of Surgery was conducted as part of the STAMPEDE trials (Surgical Therapy and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently.)
Patients Report Positive Health Effects
Patients that participated in the study reported a number of favorable health effects following their weight loss surgery to treat obesity and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. In comparison to patients that only received medical therapy to treat diabetes, those who underwent bariatric surgery reported:
- Significantly better physical health
- Less adverse impact of diabetes in their everyday life
- More physical strength and energy
- Lower bodily pains and discomfort
- Reduced dependence of anti-diabetic drugs
- Higher overall quality of life
First Clinical Trial of its Kind
The STAMPEDE study, led by the Cleveland Clinic and supported by Ethicon, LifeScan and the National Institutes of Health, was the first clinical trial (controlled and randomized) that directly compared the effects of weight loss surgery with medical therapy in patients with obesity and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
The study involved 150 patients, who were divided into three categories: (a) 50 patients who only underwent intensive medical therapy; (b) 50 patients who had gastric bypass surgery along with medical therapy; and (c) 50 patients who had gastric sleeve surgery along with medical therapy. Efficacy of the treatment was determined on the basis of percentage of patients whose blood sugar levels came under control.
Results of the Study
Results of the research study demonstrated that bariatric surgery is more effective than medical therapy alone for patients who need to shed excess pounds and treat their poorly controlled type 2 diabetes symptoms. Results evaluated over a period of five years showed that the favorable health effects of weight loss surgery sustain over time.
In the final evaluation of 104 patients over 5 years, researchers found that 78 patients who were a part of the bariatric surgery group achieved substantially better scores on various health parameters compared to the remaining 26 patients who were a part of the medical therapy group.
As many as 12 elements were assessed to determine the patients’ overall quality of life following their treatment. These included things, such as maintenance of a balanced diet and fitness, meal planning and going out to eat, family life, and going on vacations, among others.
Challenges for Patients without Surgery
According to Dr. Sangeeta Kashyap, an endocrinologist and co-investigator of the study, patients with chronic diabetes usually suffer from a poor quality of life. In particular, kidney disease, eye disease and other micro-vascular conditions increase their physical challenges.
When obesity is coupled with diabetes, it may lead to body pains, reduced mobility, and other complications. Bariatric surgery in these patients can help achieve independence from insulin as well as loss of excess weight, driving significant improvements in their quality of life.
Safe and Affordable Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico
Patients who do not qualify for insurance coverage may consider safe and affordable options for weight loss surgery in Mexico to achieve freedom from obesity and its co-morbidities such as diabetes. Gastric sleeve in Mexico is now considered a popular bariatric surgery option with a very high success rate.
Gastric sleeve cost in Mexico would likely be a fraction of what the uninsured or under-insured patients in the US or Canada may have to pay. However, before making a decision, patients should consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon as well as review gastric sleeve before and after images to understand the potential weight loss benefits of this surgery.
About Jet Medical Tourism
Jet Medical Tourism® is one of the top-rated medical tourism providers of high quality and affordable weight loss surgery in Mexico. A large number of patients in the US and Canada choose Jet Medical Tourism® for low cost gastric sleeve in Mexico with excellent results. Patients can contact the company to request a complimentary virtual consultation with one of the experienced bariatric surgeons on-board with them in Mexico.
