Last week, it was reported that The New England Journal of Medicine has completed a study showing bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) to be an effective "cure" for Type II Diabetes. In fact, those who have the surgery are often relieved of their diabetic medications within days of the procedure.
However, much went unreported by the media. 1 in 1,000 patients die as a result of this surgery! Those who survive may find that immediately afterward, blood clots, pneumonia, or infections at the incision site are common. Long term issues include ulceration or narrowing of the stomach-intestine connection (http://www.mayoclinic.org/bariatric-surgery/complications.html). It is very important to note that since those who undergo surgery can only eat approximately 1/2 cup per meal, lifelong nutrient deficiencies are rampant. Vitamin and mineral supplements are a necessity, and, even with these, the skin and hair may become very dry due to a lack of appropriate nutrition. Dehydration is also common because of the stomach's limited capacity.
Finally, the surgery can actually create a problem with LOW blood sugar, called non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS). Although rare, this condition can be life-threatening (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16195867) and may require surgery reversal.
If those who recommend these surgeries have their way, what will be our future? Will all Type II diabetics go under the knife regardless of weight? Will we be sending our teenagers into the operating room as a preventive measure?
I certainly hope not. The truth is, Type II Diabetes can be prevented by a combination of sensible nutrition and daily activity. Once the condition is in place, as little as a 10 minute walk can make a huge difference. When it comes to health, although pills and surgery seem to be the "easy" way out, sometimes taking the long way home -- investing the time to learn what our bodies actually need -- can be much more rewarding.
However, much went unreported by the media. 1 in 1,000 patients die as a result of this surgery! Those who survive may find that immediately afterward, blood clots, pneumonia, or infections at the incision site are common. Long term issues include ulceration or narrowing of the stomach-intestine connection (http://www.mayoclinic.org/bariatric-surgery/complications.html). It is very important to note that since those who undergo surgery can only eat approximately 1/2 cup per meal, lifelong nutrient deficiencies are rampant. Vitamin and mineral supplements are a necessity, and, even with these, the skin and hair may become very dry due to a lack of appropriate nutrition. Dehydration is also common because of the stomach's limited capacity.
Finally, the surgery can actually create a problem with LOW blood sugar, called non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS). Although rare, this condition can be life-threatening (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16195867) and may require surgery reversal.
If those who recommend these surgeries have their way, what will be our future? Will all Type II diabetics go under the knife regardless of weight? Will we be sending our teenagers into the operating room as a preventive measure?
I certainly hope not. The truth is, Type II Diabetes can be prevented by a combination of sensible nutrition and daily activity. Once the condition is in place, as little as a 10 minute walk can make a huge difference. When it comes to health, although pills and surgery seem to be the "easy" way out, sometimes taking the long way home -- investing the time to learn what our bodies actually need -- can be much more rewarding.
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