Weight Loss Surgery - Highly Effective for Obese Patients Who Have Type 2 Diabetes

Weight loss surgery is a cost-effective method for controlling Type 2 diabetes in patients who are moderately or severely obese, according to recent findings. Bariatric surgery, initially developed for the treatment of people who were morbidly obese, can normalize blood glucose levels, and reduce or eliminate the need for diabetes medication, which ultimately lowers the risk of a diabetes-caused deaths. The support for weight loss surgery is strong; it can reduce disease, improve quality of life, and extend life expectancy.

The findings revealed several studies that showed that weight loss surgery was not simply cost effective, but cost saving as well. For instance, one study indicated that the upfront costs of bariatric surgery would be recouped fully when compared to the health care costs to treat Type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted simultaneously to a critical trial that found for weight loss surgery patients, the remission of Type 2 diabetes was five times as great.

Besides the cost for diabetes testing supplies and diabetes medications, there are additional health care costs associated with various complications of Type 2 diabetes. This includes complications that affect the eyes, extremities, kidneys, and heart. Costs related to these conditions can include additional prescription medication costs, outpatient care, hospitalization, and surgeries such as amputations. Over the long term, these costs can escalate over and above any cost of weight loss surgery, such as Lap Band surgery.

Both for health and financial reasons, weight loss surgery is an important consideration for Tampa, FL residents who are obese and have diabetes.