If you live with type 2 diabetes, you may be wondering whether metabolic surgery is suitable for you. Before deciding, it is important to consider your current treatment, overall health and the potential benefits and risks of surgery together.
For information about diabetes and metabolic surgery, you can contact Dr. Ali Tardu and arrange an individual assessment appointment.
What is diabetes and metabolic surgery?
Metabolic surgery includes procedures that aim to improve weight management and metabolic health through surgical changes to the digestive system. It is also commonly called “diabetes surgery”. In appropriately selected patients with type 2 diabetes, it may help improve blood glucose control and reduce the need for medication.
Metabolic surgery is not the name of a single operation. The procedure and suitability for surgery are determined through an individual assessment.
Who may be considered for metabolic surgery?
Metabolic surgery may be a treatment option for some people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or have obesity. However, a diabetes diagnosis alone is not sufficient to qualify for surgery; the decision is individual.
Your assessment consultation may cover:
- Your type of diabetes and how long you have had the diagnosis.
- Your current blood glucose and HbA1c results.
- Your medications and insulin treatment.
- Your weight, height and previous attempts at weight management.
- Your other medical conditions and previous operations.
- Your eating habits and long-term follow-up needs.
How does metabolic surgery affect blood glucose control?
After surgery, food intake, passage through the digestive system and the effects of some intestinal hormones may change. These changes may contribute to blood glucose control; in some patients, improvement may begin before substantial weight loss.
Treatment outcomes vary from person to person. Diabetes and nutritional follow-up must continue after surgery.
Can surgery make diabetes disappear completely?
Some patients with type 2 diabetes may experience remission after surgery. This means blood glucose levels remain below the diagnostic threshold for diabetes without diabetes medication, according to defined criteria. Remission does not mean the disease has been permanently eliminated; blood glucose can rise again.
Expectations such as a “definitive solution”, a “guaranteed cure” or “stopping medication in every patient” are therefore inappropriate. Changes to medication and insulin must only be made by the doctor managing the treatment.
Which operations are used in metabolic surgery?
Procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve have metabolic effects as well as effects on weight loss. They differ in the changes they make to the stomach and intestines, expected benefits and follow-up needs.
The procedure is chosen after assessing your health, existing conditions and surgical risks. At your consultation, you can ask why the recommended procedure is preferred and what alternatives are available.
Preoperative assessment and preparation
Preparing for surgery also involves preparing for lifestyle changes afterwards. Necessary tests, nutritional assessment and consultations with relevant specialists are used to create an individual preparation plan.
You can bring the following information to your appointment:
- Recent blood tests and HbA1c results.
- A list of your medications and insulin doses.
- Home blood glucose records, if available.
- Reports from previous operations and hospital stays.
Nutrition and follow-up after metabolic surgery
Eating is resumed in stages after surgery. Foods, portions and the timing of dietary transitions are arranged according to your treatment team's recommendations.
Follow-up includes vitamin and mineral levels as well as blood glucose control. Nutritional deficiencies may develop depending on the procedure; recommended supplements and regular blood tests should not be neglected.
What are the risks of diabetes and metabolic surgery?
Metabolic surgery is a treatment that carries risks. Bleeding, infection, leakage at stomach or intestinal connections and blood clots may occur. Some complications may require further intervention and, rarely, may be life-threatening.
Depending on the procedure, problems such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, ulcers, bowel obstruction or dumping syndrome may also develop. Your individual risks should be explained before surgery.
Metabolic surgery costs
When asking what the fees cover, you can check whether preoperative tests, the hospital stay, nutritional counselling and postoperative check-ups are included.
Contact Dr. Ali Tardu for information about the assessment process and what the fees cover.
Frequently asked questions about diabetes and metabolic surgery
Can every patient with type 2 diabetes have surgery?
No. Suitability for surgery is determined by assessing weight, diabetes status, overall health and surgical risks together.
Does using insulin prevent me from having surgery?
Insulin use alone does not determine suitability. Your treatment, test results and overall health should be considered together during the assessment.
Can I stop taking my medications after surgery?
Some patients may need less medication or experience remission. However, this cannot be guaranteed. You should not stop your medication or insulin on your own.
Is metabolic surgery performed only for weight loss?
No. In addition to weight management, the aim may be to improve type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and certain other obesity-related health problems.
Can diabetes return after surgery?
Yes. Remission may not be permanent, and blood glucose can rise again over time. You should therefore continue regular diabetes follow-up even if you feel well.
Will my eating habits change after surgery?
Yes. Food is reintroduced gradually, and portion management changes. You need to follow the dietary plan and supplement recommendations given to you.
How can I find out which metabolic surgery procedure is suitable for me?
An individual assessment considers your current treatment, test results, health and expectations. The benefits and risks of surgical options are discussed in light of this information.
Does the first consultation mean deciding to have surgery?
No. The first consultation aims to assess your suitability and inform you about treatment options, including surgery.