Diabetes is a major health concern. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be very frightening and overwhelming. The reality of having to completely change your diet, be accountable for everything that you put in your mouth, take medications and insulin without fail is very important to the management and control of diabetes. Weight loss surgery is an effective tool against the devastating disease of diabetes.
Diabetes and Health
Diabetes has TRIPLED since 2010 and according to the CDC, 1 in about 10 Americans have diabetes. That's an alarming rate, especially for the 7th leading cause of death in America [2017 CDC Report]. Heart disease is #1. Developing either of these health conditions greatly increases by being overweight.
An estimated 50% of all Americans will be obese by 2025, according to some studies. Not all types of diabetes are preventable (Type 1) but spikes in blood sugar can be managed somewhat by diet. However, developing healthy lifestyle choices, becoming more active and losing excess weight can help treat and even prevent other types of diabetes (pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes), as well as heart disease.
If you are overweight, whether 20 pounds or 200 pounds, the Mayo Clinic states that losing even 7% of your body weight can help reduce your risk of diabetes. For a 200 pound person, that is "only" 14 pounds. But, like most of us, trying to lose even that 14 pounds on our own is a big struggle. We get frustrated with the slow progress, lose motivation and end up gaining weight instead.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery on Diabetes
Weight loss surgery is an excellent option if you've exhausted your efforts to lose weight on your own. However, it is recommended that you still eat healthy and exercise. With decreased appetite and help from your weight loss surgery, you can achieve long-term weight loss. That can help you control and/or place your diabetes into permanent remission.
The amount of weight you lose depends on a few factors, like which type of surgery you choose, your own individual efforts for lifestyle change and exercise, and some pre-existing conditions. It may be possible to lose 80% (or more) of your excess weight within 1-2 years.
Many of our patients have told us that their diabetes is in remission after having surgery. They no longer need any medication or insulin, sometimes even within just a few weeks of surgery. Some also tell us that their sleep apnea is better and they no longer need their C-PAP machine at night.
There are many health benefits when you lose weight. Who wants to live the rest of their life in pain? Unable to stand or walk or play with their kids? Battle diabetes, heart disease and other medical issues along with the side effects of what comes with those diseases? Sounds miserable to me!
Is Weight Loss Surgery the Correct Answer for Your Diabetes?
If you feel that weight loss surgery might be a good option for you be sure to contact us and we can provide you with the information to make the best decision. You can re-establish the quality of your life. You can increase your energy, have a better self-esteem, a more positive outlook, and less health concerns. At least once a year be sure your doctor checks your A1C levels for diabetes.
Early diagnosis can save your life! You can achieve permanent remission for certain types of diabetes after having weight loss surgery. Don't fall victim to the notion that there is nothing you can do...YOU are your own cure and you are worth the effort it takes to live a healthier, diabetes-free life.
For more information about how weight loss surgery can improve your health, please contact BeLiteWeight at (800) 215-6497 or visit our website at: www.beliteweight.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from
